SS Oratava, wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

Okay, so diving the I&J Ocean Exhibit at the Two Oceans Aquarium, it's not your typical open-water dive, obviously. But we love it for a different kind of immersion. You’re in a massive tank, yes, but the scale feels surprisingly expansive. We're talking 1.6 million litres of water, and that acrylic tunnel gives you such a unique perspective. The big draw here, for us, is getting up close with the larger inhabitants without worrying about currents or surge. Yoshi, the green sea turtle, is a real character. She’ll often cruise right past, completely unbothered by your presence. We've seen some impressive rays too, gliding effortlessly, and those substantial mussel crackers always make an appearance. Visibility is always excellent, usually around 18 metres, which helps you appreciate the sheer volume of fish. You'll spot schools of fusiliers, some seriously chunky groupers, and even the occasional pufferfish just chilling. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers wanting to practice their wide-angle shots on big subjects, or for newer divers building confidence in a controlled environment. Think of it as a guaranteed wildlife encounter, minus the boat ride.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.264700, 18.479800
Type
wreck

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cape Town & Western Cape

Nearest Dive Centres to SS Oratava, wreck

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

Recommended Packing List for SS Oratava, 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the SS Oratava wreck for diving?
The SS Oratava wreck offers diving to a maximum depth of 30 meters. Divers can explore the highest point of the wreck, which is the top of the funnel, found at approximately 23 meters. This makes it a great dive for those comfortable with moderate depths.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the SS Oratava wreck?
Divers exploring the SS Oratava wreck can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including multi-color sea fans, Sea Cucumbers, Strawberry sea anemones, Frilled/Gas Flame Nudi’s, and Barred Finger Fin. The wreck itself features an asymmetrical superstructure, a long raised quarter deck, and a small wheelhouse with its front and top gone, leaving the superstructure open. The highest point, the funnel, is at about 23 meters, though the wreck is in an unstable condition. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the SS Oratava wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner wreck divers?
The SS Oratava wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to its unstable condition and the depths involved, it is generally not recommended for beginner wreck divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and training for wreck diving to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the SS Oratava wreck for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the SS Oratava wreck for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the SS Oratava wreck?
The provided data does not explicitly state the specific scuba diving certifications required for the SS Oratava wreck. However, given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 30 meters, divers should typically hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, along with specialized wreck diving training. Always consult with a local dive center to confirm the exact requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the SS Oratava wreck dive site?
Divers visiting the SS Oratava wreck can typically expect an average visibility of 7 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators for up-to-date reports on currents and visibility before planning your dive.