Cape Town - arguably the most vibrant city in South Africa - is a unique and popular diving destination. Influenced by both the Agulhas and the Benguela currents, Cape Town offers the more adventurous diver a wide variety of diving possibilities.

Kelp forests line the shores and are a magical experience in themselves. The surrounding reefs are bejewelled with hard and soft, cold water corals in shades of red, blue, pink, orange and purple, providing a wealth of fine detail to explore and photograph. Cape fur seals can be encountered on most dive sites and it's not unusual to be graced by their inquisitive presence.

A wreck seekers paradise, the 'Cape of Storms' has claimed many names from the past. Early East Indiamen, split their sides and spilt their cargoes some 400 years before the Korean bulk carrier Daeyang Family ran aground in 1986. Many ships have also been scuttled to create artificial reefs. The wrecks of Smitswinkel Bay are a favourite with the locals and along with those on the Atlantic side, offer a wide selection of wreck sites to suit all levels of diver training.

For shark diving enthusiasts there are cage diving options in False Bay and nearby Gansbaai as well as the chance of encountering sevengill cow sharks and smaller catsharks on the reefs and kelp finges of the Cape peninsular. More about cage diving...

Prevailing south-east winds during the summer months cause cold, very clear upwellings on the Atlantic seaboard, while westerly winds during winter, bring clear water into False Bay on the eastern side. Whatever the weather, ideal conditions in the Two Oceans Aquarium means it's always possible to find somewhere to dive!

With it's scenic beauty, vibrant cultures and history, Cape Town is an ideal arrival or departure point for any tour to South Africa. View our dive tour pages for packages that include Cape Town or allow us to create a custom tour for you with transfers and accommodation to suit your individual requirements.

 

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