Kalk Bay Harbour Wall - Cape Town & Western Cape

Menara II, just off Una Una’s main village, gives you a winding wall dive that tops out around 23 meters. We’ve found the average visibility sits around 17 meters here, which is decent enough for spotting the schools of fusiliers and black snappers that often cruise by. The site's main draw is a small cave you can slip into one by one, a nice touch for a bit of exploration. Keep an eye out for dwarf morays tucked into crevices and maybe a blotchfin scorpionfish blending in on the coral. This spot is a solid pick for divers looking for a relaxed dive with a little extra to poke around in.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.129200, 18.450500
Type
cave

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 Kalk Bay Harbour Wall

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 Kalk Bay Harbour Wall

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 for diving at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall?
The Kalk Bay Harbour Wall offers a shallow diving experience, with a maximum depth of 11m. This makes it an excellent site for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall?
Divers at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including seals, starfish, anemones, octopus, and shy sharks. The site features confined water conditions, allowing divers to explore along the harbour wall. The animals here are noted for being smaller, making it ideal for younger divers or those interested in macro life.
How challenging is the Kalk Bay Harbour Wall dive site for scuba divers?
While rated as intermediate, Kalk Bay Harbour Wall is often considered ideal for beginners due to its confined water conditions. Divers should be mindful of the current, as going beyond the end of the wall can result in being pulled out. Sticking to the inside of the harbour wall ensures a more relaxed experience.
When is the best time of year to dive at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific certifications or permits required to dive at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall?
Yes, divers planning to explore Kalk Bay Harbour Wall must obtain permission from the harbour authorities beforehand. It is always wise to confirm any specific requirements or certifications with local dive operators.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions like at Kalk Bay Harbour Wall?
At Kalk Bay Harbour Wall, the average visibility is around 6m, offering decent viewing opportunities within its confined water conditions. While diving along the wall inside the harbour, currents are generally manageable, but it is crucial not to venture beyond the end of the wall as strong currents can pull you out.