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Wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay

Western Province, South Africa
Depth
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131ft
Visibility
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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

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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

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