Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa - Cape Town & Western Cape

Mellow Yellow usually brings exactly what the name suggests: a relatively easy dive, though a bit of current can really wake up the soft corals. We’re talking two pinnacles, the bigger one starts shallow, around 3 metres, and both drop down to about 40 metres, though we typically stick to that 22-metre max depth. The soft coral coverage is impressive, lots of movement and colour when the water gets flowing. Look for small things like leaf scorpionfish tucked into crevices and keep an eye out for a whitetip reef shark patrolling. It’s a solid dive for those who appreciate soft corals and don't mind a bit of a drift.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.981700, 18.359800
Type
reef

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 Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa

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 Justin’s Caves, Cape Town, South Africa

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 typical depth range for diving at Justin's Caves in Cape Town?
The typical depth range for diving at Justin's Caves in Cape Town is between 8m and 13m. The maximum depth recorded at this site is 13m, making it suitable for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Justin's Caves?
Divers at Justin's Caves can expect to explore impressive underwater features including huge granite core stone boulders, extensive reef structures, and numerous swim-throughs. The site also boasts a large and dense kelp forest. Marine life sightings often include fur seals from a nearby colony, schooling fish within the kelp, and a variety of coral, sea fans, and starfish inhabiting the swim-throughs. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the dive at Justin's Caves for different skill levels?
Justin's Caves is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While offering exciting features like swim-throughs and kelp forests, divers should have a comfortable level of experience to fully enjoy the site.
When is the best time of year to dive Justin's Caves for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Justin's Caves for optimal conditions. We recommend checking local dive reports or contacting a local dive center in Cape Town for current conditions. For general guidance on dive seasons, you can visit our When to Dive page.
What diving certifications or permits are required to dive at Justin's Caves, Cape Town?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications or permits required to dive at Justin's Caves in Cape Town. As it is an intermediate dive, a minimum Open Water certification is generally recommended, but local regulations or dive operators might have additional requirements. Always check with a local dive shop before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Justin's Caves, and what weather affects them?
Divers at Justin's Caves can typically expect an average visibility of 9m. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or how weather patterns might affect them. It's always advisable to consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions before your dive.