Blow Hole - Cape Town & Western Cape

Blow Hole often gets overlooked, labelled as a training site, but that’s a disservice. We love dropping in here for a relaxed dive, especially when the south-easter’s blowing and other sites are a mess. It's a proper Cape Town shallow dive, maxing out around 18 metres on a good day, but most of the action sits around 5-10 metres. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find pyjama sharks tucked into the kelp, sometimes so many you’re counting them on every rock. We often spot shy sharks too, and the odd puffadder shy shark if you’re looking carefully. The sandy patches between the kelp forests are great for critter hunting, and we’ve seen everything from tiny nudibranchs to bigger rays cruising through. The water here usually has that classic Cape green tint, but on a good day, the light filters through the kelp like stained glass. It's an easy boat dive, no tricky entries, making it perfect for shaking off the dust or just enjoying a calm swim through the kelp. While it might be a training ground, we think it’s a brilliant spot for any diver who appreciates the subtle beauty of temperate reefs and a solid shark encounter.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.432500, 19.226800

Marine Protected Area: Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary 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 Blow Hole

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 Blow Hole

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 for recreational diving in the Great Blue Hole, Belize?
Unfortunately, the provided data context does not contain specific information regarding the maximum depth for recreational diving in the Great Blue Hole, Belize. Our current dataset is focused on the Blow Hole dive site in South Africa. We recommend consulting resources specific to the Great Blue Hole for this detail.
What kind of marine life and geological formations can divers expect to see in the Great Blue Hole?
The provided data context does not offer details on the marine life or geological formations found in the Great Blue Hole, Belize. The information available pertains to the Blow Hole, where divers can encounter nudibranchs, shy sharks, and spotted gully sharks amidst sandy bottoms, rock, and kelp forests. For insights into the Great Blue Hole's unique ecosystem, please refer to dedicated guides for that site.
How challenging is the Great Blue Hole dive, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Information regarding the challenge level and suitability for various experience levels at the Great Blue Hole, Belize, is not present in the provided data context. Our current data describes the Blow Hole as an intermediate dive, excellent for beginners and refreshers. For accurate details on the Great Blue Hole's difficulty, please consult specific dive site information for Belize.
What is the best time of year to dive the Great Blue Hole for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data context does not include information about the best time of year to dive the Great Blue Hole, Belize, for optimal conditions and visibility. Our current resources focus on sites like the Blow Hole in South Africa, which has an average visibility of 11m. For seasonal recommendations for the Great Blue Hole, we advise checking a when to dive guide specific to Belize.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Great Blue Hole?
The provided data context does not specify the scuba diving certifications required or recommended for diving the Great Blue Hole, Belize. The information available pertains to the Blow Hole, which is suitable for training and refreshers. Divers planning to visit the Great Blue Hole should research its specific certification requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like when diving the Great Blue Hole?
Details on the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility for the Great Blue Hole, Belize, are not available in the provided data context. Our current information describes the Blow Hole in South Africa as having an average visibility of 11m. For accurate water conditions and visibility expectations at the Great Blue Hole, please consult dedicated dive guides for that region.