Simon’s Town Harbor - Cape Town & Western Cape

Tormentos is our go-to for a mellow drift, especially as a second dive when we want to just cruise and soak it all in. We love the way the reef here is sculpted, forming these shallow canyons and overhangs that are perfect for spotting the shyer critters. Keep an eye out for the Cozumel Splendid Toadfish; they’re often tucked away in a crevice, staring out with those distinctive eyes – finding one always feels like a little victory. It’s a site that really rewards a slow pace. You’ll drift past gorgonians swaying gently, and often spot spotted eagle rays gliding by in the blue, or a turtle munching on the sponges. The current is usually pretty mild, making it a great spot for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time exploring the nooks and crannies without battling the flow. For anyone looking for a relaxed, vibrant reef dive, Tormentos consistently delivers.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.192000, 18.434000
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 Simon’s Town Harbor

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 Simon’s Town Harbor

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 diving depth at Simon's Town Harbor and its immediate surrounding dive sites?
The typical diving depth at Simon's Town Harbor reaches a maximum of 9m. This relatively shallow site offers an interesting dive experience, navigating under moored boats to a sunken wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Simon's Town Harbor?
When diving in Simon's Town Harbor, divers will encounter a flat sandy bottom abundant with sea grass, creating a perfect habitat for diverse macro life. The site's prominent feature is a sunken wreck, which attracts numerous schooling fish and offers the possibility of spotting cow sharks.
How challenging is diving in Simon's Town Harbor, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving in Simon's Town Harbor is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it more suitable for divers with some prior experience. The site involves navigating under moored boats and often experiences high turbidity, which can add to the challenge for novice divers.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive in Simon's Town Harbor for optimal visibility and experience?
The available data does not specify the best times of year or particular conditions for optimal visibility at Simon's Town Harbor. Divers should be aware that due to boat traffic, the turbidity is typically high, meaning visibility is often not great at this site. For general information on dive conditions, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications or permits are required to dive in Simon's Town Harbor?
The provided information does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications or permits required to dive in Simon's Town Harbor. However, as the site is rated intermediate in difficulty, divers should ensure they possess the necessary training and experience for such conditions.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving in Simon's Town Harbor?
For diving in Simon's Town Harbor, divers can expect high turbidity due to boat traffic, resulting in visibility that is often not great. The average visibility at this site is reported as 6m. Specific details regarding currents or water temperature are not available in the provided data.