Jutten island - Cape Town & Western Cape

Mellow Yellow, sitting at the south end of Bikini, is exactly what it sounds like – a mellow dive with a lovely splash of yellow. We’ve always found it a great spot to ease into a Sodwana trip, particularly if you’re a newer diver or just want something relaxed. The maximum depth of 19m means plenty of bottom time, and the current is usually pretty gentle. When you drop in, you’ll immediately understand the name. We're talking massive shoals of fusiliers, snappers, and goatfish, all with that golden-yellow hue, sometimes so thick they almost dim the sunlight. It’s like swimming through a golden cloud. Keep an eye out for the Broadband Flathead blending perfectly on the sand patches, and we often spot pufferfish and triggerfish cruising the reef. If you’re patient, the Spitlure Frogfish are there, masters of camouflage, and the African Longfin Eels can be quite a sight poking out from crevices. It’s a gentle, visually rich dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to just slow down and soak it all in.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.081800, 17.957600

Marine Protected Area: Jutten Island 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 Jutten island

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 Jutten island

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 diving depth at Jutten Island?
At Jutten Island, divers can expect a maximum depth of 12 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, ideal for exploring the rich marine life within its reef system.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Jutten Island?
Divers at Jutten Island can anticipate a vibrant marine life experience, including a huge kelp forest, anemones, and sea urchins. You might also encounter a variety of fish such as crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, puffader, and shy sharks within this reef environment.
Is Jutten Island suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more advanced dive site?
Jutten Island is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience and appropriate certifications will find it an enjoyable and rewarding dive.
What is the best time of year or specific conditions to dive at Jutten Island for optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or optimal conditions for diving at Jutten Island. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 4 meters. For more detailed seasonal information, we recommend checking local dive reports or our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at Jutten Island?
Given that Jutten Island is an intermediate dive site, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Additionally, as it's part of the NPA, permission must be obtained before diving.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like when diving around Jutten Island?
When diving around Jutten Island, you can expect an average visibility of 4 meters. The provided information does not detail typical water temperatures or current conditions for this site.