Diving in Agulhas Bank
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Agulhas Bank's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Agulhas Bank, ecoregion. This region features 27 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Agulhas Bank has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Agulhas Bank (1)
Popular Spots in Agulhas Bank (27)
A-frame Cape Town
A-frame in Cape Town is accessed from the shore, where divers enter at the rocks on the left. The dive leads towards two prominent pinnacle rocks extending into the ocean. The smaller rock on the left features a swim-through with three entry points, while the larger rock on the right offers diverse marine life along its wall. This site is recommended for advanced divers due to its conditions. Marine life observed here includes shy sharks, pajama sharks, seals, octopus, nudibranchs, and the local clawless otter.
Ark Rock
Ark Rock is located 550 meters north of Penguin Point and is recognized as the largest offshore rock in the Simon’s Town area. This site serves as a notable landmark for divers. While exploring the underwater environment, divers can often observe a group of young Cape fur seals. The area is also home to a variety of brittle stars and features endemic shark species, making it an interesting dive site for marine life enthusiasts.
Blow Hole
Blow Hole is a dive site ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. The average depth is around 5 meters, featuring a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky areas and kelp forests. The site is accessible from the shore. Marine life includes various nudibranchs and a notable presence of shy sharks, with spotted gully sharks breeding in the area. Occasionally, pineapple fish can be observed here.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is a shore dive site located at coordinates -34.196500, 18.451900. The dive features an average depth of 6 meters, with a maximum depth reaching 9 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The underwater environment includes a kelp forest and is home to various marine species such as Jackass penguins, seals, Cape urchins, starfish, pyjama catsharks, nudibranchs, and coral life.
Caster Rock
Caster Rock is located near the False Bay Yacht Club and the Simon’s Town jetty, providing a relatively sheltered environment from southwesterly swells. The dive site consists of a broad granite reef characterized by moderate to low outcrops, interspersed with occasional elevated areas, small gullies, ridges, boulders, crevices, and overhangs. This site is suitable for entry-level divers due to its shallow depths and diverse topographical features.
Castle Rock Cape Town
Castle Rock features diverse kelp forests and impressive reef structures, with significant pinnacles rising from depths of 14 meters to as shallow as 5 meters. The average depth at this site is approximately 10 meters. The rock formations provide some shelter from northwest winds, making it a more comfortable dive on breezy days. The kelp forest is home to various marine life, including seals, sharks, and a wide array of fish species found in Cape Town's waters. This site is accessed from the shore.
Froggy Pond
Froggy Pond is a designated shore dive site located at coordinates -34.206100, 18.461100. Despite its name, it is a marine dive site with no frogs present. The area features a flat sandy bottom, making it suitable for training exercises. The sandy substrate is relatively bare, with occasional sightings of buried horseshoe cucumbers, long siphoned whelks, sand stars, and puffadder shy sharks.
Long Beach Simons Town
Long Beach in Simons Town is a shore dive site that offers protection from winds and waves due to the harbour's shape. The maximum depth here reaches approximately 18 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including pineapple fish, crown crabs, blue fin gurnards, shaggy sea hares, biscuit skates, sea squirts, octopuses, and stingrays. Box jellyfish may also be present, while sharks are infrequently observed in this area.
Millers Point
Millers Point, also referred to as Shark Alley, is located within a marine protected area and is known for its diverse shark population. The site is characterized by a kelp forest habitat where divers can encounter various endemic shark species, including the spotted gully shark, shy shark, pyjama shark, tiger cat shark, and leopard shark. Divers are reminded to obtain a diving permit and adhere to the conservation guidelines by taking only memories and photographs.
Omega Rock
Omega Rock features three prominent pinnacles that extend over a 250-meter stretch of reef. The sandy bottom reaches a depth of 28 meters, while the average depth throughout the site is approximately 15 meters. The structure includes a steep outcrop divided by narrow gullies and large boulders, providing overhangs and swim-through opportunities. The marine life is characterized by a high abundance of echinoderms, particularly sea cucumbers and feather stars, along with a significant presence of frilled nudibranchs.
Outer Photographers Reef
Outer Photographers Reef is located offshore in False Bay, characterized by depths ranging from 20 to 30 meters. The reef consists of various granite outcrops, many of which remain relatively unexplored. The top of the reef is densely populated with feather stars and grey sea cucumbers, although it lacks kelp due to its depth. While some sea squirts can be found, they do not dominate the marine life present at this site.
Partridge Point
Partridge Point, also referred to as Seal Rock, is located at the southern boundary of the Castle Rocks restricted zone within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. This site has been free from fishing for many years, contributing to a thriving marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, playful seals, and numerous invertebrates in the area. The underwater scenery can be particularly impressive under favorable conditions, making it a favored spot for those interested in seal diving.
Pyramid Rock
Pyramid Rock is located approximately 50-100 meters beyond Millers Point and features a kelp forest along with numerous overhangs and swim-throughs. The site is named for its distinctive pyramid-shaped rock formation that rises above the water's surface. Divers can expect a maximum depth of 12 meters, with an average depth ranging from 5 to 10 meters. The marine life here includes various species such as Red Romans (Wrasse), Hottentot, and Black Bream. Additionally, divers may encounter several shark species, including Puffadder and Dark Shyshark, as well as Pyjama and Leopard Catshark, and the Spotted Gulley Shark.
Roman Rock
Roman Rock is located on the western side of False Bay and is part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), so divers should have their permits ready. The site features a flat bottom composed of coarse shelly sand, interspersed with large boulders and outcrops. The reef extends approximately 400 meters in length and 110 meters in width, oriented from east to west. The steeper sections of the rocks are predominantly covered with common feather stars and sea cucumbers. Divers can also observe sea fans and sand slugs throughout the area.
