Sunken Forest - KwaZulu-Natal

Vapor dos 48 is a deep dive, a definite standout here in Fernando de Noronha, but not one for beginners. We're talking about a steamship wreck, its identity still a mystery, resting at a max depth of 47m. Drop down and the first thing you notice is the sheer size of those diagonal steam engines, surprisingly intact and looking like they could fire up any second. One of the paddle wheels is still clearly visible, a testament to the ship's last moments. This isn't just a metal hulk, though. It’s absolutely buzzing with life. Schools of round scad and jacks swirl around the superstructure, a shimmering curtain that sometimes parts to reveal the wreck beneath. Look closer and you'll spot mottled conger morays tucked into crevices, while parrotfish pick at the coral growth on the hull. We’ve seen large loggerhead turtles drifting lazily by, and the occasional nurse shark resting on the sand nearby. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive, as the light penetrates the depth a little better, really highlighting the wreck's structure. It's a proper adventure, a real piece of history reclaimed by the ocean, and easily one of our favourite deep dives in the area.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-28.448200, 28.997300
Type
wreck

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 Sunken Forest

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 Sunken Forest

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