Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal - KwaZulu-Natal

We love a good plane wreck, and the Wildcat delivers. This F4F is a beauty, settled upright on the silty bottom, just off Raiders Hotel. Found in 2015, it’s mostly complete, a genuine time capsule from WWII. We’re talking intact cockpit, gauges still there, and even the gun sights if you peer closely. The propeller is gone, but the rest is remarkably preserved, a stark contrast to some of the more mangled metal in Iron Bottom Sound. Diving it, you get a real sense of history. It’s shallow, maximum 15 metres, so you have ample bottom time to explore every angle. Visibility can get a bit soupy if there’s current, so we always prefer a slack or incoming tide; it makes all the difference when you’re trying to spot the finer details. Look out for the resident orange-lined triggerfish darting around the wings, and those vibrant blue parrotfish grazing on the metal. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers or anyone keen to connect with a piece of wartime history in a serene setting.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.240700, 30.820900
Type
wreck

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 Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal

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 Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal

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 typical depth range for diving the Nebo Wreck at Aliwal Shoal?
The Nebo Wreck offers a maximum depth of 25m, making it accessible for divers exploring this historic site. You can expect to conduct your dive within this depth range, uncovering the remains of the SS Nebo.
What kind of marine life and historical wreck features can divers expect to encounter at the Nebo Wreck?
Divers exploring the Nebo Wreck will discover the remains of the SS Nebo, a British steamboat that sank in 1884 with 4500 tonnes of metal cargo. The wreck is also a vibrant habitat for marine life, including bat fish, barracudas, and various sharks such as bull sharks, crocodile sharks, and guitar sharks. You might also encounter Stingrays and occasionally salmon ‘dagga.’ For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What level of diving certification is required, and how challenging is the Nebo Wreck dive considered?
The Nebo Wreck dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While specific certification requirements are not detailed, divers should possess the necessary experience and skills for intermediate-level wreck diving to safely explore this site.
When is the best time of year to dive the Nebo Wreck for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Nebo Wreck for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
How strong are the currents and what is the typical visibility at the Nebo Wreck dive site?
The Nebo Wreck typically offers an average visibility of 13m, providing good conditions for exploring the site. Information regarding the strength of currents at this specific dive site is not available in the provided data.
Are there any specific environmental conditions or hazards divers should be aware of when planning a dive to the Nebo Wreck?
While the Nebo Wreck is rated as an intermediate dive, the provided data does not detail specific environmental conditions or unique hazards beyond its nature as a wreck. Divers should always be prepared for typical wreck diving conditions and consult local dive operators for real-time information before planning their dive.