Shipwrecks in South Africa: Meisho Maru

If you're like us and love mysterious things, you should definitely find this shipwreck in South Africa. Shipwrecks are a weird kind of mystery, don’t you think? The Meisho Maru is a Japanese vessel wrecked near Africa’s southernmost point in 1982, and it’s a sight that draws you in with its quiet presence and scenic backdrop. Want to watch instead of read? Click here.

What to know before your visit to this shipwreck in South Africa

The Meisho Maru lies just 1.5km from the Cape Agulhas lighthouse at Africa’s southernmost point. You can drive there or take the scenic route along the coastal path leading east to the shipwreck. The visit takes about 20-40 minutes, costs nothing, and is a great stop for anyone visiting Cape Agulhas (which is about two, especially photographers and travellers interested in the area’s history.

You can expect strong winds and quick tides, so make sure to plan ahead to avoid bad weather! It’s an easy walk with mostly flat coast, so as long as you wear sturdy shoes and watch out for any rocky sections closer to the wreck, you can enjoy the experience without worry.

Shipwrecks in South Africa

The Experience

Even decades later, you can still see the rusting remains of the ship today. This coast is known for its treacherous waters, where the ship’s final voyage ended in disaster on the stormy morning of November 16th. Fortunately, since the ship sank so close to shore, everyone on board made it safely to shore.

When we visited, the tide was high and the sound of waves crashing against the rocks added a serene atmosphere to the scene. You can feel the weight of history in the experience; a unique glimpse into the past.

Just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, Cape Agulhas is absolutely worth the trip, and the Meisho Maru shipwreck is the perfect stop to tie it all together.

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