Diving in Agulhas
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Agulhas's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Agulhas, province. This region features 55 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Agulhas 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 (2)
Popular Spots in Agulhas (55)
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.
Aliwal Shoal
Aliwal Shoal is a dive site located 5 km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). The site features rocky reefs and is known for diverse marine life, including various shark species, tropical and subtropical fish, and both hard and soft corals. Diving is typically accessed by boat.
Amanzi Harbour
Amanzi Harbour serves as a practical location for training in navigation, search and recovery, as well as night diving. This site is privately owned, and divers must secure permission prior to entry. During dives, divers can encounter various species including small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout.
Amanzi Rock Face
Amanzi Rock Face offers an easy dive experience at shallow depths, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The site features several submerged trees and a small fishing boat that has sunk in the area. Marine life includes small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasional sightings of bass and trout. This location is also noted for its suitability for night diving.
Amphitheatre
Amphitheatre is characterized by its vibrant marine life and unique underwater structures. The site features a maximum depth of 27 meters, with the upper section of the amphitheater starting at 18 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of species, including Sea Goldies, Fusiliers, and Batfish, which contribute to the colorful underwater scenery. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
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.
Butchers
Butchers is characterized by a distinctive reef structure featuring large boulders, creating a mountainous terrain with numerous gullies and crevices to explore. The maximum depth at this site reaches 27 meters, while the top of the reef is situated around 19 meters deep. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including false stonefish, tiger angelfish, oceanic blacktip sharks, and loggerhead turtles.
Canyons
Canyons is an advanced dive site characterized by its maximum depth of 34 meters and an average depth of 27 meters. A notable feature of this site is a prominent mushroom rock adorned with a large green coral tree, surrounded by various sea goldies. The underwater landscape includes numerous gullies, overhangs, and crevices, providing habitats for a diverse array of reef fish and nudibranchs. Additionally, divers can encounter large schools of pelagic game fish in the area. Access to Canyons is by boat.
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
Castle is characterized by its pinnacles and structures resembling a castle, featuring swim-throughs, gullies, and overhangs. The maximum depth at this site reaches 25 meters, while the top of the reef is situated at a depth of 12 meters. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including Pineapple fish, Oceanic Black Tip Sharks, Potato Bass, Yellow Fin Kingfish, and Ragged Tooth Sharks during their season, along with numerous nudibranchs.
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.
Cathedral
Cathedral is a notable dive site located on Aliwal Shoal, featuring a maximum depth of 27 meters and a shallower area at 18 meters on top of the structure. The site is characterized by a diverse array of marine life, including resident Potato Bass and large populations of Sand Tigers, particularly from May to October. Other species that can be observed here include Cuttlefish, Paper Fish, Banded Pipe Fish, and Round Ribbon Tail Rays. Entry to the site is conducted via boat.
Chunnel
Chunnel is a dive site characterized by three prominent features: a pinnacle that rises steeply towards the surface, an overhang that serves as a refuge for more elusive marine species, and the notable Chunnel Cave. This site is frequented by sand tiger sharks during the winter months and hosts a diverse array of marine life year-round, including potato bass, turtles, shoals of snapper, and groups of patrolling batfish. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of various skill levels.
Cohen’s Corner
Cohen’s Corner is located on the eastern shore of the lake and features a steep drop-off characterized by submerged structures and old trees. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, including smallmouth yellowfish, bigmouth yellowfish, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout. The site offers a unique underwater landscape that enhances the diving experience.
Cowrie
Cowrie is situated within the southern reefs of Aliwal Shoal, reaching a maximum depth of 27 meters, with the reef's summit located at 20 meters. The distance between the southern and northern pinnacles is approximately 120 meters. A notable feature of this site is the inner edge of the reef, which presents divers with a variety of coves and ledges, ideal for exploration and macro photography.
Crystal Cliffs
Crystal Cliffs is a shallow dive site ideal for beginner divers, located between M & M and Cohen's Corner. The site is characterized by a prominent cliff formation and is named after a large quartz deposit found in the area. Divers can expect to encounter various species including smallmouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking for an easy entry point.
Eelskins
Eelskins is a dive site with an average depth of 13 meters and a maximum depth reaching 19 meters. Access to this site is exclusively by boat, and divers typically enter the water using a negative entry method. The marine life here includes species such as False Stone Fish, Peacock mantis shrimp, Pufferfish, and Boxfish. Divers can also observe soft corals, green corals, and nudibranchs, along with schools of goldies in the area.
Farm House
Farm House is located at coordinates -28.481200, 29.013200 and features the remnants of an abandoned farmhouse, although the main structure has not been located. Divers can find water tanks and various implements scattered across a gentle slope. The shallow waters are home to numerous submerged trees, making it an ideal site for beginner divers. Marine life includes small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasional sightings of bass and trout.
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.
