Durban Queen
Why dive here
Durban Queen is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-35°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Durban Queen sits deep, around 60 metres, making it one for the experienced trimix crowd. We love a historical wreck with a story, and this old motor vessel, sunk back in the 70s, definitely delivers. Dropping down, you start to make out the ghostly outline, a massive freighter lying on its side, largely intact despite the years. The sheer scale is what gets you; swimming over the vast deck, past huge winches and cranes, it feels like exploring an abandoned city block underwater. Penetration is possible in a few key areas, particularly the bridge and engine room, but good training and plenty of gas are essential here. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light filters down, illuminating schools of snapper and barracuda that swirl around the superstructure. Look closely at the hull for nudibranchs and small crabs tucked into crevices. It’s a proper expedition, a serious dive, and our pick for anyone looking to truly explore a piece of maritime history in this region. Don't rush it; there's a lot to take in.
Typical Durban Queen Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 60m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Reviews for Durban Queen
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Durban Queen
Durban Queen Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Durban Queen, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (25.03, 53.72) (18km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
33°C
91°F · Range: 30.1–34.3°C
Air Temperature
30°C
86°F
Wind Speed
6.23 m/s
12.1 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.4 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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