Diving in Benguela
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Benguela's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Benguela, province. This region features 81 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Benguela 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
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Benguela (3)
Sub-regions in Benguela (4)
Popular Spots in Benguela (81)
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.
Antipolis
The Antipolis wreck lies in shallow water at a depth of 10 meters (32 feet), approximately 25 meters (82 feet) from the shore near Oudekraal Nature Park. The wreck is mostly broken and covered in algae, home to various marine life including starfish and shellfish. Entry can be challenging due to slippery boulders.
Antipolis
The Antipolis wreck lies in shallow water at a depth of 10 meters (32 feet), approximately 25 meters (82 feet) from the shore near Oudekraal Nature Park. The wreck is mostly broken and covered in algae, home to various marine life including starfish and shellfish. Entry can be challenging due to slippery boulders.
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.
Barrack Rock
Barrack Rock is a deep dive site that can only be accessed by boat. This site features a pinnacle formation with varying depths; the northern side reaches approximately 25 meters, while the southern side descends to about 30 meters. At low tide, the pinnacle's peak is around 3 meters below the surface. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea urchins, and a diverse array of fish such as crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, jellyfish, and puffadder shy sharks.
Barrack Rock
Barrack Rock is a deep dive site that can only be accessed by boat. This site features a pinnacle formation with varying depths; the northern side reaches approximately 25 meters, while the southern side descends to about 30 meters. At low tide, the pinnacle's peak is around 3 meters below the surface. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea urchins, and a diverse array of fish such as crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, jellyfish, and puffadder shy sharks.
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.
Dial Rock
Dial Rock is a rock pinnacle located in Saldanha Bay, accessible via a shore entry. The site features low surge conditions, allowing for a calm entry. Divers typically swim approximately 150 meters on the surface before descending. The southern side of the rock showcases a small kelp outcrop. Marine life commonly observed includes various rock fish species, cuttlefish, octopus, sea stars, and nudibranchs, making it suitable for entry-level divers.
Dial Rock
Dial Rock is a rock pinnacle located in Saldanha Bay, accessible via a shore entry. The site features low surge conditions, allowing for a calm entry. Divers typically swim approximately 150 meters on the surface before descending. The southern side of the rock showcases a small kelp outcrop. Marine life commonly observed includes various rock fish species, cuttlefish, octopus, sea stars, and nudibranchs, making it suitable for entry-level divers.
Duiker Island
Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, is a small rocky islet located at coordinates -34.059000, 18.326200. The site features granite boulders and outcrops across a broad area, with no sandy bottom present. Instead, divers will encounter an abundance of kelp. The anchorage offers a relatively flat rocky substrate and is somewhat sheltered from swell conditions, making it accessible for divers. The resident seal colony attracts attention, but it is important to distinguish this site from the other Seal Island located in False Bay.
Duiker Island
Duiker Island, also known as Seal Island, is a small rocky islet located at coordinates -34.059000, 18.326200. The site features granite boulders and outcrops across a broad area, with no sandy bottom present. Instead, divers will encounter an abundance of kelp. The anchorage offers a relatively flat rocky substrate and is somewhat sheltered from swell conditions, making it accessible for divers. The resident seal colony attracts attention, but it is important to distinguish this site from the other Seal Island located in False Bay.
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.
Jackobs Klip (Rock)
Jackobs Klip (Rock) is located approximately 3 nautical miles west of Jackops Bay, accessible via a shore entry on the northern side of the rock. The site is known for its abundant seal population and features a kelp forest that divers can explore. The dive site is about a 45-minute boat ride from Langebaan Divers.
Jackobs Klip (Rock)
Jackobs Klip (Rock) is located approximately 3 nautical miles west of Jackops Bay, accessible via a shore entry on the northern side of the rock. The site is known for its abundant seal population and features a kelp forest that divers can explore. The dive site is about a 45-minute boat ride from Langebaan Divers.
Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa
Justin's Caves is a dive site characterized by a group of large granite boulders that form swim-throughs and a diverse reef structure. The site reaches a maximum depth of 15 meters, with an average depth ranging from 8 to 13 meters. Divers can explore a dense kelp forest that is home to various schooling fish. The swim-throughs are rich in marine life, featuring coral formations, sea fans, and starfish. Additionally, a nearby seal colony provides opportunities to observe fur seals in their natural habitat.
Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa
Justin's Caves is a dive site characterized by a group of large granite boulders that form swim-throughs and a diverse reef structure. The site reaches a maximum depth of 15 meters, with an average depth ranging from 8 to 13 meters. Divers can explore a dense kelp forest that is home to various schooling fish. The swim-throughs are rich in marine life, featuring coral formations, sea fans, and starfish. Additionally, a nearby seal colony provides opportunities to observe fur seals in their natural habitat.
Jutten island
Jutten Island is located at the entrance of Saldanha Bay and is part of a nature reserve, requiring prior permission for access. This dive site is approached by boat and focuses on the eastern side of the island. Divers can explore a diverse underwater environment featuring a significant kelp forest, along with various marine life such as anemones, sea urchins, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, puffader, and shy sharks.
Jutten island
Jutten Island is located at the entrance of Saldanha Bay and is part of a nature reserve, requiring prior permission for access. This dive site is approached by boat and focuses on the eastern side of the island. Divers can explore a diverse underwater environment featuring a significant kelp forest, along with various marine life such as anemones, sea urchins, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, puffader, and shy sharks.
langebaan divers wall
Langebaan Divers Wall is accessed by boat and is located just outside the Mykonos marina. This site is utilized for special occasions, including milestone dives such as the 100th dive. The area is characterized by a wall on one side and rocky formations on the north side, with abundant kelp present. Marine life includes occasional sightings of Stomp nose fish. Divers should be aware that the site can be affected by swell, necessitating caution during dives.
langebaan divers wall
Langebaan Divers Wall is accessed by boat and is located just outside the Mykonos marina. This site is utilized for special occasions, including milestone dives such as the 100th dive. The area is characterized by a wall on one side and rocky formations on the north side, with abundant kelp present. Marine life includes occasional sightings of Stomp nose fish. Divers should be aware that the site can be affected by swell, necessitating caution during dives.
Langebaan Main Beach - Cuttle Fish Alley
Langebaan Main Beach - Cuttle Fish Alley is located directly across from the main beach in Langebaan. This site is best accessed by boat and is recommended for diving during the tidal lull. The underwater environment features a variety of plant life, including kelp and anemones. Divers can expect to encounter sea urchins and a diverse range of fish species such as crayfish, stompneus, and jutjaw. The site is particularly noted for sightings of cuttlefish.
Langebaan Main Beach - Cuttle Fish Alley
Langebaan Main Beach - Cuttle Fish Alley is located directly across from the main beach in Langebaan. This site is best accessed by boat and is recommended for diving during the tidal lull. The underwater environment features a variety of plant life, including kelp and anemones. Divers can expect to encounter sea urchins and a diverse range of fish species such as crayfish, stompneus, and jutjaw. The site is particularly noted for sightings of cuttlefish.
Langebaan Training Area
The Langebaan Training Area is located within the Mykonos Marina and serves as a site for confined water training sessions. The maximum depth here is 3 meters, while the minimum depth is 2 meters. The underwater environment primarily consists of sandy substrate. During the breeding season, divers may encounter mullets, and there is a possibility of spotting a local seal known as Roberto.
Langebaan Training Area
The Langebaan Training Area is located within the Mykonos Marina and serves as a site for confined water training sessions. The maximum depth here is 3 meters, while the minimum depth is 2 meters. The underwater environment primarily consists of sandy substrate. During the breeding season, divers may encounter mullets, and there is a possibility of spotting a local seal known as Roberto.
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.
Lynch Blinder
Lynch Blinder is located at the West Cardenal Buoy in Saldanha Bay. The dive site features a rock formation with a steep drop-off on its eastern side. Access to the site is by boat, and conditions can vary based on wind and tide. Marine life commonly observed includes kelp, sea urchins, crayfish, nudibranchs, and starfish.
