Slipway Saldanha Bay

Best months: Mar

Protected Area

Marcus Island Marine Protected Area

Why dive here

With 269+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and great white sharks - Slipway Saldanha Bay offers some of Cape Town & Western Cape's richest reef diving. Water ranges 14-16°C, warmest February, March, April.

Best timeMar

WetsuitA 7mm wetsuit with a hood

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Great White Sharks · 269+ species recorded

Water14-16°C · warmest February, March, April

CharacterReef dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Slipway Saldanha Bay might only be seven metres deep, but don't let that fool you. This isn't a dive for chasing big pelagics. Instead, we love it for its quiet, unassuming charm, a place where you can slow right down and explore. The wreck, an old crayfish boat, sits on its side, draped in thick kelp like a forgotten blanket. Visibility often hovers around three metres, which means getting right up close to spot shy sharks tucked into crevices and cuttlefish subtly changing their patterns against the rust. You’ll want a good torch; even at this depth, the kelp creates an eerie twilight. We find the best plan is to take your time, tracing the outline of the old hull, peering under every overhang. Look for the common brittlestars, their arms writhing gently in the slight surge. It’s a site that rewards patience, perfect for photographers who enjoy macro work, or newer divers wanting a calm, shallow wreck experience without the pressure of strong currents.