Roman Rock - Cape Town & Western Cape

Tanavula Point Drift is one of those dives we always look forward to in Iron Bottom Sound. It’s a proper current ride, and you really feel the push as you fly along the wall. The reef starts as a gentle slope, maybe 10-12 metres, a nice warm-up, then BAM, it drops away into a vertical face at the point. That’s where the magic happens. We’ve seen bluefish schooling so thick they blot out the sun for a second, and the messmate pipefish always put on a show in the cracks. Our favourite part is hanging back from the main current at the point, just watching the parade: the boomerang triggerfish picking at corals, the banded blue sprats shimmering in unison, and the occasional red emperor lurking. You absolutely need to be aware of the downcurrents at the point if there’s a strong flow, so keep an eye on your depth. This dive is for those who love a bit of speed and aren’t afraid to commit to a drift, best done on a rising tide for the clearest water and most consistent push.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.180800, 18.460000
Type
drift

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 Roman Rock

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 Roman Rock

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