Lynch Blinder
Lynch Blinder is located at the West Cardenal Buoy in Saldanha Bay. The dive site features a rock formation with a steep drop-off on its eastern side. Access to the site is by boat, and conditions can vary based on wind and tide. Marine life commonly observed includes kelp, sea urchins, crayfish, nudibranchs, and starfish.
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.
MV Antipolis, wreck
The MV Antipolis wreck is accessible from the shore, requiring a surface swim of approximately 60 meters before descending. The wreck is situated at a depth of around 7 meters, with the deepest point reaching 20 meters during high tide. Divers can explore a spacious interior area of the wreck. The surrounding environment features kelp, which provides habitat for various marine species, including schooling fish, puffadder sharks, and pajama sharks. Crayfish can also be observed in the crevices of the wreck.
MV Antipolis, wreck
The MV Antipolis wreck is accessible from the shore, requiring a surface swim of approximately 60 meters before descending. The wreck is situated at a depth of around 7 meters, with the deepest point reaching 20 meters during high tide. Divers can explore a spacious interior area of the wreck. The surrounding environment features kelp, which provides habitat for various marine species, including schooling fish, puffadder sharks, and pajama sharks. Crayfish can also be observed in the crevices of the wreck.
Needles
Needles consists of a series of rock pinnacles that extend from west to east, located just south of Malgas Island. Divers typically enter the water from the northwestern corner of the site. The underwater environment is rich with various marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea urchins, and a diverse array of fish species such as crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks.
Needles
Needles consists of a series of rock pinnacles that extend from west to east, located just south of Malgas Island. Divers typically enter the water from the northwestern corner of the site. The underwater environment is rich with various marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea urchins, and a diverse array of fish species such as crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks.
North cardinal wreck
The North Cardinal Wreck is located between the two northern Cardinal buoys in Saldanha Bay harbor. This dive site is accessed by boat and features a wreck that is primarily buried under sand. Divers can observe various marine life, including prominent anemones, kelp, sea urchins, crayfish, cuttlefish, and kolsterte. Permission is required to dive at this site.
North cardinal wreck
The North Cardinal Wreck is located between the two northern Cardinal buoys in Saldanha Bay harbor. This dive site is accessed by boat and features a wreck that is primarily buried under sand. Divers can observe various marine life, including prominent anemones, kelp, sea urchins, crayfish, cuttlefish, and kolsterte. Permission is required to dive at this site.
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.
Paaltjies
Paaltjies consists of poles that indicate a group of rocks posing a hazard to navigation in Saldanha Bay. Access to this dive site is exclusively by boat, and the depth at which divers can enter varies with the tide. The underwater environment is rich with marine life, including cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks. The rocky formations are covered with diverse plant life, such as kelp, anemones, and sea urchins.
Paaltjies
Paaltjies consists of poles that indicate a group of rocks posing a hazard to navigation in Saldanha Bay. Access to this dive site is exclusively by boat, and the depth at which divers can enter varies with the tide. The underwater environment is rich with marine life, including cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks. The rocky formations are covered with diverse plant life, such as kelp, anemones, and sea urchins.
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.
Sandy Cove
Sandy Cove is characterized by a shallow sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 4 meters. The site is surrounded by numerous granite corestones of varying sizes, providing a unique underwater landscape. It is commonly used for open water training, refresher courses, and equipment testing due to its manageable depth. While shoals of small fish may occasionally enter the cove, they tend to be quite shy. Additionally, the small caves and swim-throughs located under the rocks on the opposite side serve as habitats for a variety of invertebrates.
Sandy Cove
Sandy Cove is characterized by a shallow sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 4 meters. The site is surrounded by numerous granite corestones of varying sizes, providing a unique underwater landscape. It is commonly used for open water training, refresher courses, and equipment testing due to its manageable depth. While shoals of small fish may occasionally enter the cove, they tend to be quite shy. Additionally, the small caves and swim-throughs located under the rocks on the opposite side serve as habitats for a variety of invertebrates.
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.
