en.wikivoyage.org · Travel Guide
Dive site guide for Ark Rock / Noah's Ark with access, depth, conditions, and marine life notes.
Make this a real next stop
Save it, log a dive, or explore nearby on the map.
Save it to come back later
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.
•
Research Estimate At Ark Rock
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 5m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CurrentModerate current
Where Is Ark Rock?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Ark Rock Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 15m
Depth Note
Most of the site sits on shallow granite and sand, with much of the main route around 10-11 m and the deeper northern side reaching roughly 14-15 m.
Best Season
Usually more appealing in autumn and winter when swell is lower and strong south-easter chop is less likely.
Typical Conditions
Temperate offshore reef conditions with a strong preference for low swell and lighter wind. Visibility is often around 5-10 m on workable days, and surface current can increase when the bay gets choppy.
Safety & Access At Ark Rock
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
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.
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.
Recent Logged Visits At Ark Rock
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Ark Rock
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility5m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
