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