Orca Diving Academy - Cape Town & Western Cape

The team at Orca Diving Academy are old hands, in the best possible way. They've been around since '86, which in Cape Town diving years means they’ve seen it all, and probably dived it twice. We love their no-nonsense approach to getting you comfortable in some of the Western Cape’s more demanding, but incredibly rewarding, conditions. This isn't a factory mill; it’s a proper dive shop for people who want to learn properly, especially if you’re looking to get into the kelp forests or the chillier wreck sites further down the coast. Our favourite thing about Orca is their instructors' deep local knowledge. They really know the currents around False Bay, when the thermoclines are likely to hit, and which sites are showing off on a given day. They focus on PADI courses, but it feels like there’s a real emphasis on practical skills rather than just ticking boxes. Expect thorough briefings, decent kit, and a team who'll make sure you're ready for the chilly embrace of the Atlantic. We’d suggest chatting with them directly about what you’re hoping to achieve; they’re great at tailoring advice and knowing the best time of year for specific training.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.984530, 18.463750
Phone
+27 21 671 9673
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.orca-industries.co.za
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI Dive Center [padi:32079]
Address
#3, Bowwood Road, Claremont, Western Cape, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa

Dive Sites Near Orca Diving Academy

Orca Diving Academy provides access to 15 dive sites in Cape Town & Western Cape.

Other Dive Centres in Cape Town & Western Cape

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

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