Lynch Blinder - Cape Town & Western Cape

Pallas is a site we keep coming back to on Grand Cayman’s south side, and for good reason. It’s got this great mix of wide, canyon-like finger corals that slope gently down into sandy patches, all dotted with little swim-throughs and arches. The reef crest itself is shallow, often around 5-8 metres, and we love spending the tail end of a dive just hovering there. You’ll find soft corals swaying, and it’s a nursery for so many juvenile fish – little yellowtail damselfish flitting about, slender filefish trying to blend in. We’ve even spotted the elusive sea pea, a tiny juvenile trunkfish, tucked away. Down deeper, around 15-18 metres, is where you really get into the larger coral formations. Look into the shadows of the overhangs for belt cardinalfish or shy brotulas. Visibility averages 22 metres here, so the sunlight really penetrates, giving the corals a rich glow. It’s a pretty relaxed dive, suitable for anyone comfortable finning around a coral garden, and a perfect spot if you're keen on finding those smaller, often overlooked critters like blennies and gobies.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.039000, 18.011400
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Marcus 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 Lynch Blinder

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 Lynch Blinder

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