Waynes World - Sodwana Bay

The Ana Cecilia wreck in the Florida Keys offers a genuine taste of history, not some purpose-sunk artificial reef. This cargo ship went down in 1996, scuttled by Hurricane Lili, and you can still feel that sudden, chaotic end when you swim through her. We love how accessible she is, resting in pretty shallow water, making for a relaxed dive where you can take your time exploring the holds and superstructure. You’ll find schools of grunt and snapper hanging out in the darker corners, and the occasional moray eel poking its head from a pipe. For us, the highlight is the sheer density of glassfish around the mast; they swarm so thick they turn the water silver when the sun hits them. We’d suggest going early in the morning before any boat traffic kicks up the sand, that’s when the visibility really shines. It’s a perfect dive for photographers or anyone who wants a straightforward wreck dive with plenty to see without feeling rushed.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-27.511100, 32.683600
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Waynes World

Year Sunk
2016
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
scuttled

Unlike wrecks born from tragedy, the Ana Cecilia was destined for a second life beneath the waves. This 170-foot refrigerated cargo ship was meticulously prepared and intentionally sunk on July 13, 2016, off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. The sinking was a community effort to create a new artificial reef, honoring the memory of Ana Cecilia, the matriarch of the family that owned the vessel and donated it for the project. Her final, deliberate plunge marked the beginning of her new purpose as a habitat for marine life.

Sitting perfectly upright in the sand, the Ana Cecilia is a spectacular and accessible wreck dive. The top of the wheelhouse is at a recreational depth, while the bottom rests deeper, making it suitable for a range of divers. The vessel remains largely intact, with open cargo holds and a swim-through pilot house that invite exploration. In the years since its sinking, the wreck has been colonized by a stunning array of marine life, and it is particularly famous for attracting large Goliath Groupers, which often congregate around the structure, providing an unforgettable sight for visiting divers.

Marine Protected Area: iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Sodwana Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Sodwana Bay occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 21.1°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 24.6°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Sodwana Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to Waynes World

Marine Life in Sodwana Bay

Home to 579 recorded species including 443 reef fish, 49 sharks & rays, 35 hard corals, 12 seagrass & algae, 8 crabs & lobsters, 7 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Waynes World

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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