The Shipwreck Trail

The Shipwreck Trail is one of the most interesting routes on the peninsula. The route is in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, you can explore the age-old ruins of some of the most beautiful shipwrecks around. The Trail is named after the three of the shipwrecks that lie along the shores of the Cape of Storms. Along the way, you can see a few ostriches, snakes, seagulls, baboons, bontebok, rare African black oystercatchers, and more! Three trails begin and end at Olifantsbos. You can select the most suitable one.  After entering the Cape Point Nature Reserve, keep an eye out for the Olifantsbos turn-off to the right. This will lead you through the park and down to the beach, Park here look out for the Thomas T. Tucker sign on the left if you’re facing the ocean. This is where all three routes start.

Thomas T. Tucker Shipwreck Trail is easy and takes 1 ½ hours

Follow the yellow-flagged markers along the trail down to the beach. You will leave the trail through the fynbos as you climb over a rocky area that takes you to the beach. Carry on along the beach until you see the remains of the Thomas T. Tucker (an American ‘Liberty Ship’ that ran aground while attempting to avoid torpedo attacks in the night of 1942).  You can stay a while or head back the way you came, or you can continue in the same direction to see the Nolloth, Then take one of the circular paths back.

The Shipwreck Circuit is also easy and takes 2 ½ hours

Continue past the Nolloth shipwreck and make your way up to the inland ridge. The route leads back towards the Olifantsbos parking area. Walk past the sign that turns off to Sirkelsvlei and continue to Staavia Edge.

Check the tides here