Inside Edge - Aliwal Shoal
Inside Edge at Aliwal Shoal features a unique underwater topography characterized by pinnacles, gullies, swim-throughs, and caverns. This site is recognized for its rich biodiversity, making it one of the premier diving locations in Africa. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including clownfish residing in anemones and colorful nudibranchs scattered throughout the area. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, providing easy access to the underwater landscape.
Landers
Landers offers a variety of dive spots, each providing a unique experience. The site features numerous crevices, holes, and gullies that are home to diverse marine life. Divers can encounter vibrant coral formations in various colors, along with a range of reef fish, including goldies. Additionally, sightings of multiple nudibranch species are common. Larger marine species such as ragged tooth sharks, blacktip sharks, Zambezi sharks, and hammerhead sharks may also be observed. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
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.
M & M
M & M is a dive site characterized by a cliff that transitions into a gentle rocky slope, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels. This site features a wall dive, allowing for exploration of vertical structures. Marine life commonly observed includes small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout. The site is suitable for both novice and experienced divers, providing diverse underwater experiences.
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.
Msea Hammer
Msea Hammer is a dive site characterized by a maximum depth of 40 meters and an average depth of 22 meters. The area features swim-throughs, caves, gullies, and crevices. Divers can expect to see Scalloped hammerhead sharks and Oceanic blacktip sharks, along with large groupers. The reef structure is home to a diverse array of colorful nudibranchs, enhancing the underwater experience.
MV Produce, wreck
The MV Produce wreck lies at a maximum depth of 32 meters on the sand and is located at coordinates -30.249800, 30.829600. This Norwegian bulk carrier sank on August 11, 1974, while carrying a full load of molasses. Divers can explore the remains of the ship, which measures 168 meters in length. The site is also known for the presence of the Harlequin goldie, a species endemic to the Kwa Zulu Natal area, first documented by Dr. Allan Connel in 1986.
Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal
The SS Nebo wreck is a British steamboat that sank in 1884 while on its way from England to Durban. It went down near the coast of Aliwal Shoal, carrying a cargo of 4500 tonnes of metal intended for railway construction. Divers can explore the wreck, which is home to various marine life including bat fish, barracudas, and occasionally salmon 'dagga', as well as stingrays, bull sharks, crocodile sharks, and guitar sharks. The site is accessible by boat.
North Sands
North Sands is characterized by a significant sand area bordered by rocky structures. During the winter months, from April to October, divers can observe a variety of marine life including Rays, Sand Sharks, and Sand Tigers. Additionally, the site is home to Frogfish, Nudibranchs, Trigger Fish, Hawkbill Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, and Paperfish.
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.
Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Outside Edge at Aliwal Shoal is a dive site that requires a minimum qualification of Advanced Open Water diver due to its maximum depth of 27 meters. Access to this site is exclusively by boat. Divers can explore the reef wall, which is home to a variety of marine life, including macro species such as cuttlefish and nudibranchs, as well as the rare Hawaiian red lobster. The depth and conditions make this site unsuitable for beginner divers.
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.
Pinnacles
Pinnacles consists of a series of rock formations resembling mountains, featuring numerous crevices, gullies, and ledges that divers can explore. The site reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters, with the shallowest areas located at 5 meters. Marine life observed here includes False Stone Fish, Peacock mantis shrimp, Pufferfish, Boxfish, and various soft and green corals, along with nudibranchs and schools of goldies.
Protea Banks
Protea Banks is an advanced dive site characterized by depths exceeding 30 meters. The site is accessed via a boat from Shelley Beach, approximately 6 kilometers away. Divers can encounter a variety of shark species including blacktip sharks, bull sharks, dusky sharks, great hammerhead sharks, great white sharks, guitarfish, sandtiger sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks.
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.
Raggies Cave
Raggies Cave features a significant overhang with a swim-through, attracting sand tiger sharks during the winter and spring months. The site has a maximum depth of 18 meters and an average depth of 11 meters. Divers can also encounter various marine species, including Starry Morays, Ragged Scorpionfish, Clownfish, Lizard Fish, nudibranchs, Potato Bass, and Octopus.
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.
South Sands
South Sands features a prominent sand patch encircled by reef structures, with a maximum depth of 14 meters and an average depth of 11 meters. This site is known for the presence of large groups of rays and guitar sharks, which can often be observed utilizing the sandy area. The clear sand patch serves as a notable habitat for these species, allowing for easy viewing of their movements.
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.
Sunken Forest
Sunken Forest is a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 12 meters. The area is characterized by scattered rocks and submerged trees, providing habitat for various fish species. Beyond 12 meters, a silty slope descends into deeper waters, reaching depths of up to 30 meters close to the shore. Divers can expect to see small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout during their dive.
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.
The Quarry
The Quarry is a submerged site resulting from a flooded quarry, with a maximum depth of 12 meters. It is sheltered from wind on three sides, making it a suitable location for training dives, especially during windy conditions. Divers can expect to encounter various species such as small mouth yellows, big mouth yellows, barbel, carp, and occasionally bass and trout.
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.