13th Apostle - Cape Town & Western Cape

The 13th Apostle offers a good poke around an interesting reef structure just off the coast. It’s pretty shallow, topping out around 10 meters, so it’s a site where you can take your time. We like drifting along the broken ridge, looking into the smaller crevices and sand patches. On a good day, when visibility stretches past 15 meters, the light filters down beautifully, highlighting the gorgonian fans and the shy reef fish that dart between them. It's a relaxed dive, great for knocking out a long bottom time, particularly if you’re into exploring nooks and crannies without deep-dive pressures.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.991432, 18.332033
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Duikerklip Provincial Nature Reserve

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cape Town & Western Cape

Nearest Dive Centres to 13th Apostle

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for 13th Apostle

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving at the 13th Apostle dive site?
While the maximum depth for the 13th Apostle dive site is listed as unknown, divers can expect to encounter a reef that extends to about 18 meters. The top of the reef features a ridge approximately 10 meters deep on its crest, with a peak reaching about 6 meters deep on top.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at the 13th Apostle?
Divers at the 13th Apostle can explore a diverse underwater topography, including a reef extending about 200 meters from north-west to south-east. Key features include a ridge approximately 10 meters deep on its crest, a peak about 6 meters deep, and several small sand patches. The site is also characterized as a cave dive, featuring a notable swimthrough.
How challenging is the 13th Apostle dive site for recreational divers?
The 13th Apostle dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and appropriate training should find it manageable and rewarding.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive the 13th Apostle for optimal visibility?
Visibility at the 13th Apostle dive site is variable, but on a good day, it can exceed 15 meters. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, checking local conditions before diving is always advised for optimal visibility. For general guidance on planning your dives, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the 13th Apostle?
Given that the 13th Apostle is an intermediate difficulty dive site and is classified as a cave dive, specific certifications are highly recommended. Divers should ideally possess an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, and a specialized cave diving certification would be essential for safely exploring its cave features and swimthroughs.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at the 13th Apostle dive site?
The provided data for the 13th Apostle dive site does not include information regarding typical current conditions or water temperatures. It is always recommended to consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before planning your dive.