WILHELMINA CORNELIA - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Wilhelmina Cornelia isn't some deep, dark behemoth. She's a shallow wreck, sitting upright in around 10 metres of water, often shallower depending on the tide. This makes her fantastic for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting longer bottom times. We love how accessible she is, just a short boat ride from Simon's Town. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer amount of kelp swaying around her superstructure. It’s a green curtain that parts to reveal the remains of the trawler. Her stern is largely intact, with the prop shaft still visible, and you can poke your head into some of the cargo holds. Watch for the resident pyjama sharks often tucked away in crevices, their striped bodies a stark contrast to the rust. We always find plenty of shy cat sharks here too, plus the usual suspects like strepies and hottentot darting in and out of the metalwork. The visibility can vary, but on a good day, with the sun filtering through the kelp, it’s a truly atmospheric dive. Dive her on a calm day; the surge can be a real nuisance if the swell picks up.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.072500, 18.002500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Jutten Island 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 WILHELMINA CORNELIA

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 WILHELMINA CORNELIA

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