Oceanatik logo
HomeDestinationsDive SmartContact Us
Dive Hotspot

Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Western Province, South Africa
Depth
Depth Icon
131ft
Visibility
Visibility Icon
16ft - 49ft
Entry
Question Icon
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: Key Characteristics and Details

Unit Settings

Terrain and Features: Wreck
Entry Type:-
Max Depth:40m
Visibility Range:5m - 15m
Experience Level:Advanced
Best Gas:21% - 28% O2

Marine Life

  • Sponges
  • Soft Coral
  • Sea Fan
  • Anemones
  • Starfish
  • Nudibranchs

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature

Unit Settings

Dive Operators near Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Browse all dive operators in South AfricaSouth Africa flag

Dive Site Hazards

Although we currently lack information on specific hazards at this location, their absence cannot be assumed. Your knowledge and experience with this dive site could greatly enhance our page – we invite you to share your insights.

Location

North America - Belize

Belize is a diver’s playground where the Caribbean’s only three true atolls cradle kaleidoscopic coral gardens, steep drop-offs and the iconic Great Blue Hole. Glide over nurse-shark nurseries at Hol Chan, descend along Lighthouse Reef’s vertiginous walls, or time your visit to Placencia for exhilarating whale-shark encounters at Gladden Spit. Warm 26-29 °C waters, 15-30 m visibility and a laid-back Creole-Garífuna culture turn every surface interval into a tropical holiday. Whether you’re certifying in shallow seagrass meadows or racking up tech-level depth on coral-encrusted ledges, Belize blends world-class marine biodiversity with sustainable operators, eco-minded lodges and easy travel connections—making it the perfect base for both first-time bubbles and bucket-list underwater adventures.

Learn More

From turtle-dotted coral gardens in St. Anne Marine Park to hammerhead-patrolled drop-offs off North Island, Seychelles delivers a kaleidoscope of undersea thrills wrapped in postcard-perfect island scenery. Warm, crystal-clear waters averaging 27 °C (81 °F) year-round, dependable dive centers with eco-friendly practices, and a laid-back Creole vibe make this Indian Ocean nation a bucket-list destination for beginners and technical divers alike. This comprehensive guide shares firsthand insight into the best reefs, wrecks, and night-dive hotspots, explains seasonal conditions and marine migrations, outlines practical travel and accommodation advice, and highlights sustainable ways to explore—ensuring your Seychelles dive holiday is unforgettable and reef-safe.

India’s 7 500 km of coastline and two remote archipelagos create a dreamscape for beginners and pros alike: seagrass meadows where dugongs graze, manta-patrolled pinnacles off Havelock, Lakshadweep’s gin-clear coral gardens, and Goa’s playful wrecks. Warm 26–30 °C waters, affordable PADI courses, and a vibrant topside culture of spice markets, temple towns, and beach cafés turn every surface interval into an adventure, while eco-minded operators champion reef-safe practices and marine conservation.