Cleeve's Tunnel - Cape Town & Western Cape

Cleeve's Tunnel often feels like a secret passage. This dive takes you under a substantial boulder pinnacle, dropping down to around 15 to 18 metres. It’s a low, fairly snug squeeze through the tunnel itself, opening up to a seabed that’s usually around 20 metres. We’ve found the visibility here can be a real crapshoot; sometimes it’s 20 metres plus after a good upwelling, other times you’re happy with 8-10. Keep an eye out for shy cat sharks tucked into crevices and the usual parade of reef fish drifting by. It’s a site for those who appreciate a bit of an architectural dive, rather than a wide-open reef.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.942318, 18.364900
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Duikerklip Provincial Nature Reserve

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 Cleeve's Tunnel

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 Cleeve's Tunnel

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 scuba diving at Cleeve's Tunnel?
At Cleeve's Tunnel, divers can explore a low and relatively narrow space under a huge boulder pinnacle at depths between 15 and 18 meters. The local bottom extends to approximately 20 meters, offering a maximum depth for exploration. The peak of the pinnacle is much shallower, at slightly less than 3 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see in Cleeve's Tunnel?
Divers at Cleeve's Tunnel can expect to encounter unique underwater formations, primarily a low and relatively narrow tunnel situated beneath a huge boulder pinnacle. This pinnacle rests on an even larger bedrock base. While the specific marine life is not detailed in the available information, the site's structure suggests an interesting habitat for various species.
How challenging is the Cleeve's Tunnel dive site, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Cleeve's Tunnel is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. Due to its nature as a low and relatively narrow space under a huge boulder pinnacle, it is not typically recommended for less experienced divers. Divers should possess adequate skills and experience for intermediate-level conditions.
When is the best time of year to dive Cleeve's Tunnel for good visibility and calm conditions?
While specific seasonal recommendations for the best time to dive Cleeve's Tunnel are not provided, visibility can be excellent, potentially exceeding 20 meters after an upwelling, though it is usually less. The site is known to break in moderate to rough weather, suggesting that calm conditions are preferable for diving. For more general information on dive conditions, you can visit When to Dive.
What diving certifications or experience levels are required to dive Cleeve's Tunnel?
To dive Cleeve's Tunnel, an intermediate level of diving experience is required. This suggests that divers should have certifications and experience beyond basic open water, comfortable with navigating confined spaces and potentially variable conditions. It is not suitable for beginner divers.
What are the typical current strengths and water conditions like at Cleeve's Tunnel?
The water conditions at Cleeve's Tunnel can be dynamic, as the reef is known to break in moderate to rough weather. This indicates that divers may encounter significant water movement, especially during less favorable conditions or at low tide. While specific current strengths are not detailed, divers should be prepared for potentially challenging water conditions.