How many dive sites are in Cape Town & Western Cape?

Cape Town & Western Cape has 270 dive sites and 26 dive centres in South Africa.

Is diving in Cape Town & Western Cape suitable for beginners?

Cape Town & Western Cape has 6 advanced, 2 intermediate, 1 beginner dive sites. With 1 beginner-friendly sites, it's a good option for new divers.

What marine life can you see in Cape Town & Western Cape?

271 marine species have been recorded in Cape Town & Western Cape's waters, including fish, corals, invertebrates, and marine mammals.

What is the water temperature in Cape Town & Western Cape?

Water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape range from 19°C in December to 19°C in December.

Diving in Cape Town & Western Cape

Explore 270 dive sites in Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Cape Town & Western Cape

The warmest water temperatures in Cape Town & Western Cape occur in January, averaging 18.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 18.9°C (air: 20.8°C)
February: 18.9°C (air: 20.7°C)
March: 18.9°C (air: 19.5°C)
April: 18.9°C (air: 17.3°C)
May: 18.9°C (air: 15.8°C)
June: 18.9°C (air: 15.0°C)
July: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
August: 18.9°C (air: 13.2°C)
September: 18.9°C (air: 13.9°C)
October: 18.9°C (air: 16.5°C)
November: 18.9°C (air: 17.8°C)
December: 18.9°C (air: 19.3°C)

Marine Life in Cape Town & Western Cape

Home to 271 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 45 sharks & rays, 28 whales & dolphins, 5 hard corals, 4 other, 4 octopus & squid.

Dive Site Difficulty in Cape Town & Western Cape

Cape Town & Western Cape has 1 beginner, 2 intermediate, 6 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Cape Town & Western Cape

Based on average water temperature of 18.9°C.

Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Cape Town & Western Cape

West Coast National Park - National Park (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Langebaan - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category II)
Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Betty's Bay Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Helderberg Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Jutten Island Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Langebaan Lagoon Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Malgas Island Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Marcus Island Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Sixteen Mile Beach Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Duikerklip Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
False Bay Seal Island Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Paternoster Rocks Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Quoin Rock Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Seal Ledges Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Vondeling Island Provincial Nature Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Dassen Island Nature Reserve - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Dyer Island Nature Reserve Complex - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
Rocher Pan Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Robben island Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
Cape Canyon Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Cape Town & Western Cape - Nearest Airports

Cape Town International Airport (CPT), Cape Town - 11 km away, approx 28 min travel time
George Airport (GRJ), George - 359 km away, approx 407 min travel time
Langebaanweg Airport (SDB), Langebaanweg - 117 km away, approx 143 min travel time

