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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Seven Blinders?
The maximum depth for diving at Seven Blinders is 11 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive, suitable for various certification levels and offering ample bottom time.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Seven Blinders?
Divers at Seven Blinders can explore an old wreck scattered among rock formations, which is beautifully overgrown by kelp, anemones, and sea urchins. You can also expect to encounter diverse marine life such as cuttlefish, crayfish, stompneus, jutjaw, kolsterte, and puffader shy sharks.
Is Seven Blinders considered a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners or only experienced divers?
Seven Blinders is rated as an intermediate dive site. While not exclusively for experienced divers, its classification suggests it may present some challenges that make it less suitable for absolute beginners without proper guidance or supervision.
What is the best time of year to dive at Seven Blinders for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Seven Blinders for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the Cape Town & Western Cape area, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Seven Blinders?
The specific diving certifications required for Seven Blinders are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification with some experience or an Advanced Open Water Diver certification would generally be recommended to safely enjoy this site.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Seven Blinders dive site?
Divers at Seven Blinders can expect an average visibility of 3 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site.