The Paquita Wreck

The Paquita - a German iron barque - sank in 1903, after running ashore and filling with water. She now lies on the eastern side of the famous Heads in Knysna. The wreck is in beautiful condition with anchors clearly visible and many other things to discover. The reefs boast beautiful corals especially on the iron plates. Invertebrate life and plenty of marine growth inhabit the area. Seahorses can at times be seen here. Night dives can be done on this dive site, which I have done and can sincerely recommend it!! NOTE: The wreck is situated right in the mouth of a large lagoon. The currents are notorious and can be lethal. There are dive operators in the area, make sure you ask them for the best times to dive - usually 45 minutes before the turn of the tide, so CHECK YOUR TIDE TABLES. Knysna is situated along the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province. It can be reached by car - from either Cape Town or Port Elizabeth - or by plane. The closest airport is in the city of George some 70 km's away.