SS Umhlali
Protected Area
Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - SS Umhlali offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.
The SS Umhlali is a proper wreck dive, sitting upright in False Bay. We always find it a fascinating dive, perfect for those who appreciate history and a bit of a penetration challenge. You’ll weave through the old cargo holds, often bumping into red roman, hottentot, and the occasional shy puffadder shyshark tucked into a corner. We'd suggest this one for experienced wreck divers comfortable with limited visibility, as the currents can kick up the silt inside. It’s a real Cape Town classic.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to SS Umhlali
Dive shops near SS Umhlali
Ollava
Pisces Divers
Cape Town Dive Centre
Scuba Shack
Learn to Dive Today
Blue Flash
Reviews for SS Umhlali
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SS Umhlali
SS Umhlali Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for SS Umhlali, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-33.92, 18.46) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.4–17.2°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
7.33 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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