Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Western Province, South Africa

Depth

40m

Visibility

5m - 15m

Entry

Unknown

Experience Level

Advanced

Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Western Province, South Africa

Depth

40m

Visibility

5m - 15m

Entry

Unknown

Experience Level

Advanced

About Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

During the early 1970's, five ships were scuttled by the navy in order to form an artificial reef in the middle of Smitswinkel Bay. Today the wrecks teem with a variety of fish and marine life and the sheltered location makes this an excellent diving experience. The various sites can only be reached by boat from Miller's Point and Kalk Bay Harbour. They are not easily located and an echo-sounder is essential, but it is hard to identify the individual ship wrecks as they lie quite close together. The wrecks include two former navy frigates, the SAS Good Hope and the SAS Transvaal, a diamond dredger called the Rockeater, and two fishing trawlers, the Princess Elizabeth and the Oratava. At a maximum of 40m this is a deep dive and artificial light is required to illuminate the coral and enhance the colours of the marine life.

Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

—

Max Depth

40m

Visibility Range

5m – 15m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 28%

O₂

CNS Load (20 min)

13% at 38m / 29%

O₂

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Marine Life

Anemones
Nudibranchs
Sea Fan
Soft Coral
Sponges
Starfish

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature ℃

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

Deceptive Entry Openings — Openings may become restrictive inside due to angle, collapse, or corrosion.
Surge-Induced Internal Silt Shift — Internal surge can move silt and debris without direct contact.
Partial Overhead Environment — Many wrecks limit direct ascent even without full penetration.

Fine Rust Particle Silt-Out — Disturbed rust particles can rapidly reduce visibility.

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