Introduction

Scuba Diving in South Africa, especially Cape Town, is challenging but the rewards available to those who stick it out are well worth the trouble.

If you would like to learn more about Cape Town or South Africa, please visit our pages on Cape Town and/or South Africa.

Sites

The sites below are all within easy access by rib or shore from Cape Town, South Africa.

Maori Wreck

This century old wreck is in Mauri Bay, at 21 metres of depth and is in great condition. During your dive, you may find old porcelain and glass on the bottom but do not take any with you as the site is protected by law. Watch out for the Jellyfish teeming around the wreck and keep an eye out for the huge crayfish in rock cracks.

Sandy Bay

Just on the outskirts of Cape Town, this shore entry dive will take you through a kelp forest and to visit an old wreck. Sea life you may encounter are crayfish, small rock sharks and a variety of small fish. The depths you will reach are approximately 10 metres.

North Paw

This dive accessible by a short rib ride is located in front of some of Cape Town’s prime real estate. Seals may pay you visit as you dive, large crayfish abound and multi-coloured urchins decorate the large rock of North Paw. Depths reach approximately 20-25 metres.

Clifton

Accessible by rib and in Clifton Bay, Clifton’s dive is easy and fun. Seals, crayfish, kelp forests and an old wreck are all available in approximately 12 metres of water.

Seafarer

This old wreck in 8 metres of water has seals and crayfish all there for the diver to watch. The wreck is not in very good condition but it is a good dive to finish a sequence of several submersions.

Long Beach, Simonstown

This is an extremely easy dive for beginners or for those looking to practice or keep their skills fresh. That said, the dive is still a whole lot of fun. You can feed the local fish with mussels, visit the many octopii and see rays all living in this shallow 6m cold water reef and kelp forest. The dive site is accessed by a beach shore entry and the water temperature ranges from 12 to 20 degrees.

Equipment

An 8mm wetsuit is a must, hood, booties, gloves and a knife are all necessary as well.

Visibility

This depends on the previous day’s wind and the conditions on the day. If a South Easterly wind is blowing, don’t bother diving as the visibility will be negligible and the sea will be on its head. However, once, the South Easterly wind dies down the visibility will be at it’s best and conditions are ideal for Cape Diving.

Water Temperature

It depends whether you dive in the Atlantic or more towards the Indian Ocean Currents. In the Atlantic, water temperature averages around 11c but can drop to 9c after a South Easter. Warmer waters are towards the Indian Ocean current and False Bay.

South Africa & Cape Town

Find out more about South Africa and Cape Town on our South Africa and Cape Town travel guides.