Slipway Saldanha Bay - Cape Town & Western Cape

Toyapakeh is one of those sites we always come back to when we’re in the Nusa Islands. It’s an easy drift, often with a pushy current, so we'd suggest it for divers comfortable with a bit of movement. The coral starts shallow, right from the boat, and then slopes down to about 21 metres. What really grabs you here are the huge coral bommies, absolutely covered in colour. Think bright orange Astreopora and stacks of staghorn reaching for the light. We often spot whitetip reef sharks resting under ledges, and the anemones are busy with pink anemonefish. Keep an eye out for the fluted clams, their mantles a vibrant blue or green. The currents can be unpredictable, sometimes washing in schooling fusiliers, other times bringing pelagics like barracuda through the blue. It’s a site that rewards repeat visits; there's always something new to catch your eye in the reef's crevices or out in the open water.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-33.021500, 17.948800
Type
reef

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 Slipway Saldanha Bay

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 Slipway Saldanha Bay

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