Ark Rock
Protected Area
Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - Ark Rock offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest reef diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.
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.
Safety Notes
Cold water this month (avg 15°C). Drysuit or thick wetsuit (7mm+) recommended.
Nearest Dive Centres to Ark Rock
Dive shops near Ark Rock
Ollava
Pisces Divers
Cape Town Dive Centre
Learn to Dive Today
Scuba Shack
Blue Flash
Reviews for Ark Rock
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Ark Rock
Ark Rock Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Ark Rock, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-33.92, 18.46) (8km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
15°C
59°F · Range: 12.4–17.2°C
Air Temperature
17°C
62°F
Wind Speed
7.33 m/s
14.2 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1018.1 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
Plan & book
Ways to dive Cape Town & Western Cape, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Cape Town & Western CapePlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Cape Town & Western Cape.
Search stays in Cape Town & Western CapeDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near Ark Rock
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
