Diving in Namaqua
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Namaqua's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Namaqua, 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, Namaqua 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 Namaqua (2)
Popular Spots in Namaqua (27)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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 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.
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.