Stonehenge - Cape Town & Western Cape

The USS Kanawa is one of Iron Bottom Sound’s most compelling wrecks. She’s a big girl, 476 feet long, sitting upright on the sandy bottom, and while the stern drops beyond recreational limits, the bow at 40m is where we spend most of our time. It’s a proper historical dive, the kind where you can almost hear the echoes of 1943. We love exploring her huge cargo holds, now home to enormous schools of batfish so dense they’re like moving walls, and the occasional Humpback grouper. Currents here can be mild, but always check conditions; it makes a big difference to how much of the deck you can comfortably explore. Visibility averages around 12m, which is decent enough for the scale of the wreck, but sometimes you get those magical days where the light pierces deeper. Our favourite part is the bridge section, where you’ll often find dartfish hovering over the corals growing on the metalwork, alongside inquisitive Half-grey wrasse. This site is definitely one for experienced wreck divers who appreciate the solemn beauty of history underwater.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.045800, 18.305000
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Duikerklip Provincial Nature Reserve

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 Stonehenge

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 Stonehenge

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 typical depth range for diving at the Stonehenge dive site?
The Stonehenge dive site offers a varied depth range, with some parts reaching the surface and others extending over 30 meters. It features plenty of shallow areas suitable for entry-level divers, alongside pinnacles and small walls for more qualified divers. While the maximum recorded depth is 19 meters, the complex topography allows for exploration across a broad vertical range.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Stonehenge?
Divers exploring the Stonehenge reef complex can expect to encounter a rich biodiversity. The high relief areas, including swim-throughs, gullies, holes, and overhangs, are home to many species of coral and fish life. This extensive area of big boulders and rock outcrops provides a diverse habitat for various marine species.
How difficult is the Stonehenge dive site, particularly concerning currents?
The Stonehenge dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While the data does not specifically detail current conditions, its varied topography with high relief, swim-throughs, and pinnacles suggests that divers should be prepared for potentially dynamic conditions. It offers areas suitable for both entry-level and more qualified divers.
When is the best time of year to dive at Stonehenge for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Stonehenge for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Cape Town & Western Cape region, please consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Stonehenge?
The Stonehenge dive site caters to a range of certification levels. Its shallow areas are suitable for entry-level divers, making it accessible for those with basic certifications. However, the presence of pinnacles and small walls in deeper sections suggests that more qualified divers, potentially with advanced certifications, will find suitable exploration opportunities.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Stonehenge dive site?
Divers at the Stonehenge dive site can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters. While specific details on usual current conditions are not provided, the site's intermediate difficulty rating and varied topography suggest that currents could be a factor in certain areas. It's always advisable to check local conditions before diving.