The Maori Wreck - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Maori Wreck, off Cape Town, is a deep dive, typically sitting around 20 to 22 metres. It’s certainly not for beginners, as the currents here can be powerful, often ripping along the seabed. What you get for the effort, though, is a fascinating cargo steamer, broken up but still very much a wreck. You’ll find plenty of resident red steenbras, shy at first, but they often get curious as you settle in. Look into the shadows of the twisted metal for octopuses and plenty of nudibranchs clinging to the colder water corals. It’s a proper South African wreck dive, moody and full of character.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.032375, 18.314117
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 The Maori 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 The Maori 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