Ankers - Cape Town & Western Cape

Ankers is a decent enough dive if you're exploring the Cape Town coastline. We usually find it’s a medium-profile sandstone reef, mostly bedrock with some larger boulders and small overhangs providing shelter for the critters. The reef drops to about 20 metres before meeting a sand bottom. We often spot a variety of colourful reef fish darting around the rocks and we’ve seen a few curious seals pass through on occasion. It’s a pretty straightforward dive, good for a relaxed afternoon if conditions are calm.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.308765, 18.813583
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Betty's Bay 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 Ankers

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 Ankers

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 of the Ankers dive site and where is the wreck located?
The Ankers dive site is primarily a reef, not a wreck. The rocky bottom of this medium profile sandstone reef ends at 20m, transitioning to a sand bottom beyond the point. There is no information provided about a wreck at this location.
What kind of marine life and wreck artifacts can divers expect to see at the Ankers dive site?
The provided data for the Ankers dive site describes it as a medium profile sandstone reef with bedrock outcrops, large boulders, and small overhangs. However, there is no specific information available regarding the types of marine life or any wreck artifacts divers can expect to see.
How difficult is the Ankers dive site, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
The Ankers dive site is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This makes it suitable for divers with intermediate experience levels.
What is the best time of year to dive the Ankers wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided information for the Ankers dive site does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. Additionally, Ankers is described as a reef dive site, not a wreck. For general guidance on seasonal conditions, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Ankers wreck?
While the Ankers dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, the provided data does not specify any required or recommended scuba diving certifications. Divers should always ensure their certification level matches the dive's demands and consult with local dive operators.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Ankers dive site?
The available data for the Ankers dive site does not provide specific information regarding typical current or visibility conditions. Divers planning to visit this Cape Town & Western Cape reef should inquire with local dive centers for up-to-date conditions.