Ark Rock - Cape Town & Western Cape

Ark Rock is a classic for a reason. Just outside Simon’s Town, the big, unmistakable rock is our go-to when we want to just enjoy the ocean. The maximum depth is only 12 metres, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth the trip. The star attraction here, of course, is the Cape fur seals. Usually, a group of youngsters will greet you as you drop in, zipping past, nibbling fins, and generally putting on a show. We’ve spent entire dives just watching their antics, feeling the brush of their whiskers as they dart by. Beyond the seals, the rocky reef here is covered in common brittlestars. They’re everywhere, little purple and orange arms waving from every crevice. You’ll also find some of our endemic shark species tucked away – look for shysharks under ledges. Visibility averages around 6 metres, which is decent for the area, but we’ve had days where it stretched to 10 metres and the light just streamed through the kelp. It’s a lovely, easy dive, perfect for knocking out a couple of cylinders without too much fuss.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.192000, 18.453600

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 Ark Rock

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 Ark Rock

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