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Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Western Province, South Africa

Depth
Depth Icon

40m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

5m - 15m

Entry
Unknown Entry 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

Terrain & Features

Wreck

Entry Type

Max Depth

40m

Visibility Range

5m 15m

Experience Level

Advanced

Best Gas

21% – 28%

O2
Marine Life

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

Water Temperature
Dive Operators near Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

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Location

Dive Site Hazards

Hazards data unavailable.

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