Alpha Dive Centre - Cape Town & Western Cape
The team at Alpha Dive Centre really know their Cape Town waters, and that’s a big win when you’re dealing with the Cape’s changeable moods. We’ve always appreciated their honest take on conditions – they’re not going to drag you out if the viz is shot or the surge is too much. They’re based in Gordon's Bay, which puts them right on the doorstep for some great False Bay diving, particularly those deeper rocky reefs and kelp forests. What we love most is their focus on getting you comfortable in what can be pretty challenging conditions. They’re excellent for anyone looking to step up their cold water game, or even just get started without feeling rushed. Our favourite tip? If the wind is blowing from the northwest, give them a call. Those are often the days when False Bay is at its best, and places like Steenbras Deep or the SAS Gelderland wreck are absolutely popping with colour, the kelp swaying gently as schools of hottentot dart through the fronds. You’ll often find puffadder shy sharks tucked into crevices, too. They run both shore and boat dives, and we’d suggest the boat dives for accessing those less-frequented spots. They do PADI and NAUI, so whatever your flavour, they’ve got you covered.
- Location
- Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
- Coordinates
- -34.115880, 18.830790
- Phone
- +27 21 854-3150
- [email protected]
- Website
- http://www.alphadivecentre.co.za/
- Certification Agencies
- ["PADI","NAUI"]
- Address
- 96 Main Rd, Strand
Dive Sites Near Alpha Dive Centre
Alpha Dive Centre provides access to 15 dive sites in Cape Town & Western Cape.
- 13th Apostle (cave)
- ADELFOTIS - 15m (wreck)
- A Frame - 5-20m (reef)
- A-frame Cape Town (pinnacle)
- A-frame Cape Town (reef)
- ALBACORE - 60m (wreck)
- Albatross Rock (reef)
- ALCESTIS - 31m (wreck)
- Alpha Reef (wall)
- AMERICA - 12m (wreck)
- Ammunition Barges - 9m (wreck)
- Andre se Gat - 15-30m (cave)
- AN HUNG NO.1 - 2m (wreck)
- Ankers (reef)
- Anvil Rock (pinnacle)
Other Dive Centres in Cape Town & Western Cape
- Alpha Dive Centre - Strand
- Bellville Underwater Club - ["CMAS","IANTD"]
- Best Kiteboarding Africa
- Blue Flash
- Cape Town Dive Centre - PADI
- Coral Wetsuits
- Dive Action - ["PADI","NAUI","IANTD"]
- DiveInn Cape Town - ["RAID"]
- False Bay Underwater Club - ["SSI","CMAS","IANTD"]
- INDIGO SCUBA - SSI, RAID
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)
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 Marine Life
- Tuna (Thunnus alalunga) - Reef Fish
- African Weakfish (Atractoscion aequidens) - Reef Fish
- California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) - Reef Fish
- Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
- Rig (Galeorhinus galeus) - Sharks & Rays
- Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
- Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
- Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish
- Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) - Reef Fish
- Jac (Helicolenus dactylopterus) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Cape Town & Western Cape
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