Dive Sites

13th Apostle (-33.9914, 18.3320)
ADELFOTIS - 15m (-34.7958, 19.6417)
A Frame - 5-20m (-34.2079, 18.4625)
A-frame Cape Town (-34.2078, 18.4623)
A-frame Cape Town (-34.2078, 18.4623)
ALBACORE - 60m (-33.8667, 18.3167)
Albatross Rock (-34.2754, 18.3702)
ALCESTIS - 31m (-34.8431, 19.8500)
Alpha Reef (-34.2165, 18.4864)
AMERICA - 12m (-33.9149, 18.4489)
Ammunition Barges - 9m (-34.1901, 18.4498)
Andre se Gat - 15-30m (-34.3042, 18.8127)
AN HUNG NO.1 - 2m (-34.6083, 19.3933)
Ankers (-34.3088, 18.8136)
Anvil Rock (-34.3704, 18.5178)
Ark Rock (-34.1920, 18.4536)
Ark Rock (-34.1920, 18.4536)
ATHENS - 2m (-33.8975, 18.4094)
Atlantis Reef Pinnacles (-34.2521, 18.4834)
Atlantis Reef Pinnacles (-34.2521, 18.4834)
Bakoven Rock (-33.9592, 18.3701)
Bantry Bay (-33.9260, 18.3775)
Barrack Rock (-33.0295, 17.9452)
Barrack Rock (-33.0295, 17.9452)
BARUTO COAST - 13m (-33.9033, 18.3933)
Batsata Rock (-34.2796, 18.4805)
BELLE-THERESA - 7m (-32.5833, 18.3000)
Bikini Beach (-34.1654, 18.8582)
Bill Liltved's Reef (-34.2337, 18.5877)
Billy's Reef - 5-20m (-34.2540, 18.5688)
Blouklip (-34.2740, 18.8361)
Blousteen Ridge (-34.2749, 18.8321)
Blow Hole (-34.4325, 19.2268)
Blow Hole (-34.4325, 19.2268)
Blue Flame Pinnacles - 10-25m (-34.2117, 18.5542)
Blue Rock Quarry (-34.1272, 18.9036)
BLUFF - 5m (-33.9583, 18.3750)
Boardroom pinnacle (-33.9793, 18.3575)
Boat Rock - 10-20m (-34.2345, 18.4833)
Bordjiesrif - 5-20m (-34.3165, 18.4638)
Boulders Beach (-34.1965, 18.4519)
Boulders Beach (-34.1965, 18.4519)
Boulder s Rock - 10-25m (-34.1958, 18.4522)
BOY FRANCIS - 17m (-32.7000, 18.0833)
BRITANNIA - 5m (-33.0111, 17.9517)
Bruce's Mark (-34.2480, 18.5813)
Buffels Bay (-34.3191, 18.4623)
CAPE MATAPAN - 23m (-33.8867, 18.4078)
Caster Rock (-34.1793, 18.4614)
Castle Rock Cape Town (-34.2407, 18.4777)
Castle Rocks (-34.2400, 18.4769)
Choirboys Reef (-34.1334, 18.7545)
CILICIA - 60m (-32.5167, 18.0911)
CITY OF LINCOLN - 10m (-33.9161, 18.4617)
CLAN MCGREGOR - 60m (-34.6050, 20.3417)
CLAN MONROE - 5m (-34.1458, 18.3194)
CLAN STUART - 6m (-34.1714, 18.4314)
Clan Stuart Wreck (-34.1833, 18.4260)
Cleeve's Tunnel (-33.9423, 18.3649)
Clifton Rocks (-33.9391, 18.3704)
CONQUEST - 25m (-34.1500, 18.3000)
Container Bay (-34.3125, 18.8175)
Coral Gardens (Oudekraal) (-33.9878, 18.3464)
Cow and Calf (-34.1718, 18.8377)
CYNTHIA - 8m (-33.0167, 17.9667)
DAEYANG FAMILY - 14m (-33.8397, 18.3856)
Dale Brook (-34.1239, 18.4526)
Deep Southeast Whittle Ridge (-34.2683, 18.5806)
Deep South Whittle Reef (-34.2736, 18.5668)
D-Frame (-34.2063, 18.4666)
Dial Rock (-33.0007, 17.9578)
Die Josie (-34.0750, 18.3543)
Die Perd (-34.0381, 18.3054)
DISA - 58m (-33.8767, 18.3311)
Di's Cracks (-34.0645, 18.3070)
Dome Rock (-34.1853, 18.4629)
Dreadlocks Reef (-33.9728, 18.3618)
Drop Zone (-34.1427, 18.7638)
Duiker Island (-34.0590, 18.3262)
DURNESS - 25m (-33.6000, 18.3333)
Dyer Island - 10-25m (-34.6875, 19.4143)
East Shoal (-34.1483, 18.6464)
False Bay Kelp Forest - 5-18m (-34.2100, 18.4700)
Fan Reef (-34.2361, 18.4877)
FELICIA - 33m (-34.5722, 19.3000)
FENG CHUNG NO.11 - 3m (-33.8208, 18.3708)
Finlay's Deep (-34.2501, 18.4866)
Finlay's Point (-34.2488, 18.4776)
Fish Hoek Reef (-34.1382, 18.4446)
FONG SHONG (?FENG SHENG) NO 22 - 10m (-33.4125, 18.0911)
Froggy Pond (-34.2061, 18.4611)
FYND SWONA - 6m (-34.7750, 19.6417)
