en.wikivoyage.org · Travel Guide
Dive site guide for Ark Rock / Noah's Ark with access, depth, conditions, and marine life notes.
Ark Rock
Offshore Simon's Town seal and reef dive.
Scuba DivingBoatIntermediate6m - 15m
Reef
Usually dived by boat on calm low-swell days, with playful young seals, temperate reef life, and visibility that is often modest rather than spectacular.
About Ark Rock
Ark Rock, also known locally as Noah's Ark, is an offshore granite pinnacle off Simon's Town that is usually dived as a compact reef-and-seal site from a boat. The site is best known for close encounters with young Cape fur seals, temperate reef life on and around the rock, and a sheltered-feeling layout that still depends on calm low-swell conditions in northern False Bay.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
Low visibilityStrong currentWaves
Safety Notes
Plan Ark Rock for calm low-swell conditions and expect visibility to change quickly in False Bay. Boat diving is the standard approach; shore attempts involve a long surface swim and become less forgiving when chop or current builds.
Access Restrictions
Ark Rock lies in the Boulders Restricted Zone of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. Boat access is the standard approach, while shore access from the Penguin Point side is condition-dependent and involves a long swim.
Legal Notes
Divers need to comply with Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area rules, including the required recreational scuba permit for diving in protected South African coastal waters.
Where Is Ark Rock?
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Local Intel For Ark Rock
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Ark Rock is commonly dived as a short boat drop from Simon's Town, often combined with a slow circuit of the rock and nearby wreckage. The main draw is playful juvenile seals, with reef life on the rock and sand around the base.
Wildlife at Ark Rock
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Research Estimate At Ark Rock
Access · 3/5Moderate entry effort
Research estimate
Aquatic Life · 4/5Great variety
Research estimate
Facilities · 3/5Basic facilities
Research estimate
Current · 3/5Moderate current
Research estimate
- VisibilityResearch estimate
- 5m