Seekombuis
Seekombuis is accessed from the shore and is located north of the See Kombuis. The site features low surge conditions, allowing for a calm entry. Divers typically swim on the surface for approximately 150 meters before descending. On the southern side, there is a small kelp outcrop. Marine life commonly observed includes various rock fish species, cuttlefish, octopus, sea stars, and nudibranchs.
Seekombuis
Seekombuis is accessed from the shore and is located north of the See Kombuis. The site features low surge conditions, allowing for a calm entry. Divers typically swim on the surface for approximately 150 meters before descending. On the southern side, there is a small kelp outcrop. Marine life commonly observed includes various rock fish species, cuttlefish, octopus, sea stars, and nudibranchs.
Seven Blinders
Seven Blinders is located on the north-eastern side of Saldanha Bay, accessible only by boat. The site features a wreck that is dispersed across the seabed, surrounded by various rock formations. Divers can identify the entry point by the south Cardenal Buoy. The marine life in this area includes cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks. The wreck is covered with kelp, anemones, and sea urchins, providing a habitat for diverse marine species.
Seven Blinders
Seven Blinders is located on the north-eastern side of Saldanha Bay, accessible only by boat. The site features a wreck that is dispersed across the seabed, surrounded by various rock formations. Divers can identify the entry point by the south Cardenal Buoy. The marine life in this area includes cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks. The wreck is covered with kelp, anemones, and sea urchins, providing a habitat for diverse marine species.
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.
Slipway Saldanha Bay
Slipway Saldanha Bay is a wreck dive located within the Saldanha Bay harbour, accessible from the jetty at the Slipways restaurant. The site features an old crayfish boat that sank while moored at the Saldanha quay. The wreck is covered with various marine life, including kelp, anemones, and sea urchins. Divers may encounter species such as cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, kolstert, jellyfish, and shyshark during their dive.
Slipway Saldanha Bay
Slipway Saldanha Bay is a wreck dive located within the Saldanha Bay harbour, accessible from the jetty at the Slipways restaurant. The site features an old crayfish boat that sank while moored at the Saldanha quay. The wreck is covered with various marine life, including kelp, anemones, and sea urchins. Divers may encounter species such as cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, kolstert, jellyfish, and shyshark during their dive.
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 Maori, wreck
The SS Maori is a cargo vessel wrecked in thick fog, located at coordinates -34.030700, 18.308100. The wreck is relatively intact, with some areas showing signs of wear over time. Divers can explore depths starting at 13 meters and reaching a maximum of 21 meters on the sand, providing a multilevel diving experience as the wreck descends. Crayfish can be observed in the crevices of the wreck, while the surrounding kelp supports local fish species. Additionally, divers may encounter nudibranchs, shy sharks, and Mola Mola in the vicinity.
SS Maori, wreck
The SS Maori is a cargo vessel wrecked in thick fog, located at coordinates -34.030700, 18.308100. The wreck is relatively intact, with some areas showing signs of wear over time. Divers can explore depths starting at 13 meters and reaching a maximum of 21 meters on the sand, providing a multilevel diving experience as the wreck descends. Crayfish can be observed in the crevices of the wreck, while the surrounding kelp supports local fish species. Additionally, divers may encounter nudibranchs, shy sharks, and Mola Mola in the vicinity.
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.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a diverse reef complex characterized by its varied topography and depth variations. The site features numerous shallow areas that are accessible for entry-level divers, while more experienced divers can explore several pinnacles and small walls. The maximum depth reaches over 30 meters, with some sections located at the surface. The area is marked by large boulders and rock outcrops, creating high relief in deeper regions. Divers can navigate through swim-throughs, gullies, holes, and overhangs that provide habitats for a variety of coral species and fish life.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a diverse reef complex characterized by its varied topography and depth variations. The site features numerous shallow areas that are accessible for entry-level divers, while more experienced divers can explore several pinnacles and small walls. The maximum depth reaches over 30 meters, with some sections located at the surface. The area is marked by large boulders and rock outcrops, creating high relief in deeper regions. Divers can navigate through swim-throughs, gullies, holes, and overhangs that provide habitats for a variety of coral species and fish life.
