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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at Waynes World?
The maximum depth for diving at Waynes World is 15 meters, with an average depth of 14 meters. This makes it a great site for divers of various experience levels to explore the vibrant marine life. You can learn more about this site on its DivePlnr page.
What marine life and coral formations are commonly seen at the Waynes World dive site?
At Waynes World, divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life and coral formations. Common sightings include the Blue Spotted Ribbon Tail Ray, Raggie Scorpion fish, Potato Bass, and Whitetip Reef Shark. You'll also find beautiful Thistle Coral, Crown of Thorns Starfish, and various Nudibranchs, making it a fascinating site for underwater photography. Explore more species in our wildlife database.
Is the Waynes World dive site considered difficult for recreational divers?
The Waynes World dive site is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certification to comfortably enjoy the site's features and conditions. Always consult with local dive operators for the most current site conditions before your dive at Waynes World.
When is the best time of year to dive Waynes World for good visibility and calm conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for good visibility and calm conditions at Waynes World. However, the site boasts an excellent average visibility of 16 meters, offering clear views of its vibrant marine ecosystem. For seasonal insights and optimal diving periods, we recommend checking our When to Dive section or consulting local dive operators in Sodwana Bay.
What level of scuba certification is needed to dive Waynes World?
Given that Waynes World has an intermediate difficulty rating and a maximum depth of 15 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for recreational diving here. However, it's always best to confirm specific certification requirements with local dive centers in Sodwana Bay, as they may have additional recommendations or local regulations.
Are there strong currents or specific water conditions divers should be aware of at Waynes World?
The provided data does not specify information regarding strong currents or other particular water conditions, such as temperature or thermoclines, at Waynes World. Divers should always consult with local dive operators in Sodwana Bay before diving to get the most up-to-date information on site conditions. It is important to note that this site is only accessible by boat.