Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town & Western Cape

Dropping down onto the AR-145, the USCG HU-25 Falcon 2101, is a real treat for wreck lovers. We’ve always been drawn to aircraft wrecks, and this one, sitting mostly intact, definitely delivers. You’ll find the fuselage is still largely connected, offering some fantastic penetration opportunities if you’re properly trained and equipped. Inside, the light plays through the openings, illuminating schools of baitfish that dart through the structure, making it feel alive despite its history. Our favourite part is exploring the cockpit area; it’s eerily preserved, with some instruments still visible. Look for the barracuda that often lurks around the tail section, and we’ve seen some hefty amberjacks circling the main body of the plane, especially on days with a decent current. The visibility can be hit or miss in North Carolina, but when it’s good, the Falcon looks absolutely majestic, a silent sentinel on the seabed. We’d suggest going early in the season, late spring, for the best chance of calm seas and clearer water. It’s a great dive for advanced open water divers comfortable with deeper wrecks and potential currents.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.248000, 18.553000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Wreck History - Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa

Year Sunk
2010
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
scuttled

This is not your typical shipwreck. The USCG HU-25 Falcon, tail number 2101, was a high-speed, twin-engine jet used by the United States Coast Guard for decades. These versatile aircraft were the backbone of airborne search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental patrol missions. After a distinguished service life flying from Air Station Cape Cod, Falcon 2101 was retired, becoming the first-ever HU-25 to be prepared for a second life beneath the waves.

On August 11, 2010, the decommissioned jet was carefully lowered to the seabed at a depth of about 65 feet, joining the ADVANCE II on the AR-145 artificial reef. For divers, the Falcon offers a truly unique experience. The aircraft rests intact on the sand, providing an incredible photo opportunity. You can peer into the cockpit where pilots once scanned the horizon, swim the length of its sleek fuselage, and observe how the ocean is slowly transforming this piece of aviation history into a living reef, attracting triggerfish, sea bass, and other colorful residents.

Marine Protected Area: False Bay Seal Island 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 Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa

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 Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa

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 Whittle Rock in Cape Town?
The typical depth range for diving at Whittle Rock is between 15 and 30 meters. The reef itself rises significantly, with some parts coming up from 20 meters to as shallow as 3 meters on low tide. This offers varied diving profiles across its many sites.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Whittle Rock?
Divers at Whittle Rock can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, including numerous invertebrates and a diverse range of fish species. Depending on the specific site on the reef, you might also witness occasional shoals of pelagic species. The extensive reef system itself is a significant underwater feature, and the site is also categorized as a wreck dive.
How challenging is diving at Whittle Rock, and what level of certification is recommended?
Diving at Whittle Rock is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Due to its offshore location and depths ranging from 15-30 meters, divers should possess appropriate experience and certification, such as an Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent. This ensures comfort and safety when exploring the varied sites on the reef.
When is the best time of year to dive Whittle Rock for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Whittle Rock for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on dive seasons in the region, you may consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific permits or certifications required to scuba dive at Whittle Rock, Cape Town?
The provided data does not mention any specific permits required to scuba dive at Whittle Rock. However, given its intermediate difficulty and depths up to 30 meters, divers are expected to hold appropriate scuba diving certifications and experience. Always check with local dive operators for any current requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like when diving at Whittle Rock?
Divers at Whittle Rock can typically expect an average visibility of 11 meters. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this dive site. It is always advisable to consult with local dive operators for real-time conditions before your dive.