SAS Pietermaritzburg, wreck
The SAS Pietermaritzburg wreck is located in the Miller’s Point area and is accessible from the shore. The wreck lies at a depth of 22 meters, with the highest point reaching approximately 18 meters, depending on tidal conditions. It is in fair condition but is experiencing rapid deterioration. The site holds historical significance, although it is not protected by any legislation. The wreck is largely intact and is heavily encrusted with various invertebrates, providing habitat for several fish species. Notably, the Mauve sea cucumber was the dominant invertebrate observed in September 2010.
SAS Goodhope, wreck
The SAS Goodhope wreck is located in Smitswinkel Bay and is recognized as the second southern wreck in the area. The main deck of the wreck is situated at a depth of approximately 25 meters, although the structure is unstable and has been gradually collapsing. Divers can expect to reach a maximum depth of 36 meters. Visibility tends to be poor around the 20-meter mark but improves significantly as divers approach the deck of the wreck. Marine life observed in this area includes scorpion fish, pelagic species, sunfish, yellowtail, frilled nudibranchs, and Panga fish.
SAS Transvaal (Wreck)
The SAS Transvaal wreck is positioned at an angle on a flat sandy seabed, with its bow facing northeast. The structure remains largely intact, although the mast has collapsed to the port side, and the hull is experiencing structural deterioration, which poses risks for entry. Diving conditions are best during winter months, as summer typically brings stronger currents. The visibility is often compromised due to green water, making it challenging to see. Marine life in the area includes sea sponges, horsefish, and Barred Finger Fin species.
Seal Island Falsebay
Seal Island in False Bay serves as a significant breeding ground for approximately 50,000 to 60,000 seals. This large population attracts Great White sharks, particularly during the period when seal pups begin to swim. Divers may encounter two species of sharks in the area: the Great White Shark and the Broadnose Sevengill Shark, although sightings of both species together are uncommon. The site is accessed by boat, providing divers with an opportunity to observe the unique marine life associated with this seal colony.
Shark Alley
Shark Alley is a dive site located approximately 8 kilometers offshore, accessible only by boat. The site features an average depth of 3 meters, with a maximum depth reaching 5 meters. Divers can expect to encounter seals that may interact playfully by nibbling on fins and blowing bubbles. It is important to remember that these seals are wild animals and should not be engaged with directly.
Simon’s Town Harbor
Simon's Town Harbor offers a shore entry point at the yacht club, where divers can swim beneath moored boats to reach a wreck of a vessel that sank while docked. The maximum depth at this site is 10 meters. The area features a flat sandy bottom interspersed with sea grass, providing a habitat for various macro life. The wreck attracts schooling fish and may also be a location to observe cow sharks. Due to the boat traffic in the harbor, water turbidity is often high, resulting in variable visibility conditions.
SS Clan Stuart (Wreck)
The SS Clan Stuart is a historical wreck located in the Simon’s Town area along the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula. This British turret steamer, weighing 3500 tons, ran aground on November 21, 1914, after its anchor dragged during a South East gale. The wreck site features a moderate diversity of marine life, with the interior exhibiting a greater abundance of corals and bryozoans compared to the exterior, which is primarily covered in Red bait and coralline algae. This site is accessible from the shore.
SS Oratava, wreck
The SS Oratava wreck is located at a depth of approximately 23 meters at the highest point, which is the top of the funnel. The wreck features an asymmetrical superstructure and is currently in an unstable condition. A long raised quarter deck is present, along with a small wheelhouse that has lost its front and top, leaving the structure exposed. Marine life around the wreck includes multi-colored sea fans, sea cucumbers, strawberry sea anemones, frilled gas flame nudibranchs, and barred finger fins.
Target Reef
Target Reef is a small underwater structure measuring approximately 40 meters across, originally designated as a military target. The site features a prominent concrete structure with numerous openings that divers can navigate through. The maximum depth reaches 22 meters, and the area is characterized by various concrete formations and extensive metal beams. Divers should be cautious of strong currents and large swells. Marine life includes Red Bait, Horse fish, Clown fish, and various reef and kelp fish. Caution is advised when exploring the swim-throughs, as stone fish may be present.
The Canyon
The Canyon is located approximately 50 kilometers from Cape Point, situated within the warm Mozambique ocean current. The dive site features a depth range conducive to observing various marine life, particularly inquisitive sharks. Divers should maintain awareness of their surroundings, especially when interacting with sharks, avoiding sensitive areas such as the eyes and gills. Water temperatures typically range from 19 to 24 degrees Celsius, making it essential for divers to prepare accordingly. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing direct access to the underwater environment.
Waters Edge
Waters Edge is located at the junction of Simon’s Bay and the southern coast of the Cape Peninsula, where the coastline shifts to become more exposed to southeast winds and swells. This dive site is situated within a Marine Protected Area established in 2004, and divers must obtain a permit to dive here. The dive features a gently sloping sandy bottom interspersed with low rock outcrops. Close to the shore, there is a prominent line of high reef, along with large boulders and gullies that contribute to the underwater landscape.
Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa
Whittle Rock is located approximately 8 kilometers offshore from Millers Point in False Bay, South Africa. This reef is a significant navigational hazard, with depths ranging from 3 meters at low tide to 20 meters. A buoy marks the location where the reef rises. The marine life varies depending on the specific area of the reef being explored, featuring a diverse array of invertebrates and various fish species, including occasional shoals of pelagic fish. The site is accessible only by boat.
Windmill Beach
Windmill Beach offers a straightforward and sheltered beach entry, leading to a small cove characterized by a sandy substrate. This area is conducive to training activities and features a variety of underwater topography and diverse marine life. The site is located within a Marine Protected Area established in 2004, requiring a permit for access. Divers can expect to encounter a wide range of invertebrate and fish species in this expansive area.