Millers Point - Cape Town & Western Cape

Pointe de Dumbéa, right at the mouth of the Dumbéa pass, is a strong contender for our favourite drift dive in Prony Bay. We aim for an incoming current, letting it carry us towards the ‘Mur aux Loches’. The plateau at 14 metres makes for a comfortable start, then it drops away to 40 metres. But our maximum depth here is usually 24m. The main event when the current is running? The grey reef sharks. They hang out in the channel, often in good numbers. You feel the current pull you past, and they’re just there, stoic. Beyond the sharks, we frequently spot schools of unicornfish, their horns catching the light, and those little Arc-eye Hawkfish always seem to be perched, watching. Keep an eye out for dogtooth tuna too, slicing through the blue. Visibility typically holds at 22 metres. It’s a good spot for those who enjoy a bit of current and the thrill of bigger fish encounters without needing extreme depths.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.236800, 18.476600
Type
reef

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 Millers Point

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 Millers Point

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 scuba diving at Millers Point?
Millers Point is a relatively shallow dive site, with a maximum depth of 9m. This makes it accessible for many divers, allowing for longer bottom times to explore the marine life. Its shallow nature is ideal for extended observation of the unique ecosystem.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Millers Point?
Divers at Millers Point can explore a vibrant reef environment characterized by a kelp forest. The site is renowned for its diverse endemic shark species, including the elusive spotted gully shark, shy shark, pyjama shark, tiger cat shark, and leopard shark. Historically, it was also known as Shark Alley due to the high numbers of Seven-gill sharks found here.
How challenging is the Millers Point dive site for different levels of divers?
Millers Point is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While its maximum depth of 9m is shallow, divers should be comfortable with potential conditions in a kelp forest environment. It offers a rewarding experience for those with some diving experience looking for unique shark encounters.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at Millers Point for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day to dive at Millers Point for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. Divers should consult local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations to plan their visit to Millers Point. Checking local reports is crucial for the best experience.
Are there any specific diving certifications or permits required to dive at Millers Point?
Yes, a specific diving permit is required to dive at Millers Point, as it is located within a Marine Protected Area. Divers should ensure they obtain the necessary permit before entering the water. No specific certification level is mentioned beyond the general requirement for a diving permit.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Millers Point, and what weather should divers avoid?
At Millers Point, divers can expect an average visibility of 6m. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions or what weather divers should avoid. It is always advisable to check local weather forecasts and current reports before planning a dive at Millers Point to ensure safe and enjoyable conditions.