MV Produce, wreck - KwaZulu-Natal

Pura Mas Gading, tucked between Buyuk and Sental, offers a pleasant drift over a sloping reef. We've often found it a relaxing dive, the current usually gentle enough to simply glide along. Keep an eye out for the small temple in the shallows marking the site, then enjoy the abundance of soft corals and schooling fish. While you'll see plenty of angelfish and triggers, we've had a few lucky dives here spotting marble rays cruising by, and if you’re really in luck, thresher sharks occasionally make an appearance in the blue. For those visiting at the right time of year, it's also a known spot for sunfish cleaning stations.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.249800, 30.829600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in KwaZulu-Natal

Nearest Dive Centres to MV Produce, wreck

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

Recommended Packing List for MV Produce, wreck

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the MV Produce wreck dive site?
The MV Produce wreck dive site reaches a maximum depth of 32 meters on the sand. This depth makes it an exciting dive for those with appropriate training and experience. You can explore this fascinating wreck off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the MV Produce wreck?
Divers exploring the MV Produce wreck can expect to encounter a significant piece of maritime history, as this Norwegian bulk carrier was originally 168 meters long. The wreck also hosts unique marine life, notably the rare and beautiful Harlequin goldie. This species, endemic to the KwaZulu-Natal area, was officially discovered on the Produce in 1986.
How challenging is diving the MV Produce wreck, and is wreck penetration advised?
Diving the MV Produce wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. As for wreck penetration, the provided data does not offer specific advice on whether it is advised or not. Divers should always assess their training and experience before considering any form of wreck penetration.
What are the best conditions or time of year to dive the MV Produce wreck?
Information regarding the best conditions or specific time of year to dive the MV Produce wreck is not available in the current data. For general guidance on optimal diving seasons in the region, you may consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the MV Produce wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated for the MV Produce wreck, its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 32 meters suggest that an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would be appropriate. This level of training ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for deeper wreck dives.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the MV Produce wreck?
Divers at the MV Produce wreck can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters. However, specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this site is not provided in the available data. Always check local dive conditions before planning your dive.