D-Frame - Cape Town & Western Cape

D-Frame sits right next to its more famous neighbour, A-Frame, and frankly, it often gets overlooked. That’s a mistake, especially if you appreciate a good wall dive without the crowds. The site features a series of rocky ridges running roughly northwest, with sandy channels separating them. We’ve found a particularly dramatic section that drops from about four metres down to 14 metres. Look for the "Wave Rock" on the south reef; it’s a cool overhang that’s perfect for spotting shy critters tucked away. The sand bottom slopes gently, so it’s a good spot for newer divers to practice buoyancy along the walls.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.206300, 18.466600
Type
reef

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 D-Frame

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 D-Frame

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

How deep is the D-Frame dive site, and what are the typical depths for different parts of the reef?
The overall maximum depth for the D-Frame dive site is currently unknown. However, specific features provide depth insights: one prominent point rises to about 4 m from the surface with almost vertical drops to 14 m on both sides. The sandy bottom near the entry at A-Frame gradually slopes from about 5 m to almost level at 10 m depth for a significant distance.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at D-Frame?
Divers at D-Frame can expect to explore a diverse reef structure. The site features several ridges of rock running approximately 300° magnetic, interspersed with sand bottoms. Notable underwater features include a point rising to about 4 m from the surface with drops to 14 m, and an overhanging rock outcrop known as the “Wave Rock” located on the south reef. For more general information on marine life, you can explore our database.
How challenging is diving at D-Frame, and what skill level is recommended for shore dives versus boat dives?
Diving at D-Frame is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certification to comfortably navigate the site's features. The provided data does not differentiate skill level recommendations for shore dives versus boat dives at this location.
When is the best time of year to dive D-Frame for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive D-Frame for optimal conditions is not available in the provided context. We recommend checking local dive operators or our when to dive section for general guidance on seasonal conditions in the Cape Town & Western Cape region.
What dive certifications are required to dive D-Frame, and do I need any special permits?
The provided data does not specify the required dive certifications or if any special permits are needed to dive D-Frame. It is always advisable to consult with local dive centers or authorities in Cape Town & Western Cape for the most current requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the D-Frame dive site?
Unfortunately, specific data regarding typical current and visibility conditions at the D-Frame dive site is not available in the provided context. Divers should always check current local conditions with dive operators before entering the water.