GB Reef - 12-22m (-34.2270, 18.6099)
GENERAL BOTHA - 50m (-34.2275, 18.6383)
Giant's Castle (-34.2393, 18.4871)
GLADIATOR - 4m (-34.6000, 19.3250)
Glencairn Fan Garden (-34.1570, 18.4402)
GOEL NO.1 - 3m (-33.8208, 18.3767)
Graeme's Spot and The Jambles (-34.2481, 18.4815)
GWENOLA - 23m (-34.8633, 19.9750)
HADDON HALL - 5m (-32.9933, 17.8683)
HALERIC - 25m (-32.7267, 17.8850)
HARVEST CAPELLA - 2m (-34.0267, 18.3167)
HARVEST NEPTUNE - 36m (-33.0167, 17.8500)
H.C. RICHARDS - 3m (-33.0742, 17.9967)
HERLILLE - 51m (-34.0333, 18.2833)
Highfields - 10-20m (-33.8860, 18.4305)
HMS Birkenhead (-34.6450, 19.2858)
HMS SYBILLE - 5m (-32.1667, 18.3083)
Humpback Ridge (-34.0258, 18.3024)
HYPATIA - 6m (-33.8342, 18.3800)
Insanity Reef - 10-20m (-34.2136, 18.4674)
Jackobs Klip (Rock) (-32.9550, 17.8611)
Josh's Reef - 8-18m (-34.2722, 18.5373)
Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa (-33.9817, 18.3598)
Jutten island (-33.0818, 17.9576)
KAKAPO - 5m (-34.1244, 18.3483)
Kalk Bay Harbour Wall (-34.1292, 18.4505)
KATSUEI MARU NO 58 - 2m (-34.7917, 19.7333)
KATSU MARU NO 25 - 25m (-34.0650, 18.3494)
KER YAR VOR - 22m (-34.0333, 18.3117)
Klein Pannekoek (-33.9818, 18.3515)
Klein Tafelberg (-34.0740, 18.3198)
Kruis (-34.2905, 18.8217)
langebaan divers wall (-33.0468, 18.0376)
Langebaan Main Beach - Cuttle Fish Alley (-33.0910, 18.0277)
Langebaan Training Area (-33.0456, 18.0404)
Ledges (-34.1699, 18.8454)
Livingstone Reef (-34.1767, 18.4595)
Llandudno Reef (-34.0006, 18.3316)
L. M. GEMSBOK - 50m (-33.8825, 18.3425)
Logies Bay (-34.0042, 18.3422)
Lonehill Reef (-34.2716, 18.5454)
Long Beach Simons Town (-34.1874, 18.4264)
Lorry Bay (-34.1826, 18.8219)
LOUISE MARLENE - 24m (-33.8833, 18.4167)
LUSITANIA - 10m (-34.3894, 18.4917)
Lynch Blinder (-33.0390, 18.0114)
Maidstone Rock (-34.1927, 18.4626)
MALMESBURY - 10m (-32.9119, 17.8408)
MARITZ - 24m (-33.0167, 17.8833)
MEISHO MARU NO.38 - 4m (-34.8333, 20.0000)
MERESTEIJN - 7m (-33.0875, 17.9556)
MIDDELBURG - 14m (-33.0333, 18.0000)
Midway Ridge (-34.2519, 18.5715)
Mike's Point (-34.3125, 18.8120)
Millers Point (-34.2368, 18.4766)
Moddergat (-34.1525, 18.8275)
Muizenberg trawler wrecks (-34.1168, 18.5203)
MV Afrikaner (-33.8335, 18.3448)
MV Antipolis, wreck - 10-25m (-33.9841, 18.3561)
MV Gemsbok (-33.8820, 18.3387)
MV Treasure (-33.6741, 18.3326)
MV Winton (-33.8692, 18.4864)
NAMAQUE - 2m (-33.4133, 18.0833)
Needles (-33.0487, 17.9281)
NOLLOTH - 5m (-34.2769, 18.3883)
North cardinal wreck (-33.0226, 17.9624)
North Paw (-33.9307, 18.3608)
OCEANA POINT - 17m (-32.7000, 18.0833)
Offshore Barges (-34.2079, 18.5158)
Off-Whittle Ridge (-34.2394, 18.5808)
Omega Rock (-34.2143, 18.4741)
ORIENTAL PIONEER - 10m (-34.8100, 20.0900)
OTORI MARU NO 8 - 30m (-34.7167, 19.5167)
Outer Castle (-34.2387, 18.4834)
Outer Photographers Reef (-34.1963, 18.4650)
OVAMBO COAST - 2m (-33.0433, 17.9694)
Paaltjies - 5-15m (-33.0086, 17.9501)
PANTELIS A. LEMOS - 6m (-33.1650, 18.0228)
Partridge Point (-34.2556, 18.4815)
Phil's Bay (-34.1867, 18.8189)
Photographer’s Reef (-34.1973, 18.4572)
PHYLLISIA - 5m (-34.3085, 18.3993)
Pinnacle (-34.1745, 18.8330)
Pyramid Rock (-34.2374, 18.4783)
Quarry (-34.1565, 18.4359)
Rambler Rock (-34.1858, 18.4682)
RAMBOK - 11m (-33.0736, 18.0069)
Random Rocks Reefs (-34.1894, 18.4676)
RMS Athens Wreck (-33.8994, 18.4060)
