Cape Town

Pyramid Rock in False Bay is arguably the most popular dive site in Cape Town, South Africa. It's famous for providing reliable, close-up encounters with broadnose sevengill sharks. These prehistoric sharks patrol the kelp forests here, offering a unique and thrilling experience for divers. Its relatively shallow depth and accessibility make it a must-do for any visiting diver.

Well-known sites include the seal colonies at Duiker Island (Shark Alley) and the vibrant reefs of Castle Rocks. For less-crowded but rewarding dives, explore the historical wrecks on the Atlantic coast like the SS Maori or the Aster, which require calm conditions. The deeper reefs of Rocky Bank offer a challenging dive for experienced adventurers seeking pristine marine life away from the crowds.

Water temperatures in Cape Town, South Africa, are highly seasonal and vary by coast. In summer (Nov-Mar), False Bay is warmer at 18-22°C, while the Atlantic is cold at 10-15°C due to upwelling. In winter (May-Aug), this reverses slightly, with the Atlantic side at 14-16°C and False Bay dropping to 14-17°C. Expect cold water year-round.

The best time to dive in Cape Town, South Africa, depends on your goals. Summer (November-April) offers pleasant weather and warmer water in False Bay. However, winter (May-August) is considered the prime dive season due to better visibility, especially on the Atlantic coast, and it's the best time to see sevengill sharks. Be prepared for changing weather any time of year.

Visibility is highly variable in Cape Town, South Africa. It is influenced by plankton blooms, wind, and swell. On average, you can expect 5-10 meters. During winter (May-August), after a southeast wind, visibility can improve dramatically to 15-20 meters or more. In summer, plankton blooms can reduce it to just a few meters, especially in False Bay.

Cape Town, South Africa, does not have manta ray or whale shark migrations. The main event is the Southern Right Whale migration from June to November for calving, which is a spectacular sight from shore. While the famous Sardine Run is further east, its effects can bring more predators to the area. Sevengill sharks and Cape fur seals are present year-round.

Expect to see incredible life within the kelp forests of Cape Town, South Africa. Key sightings include broadnose sevengill sharks, playful Cape fur seals, and various shy catsharks like the pyjama shark. The reefs are covered in colourful nudibranchs, anemones, and sponges. You may also encounter common octopus, cuttlefish, and large schools of endemic fish species.

A 7mm full wetsuit is the standard recommendation for diving in Cape Town, South Africa, year-round. Due to the cold water, a hood, gloves, and booties are essential for comfort and warmth. Many local divers prefer a semi-dry suit or a drysuit, especially for deeper dives or for diving on the colder Atlantic coast during summer upwellings.

Fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which serves numerous international and domestic airlines. From the airport, renting a car is the most flexible option for reaching dive centres, which are primarily located in Simon's Town (for False Bay) or Sea Point (for the Atlantic side). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for transport.

Diving in Cape Town, South Africa, is entirely shore-based. There are no liveaboard operations dedicated to the local dive sites. All diving is conducted as day trips from shore or on small, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). You should book accommodation on land, typically near Simon's Town or Sea Point, and arrange daily diving with one of the many local dive operators.