JOHN WILLIAMSON - KwaZulu-Natal

The John Williamson is a real favourite of ours, especially on those days when the deeper stuff feels like too much effort or the surge is just too strong for the outer reefs. Sitting in a shallow six metres, it’s not about grand scale, but instead a wonderfully intricate exploration. We love how the wreck is really broken up, scattered across the sand. It feels like you’re picking through a historical puzzle rather than just swimming over a solid hulk. What you get here is pure macro heaven. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs in colours you didn’t know existed, hiding in crevices and on the growth-covered metal. Scorpionfish camouflage themselves perfectly against the rusty plates, so keep your eyes peeled. There are always a few moray eels peeking out from under the larger sections of hull, and the occasional juvenile snapper darts between the pieces. It’s a site where you want to take your time, really slow down, and appreciate the small details. Ideal for photographers, or anyone who enjoys a leisurely poke around a historical artefact.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -29.714445, 31.097221
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 6m

Best Time to Dive in KwaZulu-Natal

The warmest water temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal occur in January, averaging 27.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 27.0°C (air: 24.4°C)
February: 27.0°C (air: 24.6°C)
March: 27.0°C (air: 24.0°C)
April: 27.0°C (air: 21.7°C)
May: 27.0°C (air: 20.1°C)
June: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
July: 27.0°C (air: 17.5°C)
August: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
September: 27.0°C (air: 19.3°C)
October: 27.0°C (air: 20.3°C)
November: 27.0°C (air: 21.8°C)
December: 27.0°C (air: 23.2°C)

Nearest Dive Centres to JOHN WILLIAMSON

Aliwal Shoal Adventures - Ocean Warriors - ["PADI"]
Blue Ocean Dive Resort - ["PADI"]
MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS
ScubaXcursion - SSI
South Coast Diving Co - ["PADI"]
Umhlanga Scuba - ["PADI"]

Marine Life in KwaZulu-Natal

Home to 495 recorded species including 400 reef fish, 41 sharks & rays, 19 hard corals, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Soldier (Cheimerius nufar) - Reef Fish
African Weakfish (Atractoscion aequidens) - Reef Fish
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) - Reef Fish
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - Reef Fish
Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) - Reef Fish
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
Oriental Bonito (Sarda orientalis) - Reef Fish
Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
Talang queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) - Reef Fish
Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - Sharks & Rays
Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) - Sharks & Rays
Mozambique mouth-breeder (Oreochromis mossambicus) - Reef Fish
Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
dory (Zeus faber) - Reef Fish
Bass (Polyprion americanus) - Reef Fish
Blue And Yellow Grouper (Epinephelus flavocaeruleus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for JOHN WILLIAMSON

Based on average water temperature of 27.0°C.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
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