SS Clan Stuart (Wreck) - Cape Town & Western Cape

Twin Tunnels is one of those sites we always make a point of revisiting. It's a proper pinnacle reef, dropping straight down from 15m to a sandy bottom somewhere beyond recreational limits. What makes it special are the two vertical shafts that cut through the reef top. Dropping into one, you immediately feel the temperature dip and hear the subtle rush of water. Sunlight filters down, illuminating schools of tiny silversides shimmering like glitter. We often find ourselves just hovering in the shafts, watching the light play on the walls. They open into a larger chamber at 36m, and this is where the real action often happens. It's a natural meeting point for predator and prey, so keep an eye out for talang queenfish patrolling the current, and we’ve spotted black triggerfish flitting about. Outside the chamber, the reef is just bursting with colour – soft corals swaying, and we’ve seen multiple species of anemonefish sharing the same anemone, which is always a treat. Our favourite moment is usually exiting the tunnel and looking back up at the blue, often catching a fleeting glimpse of something larger in the distance. It’s a site that rewards careful exploration, great for those who enjoy a bit of overhead environment combined with vibrant reef life.

Location: Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -34.172400, 18.431200
Type: reef

Marine Protected Area: Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Cape Town & Western Cape

The warmest water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 18.9°C (air: 20.8°C)
February: 18.9°C (air: 20.7°C)
March: 18.9°C (air: 19.5°C)
April: 18.9°C (air: 17.3°C)
May: 18.9°C (air: 15.8°C)
June: 18.9°C (air: 15.0°C)
July: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
August: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
September: 18.9°C (air: 13.9°C)
October: 18.9°C (air: 16.5°C)
November: 18.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
December: 18.9°C (air: 19.3°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to SS Clan Stuart (Wreck)

Alpha Dive Centre - ["PADI","NAUI"]
Alpha Dive Centre - Strand
Bellville Underwater Club - ["CMAS","IANTD"]
Best Kiteboarding Africa
Blue Flash
Cape Town Dive Centre - PADI

Marine Life in Cape Town & Western Cape

Home to 271 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 45 sharks & rays, 28 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 4 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) - Reef Fish
African Weakfish (Atractoscion aequidens) - Reef Fish
California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) - Reef Fish
Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
Rig (Galeorhinus galeus) - Sharks & Rays
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) - Reef Fish
Jac (Helicolenus dactylopterus) - Reef Fish
Salema (Sarpa salpa) - Reef Fish
Angel (Brama brama) - Reef Fish
Ribbonfish (Lepidopus caudatus) - Reef Fish
Cosmopolitan Spurdog (Squalus megalops) - Sharks & Rays
Shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) - Sharks & Rays
pearl-side (Maurolicus muelleri) - Reef Fish
Gaper (Champsodon capensis) - Reef Fish
Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) - Sharks & Rays
Bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) - Sharks & Rays
Common brittlestar (Ophiothrix fragilis)

Recommended Packing List for SS Clan Stuart (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories