In Cape Town we are fortunate to have two seas to choose from, the Atlantic and the Indian (False Bay). This is good for us because when the weather conditions make one side bad for diving the other is generally fine. This is a list of a few of our favorites from either side, but take note that there are many, many more!! Happy exploring!
False Bay:
False bay is best dived in the winter, from March to September. The water temperature varies from 11'C to 18'C with an average visibility of around 6 meters.
After a North Westerly wind the visibility can get up to 20 meters, but then it is usually on the cold side. Most divers here dive in either a 7mm two-piece wetsuit, with a hood, booties and gloves. If you have one then a Dry suit is also a good option. It is always a good idea to have a torch with you when you dive in Cape Town, even on the shallower dives. Another valuable piece of equipment is an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy).
The Smits wrecks:
The navy scuttled the five wrecks in the early 70's to form an artificial reef system. They lie close to each other and it is possible to swim from one to another, depending on how good your navigation is!! The five wrecks are the SAS Transvaal, SAS Good Hope, the Rockeater, the Princess Elizabeth and the Oratava. The wrecks lie 4km from Millers point, in the middle of Smitswinkel Bay. There are many penetration options on the wrecks for those accordingly trained and plenty of marine life to be found. Keep an eye open for the elusive Scorpion Fish.
Boat dive
max depth: 34m
Average depth: 28m
Batsata Maze:
This dive site is situated just further south of Smitswinkel Bay. The topography of this dive makes it extremely interesting, with some fun swim throughs. There is also an abundance of underwater life, and lots of Sea Fans. Look closely and you may find some Spider Crabs! This is a good site to find lots of Nudibranchs! You can also get some depth on this dive, so it is good to practice your multi level diving on.
Boat dive
Max depth: 27m
average depth: 15 m
Partridge point:
This is where we dive with the Cape Fur seals in False Bay. If you want to see them it is best to hang around in the shallows next to the rocks. They are amazingly agile and inquisitive. It is truly a fantastic experience having these creatures spinning all around you. The reef around the rock is also spectacular and if you have had enough of the seals you can wander off and have a look to see what else you can find.
Boat dive
Max depth: 22 m
Average depth: 15 m
Pyramid Rock:
This is where we dive with the Broad Nose Seven Gill sharks! They are a very confident shark and like to come in really close for a look. This makes for amazing photographic possibilities. The kelp forest is also not to be missed, so when you are getting a little cold from sitting still watching the sharks it is time to go for a swim.
Boat/shore dive
Max depth: 12m
Avergae depth: 9 m
A-Frame:
This is my favorite shore dive. It starts with a swim through the kelp out to the rocks. Once there, there are many swim throughs to explore and lots of little creatures to find! There is one huge swim through that has two different exits at the end. A great dive to practice your photography!! Out past the rocks there is also a lot of reef to explore.
Shore dive
Max Depth: 15m
Average Depth: 8 m
Atlantic Sites:
The Atlantic sites are mainly dived in summer, from October through to February. The average water temperature is 13'C! Definitely worth pulling out the dry suits or the semi dry!! 10 meters is the average visibility but this can be up to 25 m after a good South Easter blows. But then the water temp will be in the 10'C range! For those who brave the cold, the Atlantic has some amazing diving on offer.
Justin's Cave:
One of the most spectacular shore dives in the Cape. The swim through over here is so big it feels like a cave when you swim into it. Huge kelp forests, some of which are 12 meters tall, surround the rocks. It really does feel like swimming through a forest of trees. There is also an abundance of life to be found. Keep an eye open for the Gas Flame Nudibranch, one of the most beautiful Nudi's around! The entrance can be a bit tricky at low tide, as you will have to practice your kelp crawling skills!
Shore dive
Max Depth: 18m
Average depth: 12m
The Aster:
The Aster lies in the middle of the mouth of Hout Bay, and is only a short boat ride out. She was is a lobster catcher and is 27 meters long. She was going to be scrapped but then it was decided to turn her into an artificial reef, luckily for us divers! She was stripped, all doors and hatches were removed and now she offers excellent penetration options. A great place to train wreck divers. Another wreck, The Katsu Maru, lies nearby.
Boat dive
Max Depth: 27 m
Average depth: 18m
Seal Island:
Well the name says it all! This is the best spot to dive with the seals!
Boat dive
Max depth 12m
Average depth: 8m
Star walls:
This is one of my favorite Atlantic dives! It is a massive wall from about 34 meters down right up to 6 m below the surface. There is so much life on the rock, you could pick a square meter of rock and spend a whole dive looking at different things. At the bottom there are some large rocks with small swim throughs. When your time is up, head up to the top of the rock for your safety stop and more than likely you will be joined by some inquisitive seals.
Boat dive
Max Depth: 34m
Average depth: Its up to you
Tafelberg reef:
Similar to Star Walls but without the huge wall to swim along. You can get down to 40 meters here so it is good for deep training. The thing to look out for here are the Basket Starfish. If you haven't seen one yet then this is a must. They are stunning! There is the wreck of a yacht to investigate too!
Boat dive
Max depth: 40m
Average depth: 22m
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