The Canyon - Cape Town & Western Cape

Okay, so Taman Nukila, right in Ternate’s backyard, is a bit of an odd duck. It's not your usual remote wreck expedition, but that's what we love about it. You’ve got two wrecks here: one’s a natural sinking, the KM Pari, which sits a little deeper, down to about 23m. The other, an illegal fishing boat, was purposely sunk by the Navy at 19m. The visibility averages 16m, so it’s not always pristine, but it’s enough to get a good sense of the shape as you approach. What you'll find is a cool juxtaposition of metal and life. Schools of fusiliers and snapper hang around the superstructure, shimmering in the beams of light that break through the surface. We always spot painted spiny lobsters tucked into crevices, their antennae waving gently. Look closely, and you’ll often find frogfish camouflaged on the decks, or green shrimp doing their meticulous cleaning. It’s a site for divers who appreciate the way human history slowly gets reclaimed by the ocean, and it's surprisingly accessible from Ternate's city centre. Our pick is to go early, before any local boat traffic picks up.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.515100, 18.496100
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Betty's Bay 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 The Canyon

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 The Canyon

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

How deep is The Canyon dive site in Dahab for recreational divers?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, which has a maximum depth of 19m. For general information on dive sites, please explore our When to Dive section or search for specific locations.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at The Canyon in Dahab?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, where divers can expect to see inquisitive sharks and a wreck. For general information on marine life, please visit our Wildlife Database.
What is the difficulty level of diving The Canyon in Dahab, and what skills are required?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, which is rated as an intermediate dive. For general information on dive skills and certifications, please consult your dive professional.
When is the best time of year to dive The Canyon in Dahab for optimal conditions?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, where water temperatures range between 19 and 24 degrees due to the warm Mozambique ocean current. For general information on optimal diving times, please visit our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive The Canyon in Dahab?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, which is an intermediate dive. Divers should always ensure they hold appropriate certifications for the conditions and depth of any dive site.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at The Canyon dive site in Dahab?
We currently do not have specific information regarding The Canyon dive site in Dahab in our provided data. The details available pertain to The Canyon located near Cape Point, South Africa, which experiences an average visibility of 14m and is influenced by the warm Mozambique ocean current. For general information on dive conditions, please explore our resources.