Seven Blinders - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Twins, near Whitianga, is one of those spots that just delivers when the conditions line up. We usually find ourselves dropping in around high slack tide, which helps keep the swim through at 10 metres from turning into a washing machine. The structure itself is a pair of rocky pinnacles, hence the name, and we love the way the light filters down into the gaps between them. You’ll see plenty of the usual suspects here: schools of little Pacific sardines shimmering past, and the flash of butterfly perch darting in and out of crevices. We’ve had some cracking encounters with black stingrays gliding over the seabed, and once even watched an Australian spiny pipehorse doing its best impression of a piece of kelp. Visibility averages around 11 metres, but on a good day, after a stretch of settled weather, it can push past 15 metres, which really opens up the place. Avoid it after heavy rain, though, as that average vis can plummet. It's a dive that suits those with a bit of experience, especially if you want to explore the deeper sections on the north and south sides. Expect to spend your time exploring the nooks and crannies, keeping an eye out for the subtle movements of green wrasse and southern reef squid.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.002500, 17.983700
Type
pinnacle

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 Seven Blinders

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 Seven Blinders

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