Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa
    Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

    Ark Rock

    Best months: Mar

    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.

    Best timeMar
    WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Great White Sharks · 269+ species recorded
    Water14-16°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Today05:1117:5712h 46m daylightGolden hour 17:23

    Nearest Dive Centres to Ark Rock

    Dive shops near Ark Rock

    View all dive centres in Cape Town & Western Cape

    Reviews for Ark Rock

    Sign in to write a review

    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)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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 GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Cape Town & Western Cape

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Cape Town & Western Cape.

    Search stays in Cape Town & Western Cape

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner 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.

    Back to Cape Town & Western Cape