A-frame Cape Town - Cape Town & Western Cape

Cathedral at Aliwal Shoal is exactly what it sounds like, a massive, arching reef structure that feels like swimming through a grand underwater church. We love the sheer scale of the place. Dropping in, you often find yourself finning over the top, around 18 metres, before descending into the main amphitheatre. Our favourite time to visit is during the winter months, May through October, when the ragged-tooth sharks congregate. And we mean *congregate*. You’ll often find dozens, just hanging in the current, looking prehistoric and utterly unbothered by your presence. The Potato Bass are almost always there, huge and inquisitive, sometimes nudging you gently. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we’ve spotted plenty of Orange-lined Triggerfish darting amongst the coral and, if you're lucky, a Freckled Anglerfish perfectly camouflaged on a sponge. The currents here can pick up, so it's best for divers comfortable with a drift. If you want to experience Aliwal's iconic shark aggregation, this is our top pick.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.207800, 18.462300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

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 A-frame Cape Town

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 A-frame Cape Town

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 typical depth range for diving at A-frame Cape Town?
The A-frame Cape Town dive site has a maximum depth of 8 meters. This shallow reef dive allows for extended bottom times while exploring its unique features.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at A-frame Cape Town?
Divers at A-frame Cape Town can explore a fascinating reef environment, featuring a smaller pinnacle rock with a swim-through and a larger rock offering an interesting wall dive. Marine life sightings include shy sharks, pajama sharks, seals, octopus, nudibranchs, and even the local clawless otter. You can learn more about these species in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the A-frame Cape Town dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The A-frame Cape Town dive site is generally considered more suitable for advanced divers due to its specific entry and underwater navigation. While listed as intermediate, its characteristics suggest it may not be ideal for beginner divers.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive at A-frame Cape Town for optimal visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or conditions for optimal visibility at A-frame Cape Town. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 6 meters at this site. For general information on dive conditions, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at A-frame Cape Town?
While no specific certification level is explicitly stated, the A-frame Cape Town dive site is described as being "more for advanced divers." Therefore, divers should possess appropriate experience and advanced certifications to safely navigate this site.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at the A-frame Cape Town dive site?
Divers at A-frame Cape Town can typically expect an average visibility of 6 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions at this dive site.