Robben Island steamer wreck (-33.8314, 18.3587)
ROCKEATER - 30m (-34.2692, 18.4828)
Rocky Bank (-34.4137, 18.5912)
Rocky Bay (-34.1931, 18.8185)
Roman Rock (-34.1808, 18.4600)
ROMELIA - 10m (-34.0115, 18.3317)
ROOIBOK - 43m (-33.7417, 18.3667)
Rooi-els Point (-34.2967, 18.8133)
RYENGEN - 5m (-33.9181, 18.4533)
Sandy Cove (-33.9813, 18.3607)
Sandy-top Ridge (-34.2525, 18.5785)
SAS Bloemfontein (-34.2443, 18.6659)
SAS Fleur - 15-30m (-34.1805, 18.5649)
SAS GELDERLAND - 23m (-34.0333, 18.3050)
SAS GOOD HOPE - 30m (-34.2683, 18.4814)
SAS Goodhope, wreck (-34.2647, 18.4818)
SAS Pietermaritzburg, wreck (-34.2217, 18.4744)
SAS TRANSVAAL - 30m (-34.2681, 18.4811)
SAS Transvaal (Wreck) (-34.2641, 18.4787)
Seal Island (-34.1337, 18.5758)
Seal Island Falsebay (-34.1388, 18.5834)
Sea Point Ridge Pinnacles (-33.9151, 18.3570)
SEA SERVICE - 27m (-33.8750, 18.4083)
SEA TRADER - 11m (-32.7117, 17.9278)
Seekombuis (-32.8146, 17.8670)
Sentinel (-34.0590, 18.3470)
Seven Blinders (-33.0025, 17.9837)
Shark Alley (-34.2360, 18.4770)
Shark Alley, Gansbaai - 0-5m (-34.6500, 19.3800)
Shark Diving and Slipway (-34.6159, 19.3556)
SHIAN FENG CHANG NO.12 - 42m (-33.7833, 18.3500)
SHIR YIB - 15m (-34.3578, 18.4983)
Simon’s Town Harbor (-34.1920, 18.4340)
SLIEDRECHT - 7m (-33.8069, 18.3917)
Slipway Saldanha Bay (-33.0215, 17.9488)
Smits Cliff (-34.2747, 18.4735)
Smits Reef (-34.2753, 18.4836)
Smitswinkel Bay Wrecks - 15-35m (-34.2500, 18.4500)
South Island Reef (-34.2530, 18.6083)
South Paw (-33.9385, 18.3648)
Spaniard Rock (-34.2172, 18.4672)
SS Bia (-34.2702, 18.3773)
SS Clan Monroe (-34.1469, 18.3158)
SS Clan Stuart (Wreck) (-34.1724, 18.4312)
SS Maori, wreck (-34.0307, 18.3081)
SS Oakburn and MV Bos 400 (-34.0369, 18.3096)
SS Oratava, wreck (-34.2647, 18.4798)
SS SA Seafarer (-33.8967, 18.3967)
SS Star of Africa (-34.2716, 18.3642)
SS Umhlali (-34.2739, 18.3748)
STANLEY D - 4m (-33.7250, 18.4417)
Star walls (-34.0411, 18.3014)
Steenbras Deep (-34.2025, 18.7595)
Steps (-34.0222, 18.3100)
Sterretjies Reef (-34.1561, 18.7507)
ST Godetia (-34.1000, 18.7300)
Stonehenge (-34.0458, 18.3050)
STORM-GANS - 30m (-34.6500, 19.2833)
Strawberry Rocks (-33.9788, 18.3610)
Sunfish Pinnacle (-34.0412, 18.3048)
Sunny Cove (-34.1447, 18.4383)
Tafelberg Deep (-34.0776, 18.3155)
Tafelberg Reef (-34.0656, 18.3148)
Target Reef (-34.1770, 18.4538)
The Aster (-34.0704, 18.3571)
The Canyon (-34.5151, 18.4961)
The Maori Wreck (-34.0324, 18.3141)
THOMAS T. TUCKER - 3m (-34.2733, 18.3800)
Three Anchor Bay (-33.9060, 18.3975)
Titties Bay (-32.8399, 17.8611)
Tony's Reef (-34.1761, 18.8291)
Troglodyte's Cove (-34.1805, 18.8252)
TUNAMAN - 2m (-33.4167, 18.0833)
Two Oceans Aquarium Predator Tank (-33.9078, 18.4177)
Two Oceans I & J Ocean Exhibit (-33.9080, 18.4172)
Two Oceans Kelp Tank (-33.9079, 18.4175)
Waters Edge (-34.1951, 18.4494)
Western Deep (-34.2518, 18.5430)
Whirlpool cove (-34.2828, 18.8258)
Whittle Rock (-34.2486, 18.5574)
Whittle Rock, Cape Town, South Africa - 15-30m (-34.2480, 18.5530)
WILHELMINA CORNELIA - 10m (-33.0725, 18.0025)
Wilhelm's Wall (-34.0250, 18.2989)
Windmill Beach (-34.2006, 18.4578)
Windmill Offshore Reefs (-34.1992, 18.4608)
Wreckless Ridge (-34.2590, 18.5662)
WUTA - 29m (-33.0586, 17.9639)
Yacht club (-33.1056, 18.0322)
York Shoal - 15-30m (-34.1561, 18.5931)