Plettenberg Bay
Explore Western CapeThe Western Cape of South Africa offers a uniquely diverse diving experience, re
Explore Western Cape
The Western Cape of South Africa offers a uniquely diverse diving experience, renowned for its varied marine environments and vibrant aquatic life. This region is a diver's paradise, with its two distinct oceanic influences from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. From the rugged and dramatic wrecks along the Atlantic seaboard to the colorful reefs of the south coast, there's something for every diving enthusiast. The Atlantic side, known for its tempestuous seas, presents challenging dives with the thrill of strong currents, while False Bay offers slightly warmer and calmer waters, making it ideal for both seasoned divers and beginners. One of the most captivating aspects of diving in the Western Cape is the chance to encounter large marine animals. The playful Cape fur seals often approach divers, turning dives into unforgettable experiences. While great white sharks steal the spotlight, divers may also spot dolphins, penguins, and, occasionally, humpback and southern right whales. Dive styles vary from shore dives to thrilling drift dives, and though liveaboards are absent due to the conditions, the abundance of dive sites provides ample exploration opportunities. Dive year-round, though winter storms can challenge Atlantic expeditions, making the south coast a winter diving highlight. Beyond the diving itself, the Western Cape's rich cultural backdrop and stunning landscapes enhance the overall experience. Dive courses are readily available, particularly around the sheltered areas, allowing divers to expand their skills in this captivating underwater world. Whether you're drawn by the promise of adrenaline-pumping shark encounters or the allure of colorful coral gardens, the Western Cape promises an exhilarating and diverse diving adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Western Cape
The Western Cape of South Africa offers divers an array of thrilling underwater experiences. One of the top dive sites is the "A-Frame" at Pyramid Rock, known for its vibrant marine life, including playful seals and majestic stingrays. Wreck enthusiasts will enjoy the "SS Clan Stuart," a historic wreck dive near Simon's Town, easily accessible from the shore and teeming with diverse fish species.
For those looking for unique experiences, the "Sandy Cove," with its beautiful kelp forests, offers captivating night dives where nocturnal creatures come alive. The balance between shore dives and liveaboard options provides flexibility, allowing divers to explore both easily accessible sites and remote locations teeming with marine biodiversity. This variety ensures that both novice and experienced divers can enjoy the stunning underwater landscapes of the Western Cape.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Western Cape
The Western Cape in South Africa offers a diverse range of marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. Common reef fish in the area include the colorful and abundant zebra fish and the endemic shyshark, which are often seen around the kelp forests. These kelp beds provide a unique habitat that supports a variety of species year-round, including the Cape knifejaw and various species of sea bream.
Seasonal highlights in the Western Cape include sightings of sevengill sharks, particularly prevalent from May to October. During this period, divers may also encounter the occasional loggerhead turtle. In the warmer months, from November to March, one can spot the graceful stingrays gliding along the sandy bottoms. The encounter likelihood largely depends on the site; for example, the colder waters of False Bay are known for their shark diversity, while the warmer waters near the Garden Route may offer more frequent turtle and ray encounters.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
857 Sightings
J
110
F
65
M
49
A
69
M
68
J
50
J
74
A
48
S
58
O
97
N
62
D
107
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
468 Sightings
J
70
F
14
M
36
A
36
M
49
J
37
J
66
A
30
S
33
O
23
N
27
D
47
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
430 Sightings
J
50
F
30
M
17
A
14
M
25
J
31
J
50
A
25
S
56
O
59
N
34
D
39
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 9
AdobeStock-Dmitry Kokh
Fur Seal
229 Sightings
J
28
F
18
M
23
A
26
M
27
J
11
J
19
A
7
S
7
O
27
N
19
D
17
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
180 Sightings
J
36
F
39
M
15
A
17
M
15
J
2
J
3
A
4
S
4
O
10
N
9
D
26
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 60
iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster
93 Sightings
J
10
F
1
M
9
A
9
M
6
J
8
J
5
A
6
S
4
O
8
N
14
D
13
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 19
Alamy-Alex Mustard
Seal
80 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
4
A
1
M
10
J
1
J
6
A
8
S
10
O
8
N
8
D
14
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish
60 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
17
A
0
S
6
O
18
N
10
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
49 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
10
A
3
M
2
J
2
J
10
A
4
S
3
O
7
N
1
D
1
The best Months to Dive in Western Cape
Diving in the Western Cape, South Africa, offers diverse conditions throughout the year. The region is characterized by cooler water temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C–20°C/50°F–68°F, with the colder months being June to August. Visibility varies depending on location and season, averaging between 5 meters/16 feet to 15 meters/49 feet, though can be lower during turbulent conditions.
Wind and currents are significant factors affecting diving in the Western Cape. The region experiences strong south-easterly winds in summer (October to March), which can stir up seas and reduce visibility. Winter months tend to have fewer winds, offering calmer seas and potentially better visibility. Diving is possible year-round, though some divers prefer the winter period for more stable conditions, while summer can present challenges due to wind and swell.