Strawberry Rocks
Strawberry Rocks is a dive site located off Cape Town, South Africa, within the Oudekraal Marine Protected Area. The site features two rock formations, swim-throughs, and kelp forests at depths ranging from 8 to 15 meters (26 to 50 feet). Expect to see fur seals, and be prepared for water temperatures averaging 12°C (53°F) and as low as 8°C (46°F).
Strawberry Rocks
Strawberry Rocks is a dive site located off Cape Town, South Africa, within the Oudekraal Marine Protected Area. The site features two rock formations, swim-throughs, and kelp forests at depths ranging from 8 to 15 meters (26 to 50 feet). Expect to see fur seals, and be prepared for water temperatures averaging 12°C (53°F) and as low as 8°C (46°F).
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.
Titties Bay
Titties Bay is accessed via a shore entry on the northern side of the bay. Divers can navigate along the rocky coastline and may cross over to the southern side. The dive site is characterized as a macro dive, with a notable presence of kelp and crayfish. In the crevices, divers may encounter octopuses. Conditions such as swell size from the open sea can significantly affect the dive experience.
Titties Bay
Titties Bay is accessed via a shore entry on the northern side of the bay. Divers can navigate along the rocky coastline and may cross over to the southern side. The dive site is characterized as a macro dive, with a notable presence of kelp and crayfish. In the crevices, divers may encounter octopuses. Conditions such as swell size from the open sea can significantly affect the dive experience.
Two Oceans Aquarium Predator Tank
The Two Oceans Aquarium Predator Tank is a 5-meter deep indoor aquarium featuring a variety of marine life. Notable inhabitants include five female Ragged Tooth Sharks, along with Yellow Tails, Groupers, and Mullet. The Grouper and one Mullet are particularly inquisitive, adding to the dynamic of the tank. This site provides a unique opportunity to observe these species up close in a controlled environment.
Two Oceans Aquarium Predator Tank
The Two Oceans Aquarium Predator Tank is a 5-meter deep indoor aquarium featuring a variety of marine life. Notable inhabitants include five female Ragged Tooth Sharks, along with Yellow Tails, Groupers, and Mullet. The Grouper and one Mullet are particularly inquisitive, adding to the dynamic of the tank. This site provides a unique opportunity to observe these species up close in a controlled environment.
Two Oceans I & J Ocean Exhibit
The Two Oceans I & J Ocean Exhibit features a 7-meter deep aquarium tank designed to replicate an open artificial environment. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including a Green Turtle named Yoshi, various species of Groupers, Mussel Breakers, and Rays, among others. The diverse wildlife provides a unique opportunity for observation in a controlled setting.
Two Oceans I & J Ocean Exhibit
The Two Oceans I & J Ocean Exhibit features a 7-meter deep aquarium tank designed to replicate an open artificial environment. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including a Green Turtle named Yoshi, various species of Groupers, Mussel Breakers, and Rays, among others. The diverse wildlife provides a unique opportunity for observation in a controlled setting.
Two Oceans Kelp Tank
The Two Oceans Kelp Tank is a 6-meter deep aquarium that features live kelp secured to the substrate, creating a dynamic environment that mimics natural wave movements. This tank is home to various species, including Sleeper Sharks and Pajama Sharks. Additionally, Rockhopper Penguins can be observed as they come from their nearby enclosure to engage with the tank's environment.
Two Oceans Kelp Tank
The Two Oceans Kelp Tank is a 6-meter deep aquarium that features live kelp secured to the substrate, creating a dynamic environment that mimics natural wave movements. This tank is home to various species, including Sleeper Sharks and Pajama Sharks. Additionally, Rockhopper Penguins can be observed as they come from their nearby enclosure to engage with the tank's 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.
Yacht club
The Yacht Club dive site in Langebaan is accessible only on weekdays and requires permission from the NPA. The best diving conditions occur during the lull of the tides, as strong tidal currents can be present. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea sponges, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, puffader shy sharks, and seals.
Yacht club
The Yacht Club dive site in Langebaan is accessible only on weekdays and requires permission from the NPA. The best diving conditions occur during the lull of the tides, as strong tidal currents can be present. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including kelp, anemones, sea sponges, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, puffader shy sharks, and seals.