Titties Bay - Cape Town & Western Cape

The Boiler. You hear that name tossed around in Socorro and you know what it means: mantas. Specifically, giant Pacific manta rays that are genuinely curious, not just passing by. We've had them hover inches from our masks, doing barrel rolls right above our heads for minutes on end. It’s a rocky pinnacle that tops out around 8 meters, dropping off deep on all sides, and the mantas just love it here. You’ll often find a good current, which is usually a sign the big stuff is around, and besides the mantas, we've spotted hammerheads cruising by in the blue, and sometimes playful dolphins. This spot is definitely for divers comfortable in current, ready for that truly interactive big animal experience.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-32.839900, 17.861100
Type
pinnacle

Marine Protected Area: Paternoster Rocks Provincial Nature Reserve

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 Titties 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 Titties 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Titties Bay?
The maximum depth for diving at Titties Bay is 7m, making it a relatively shallow dive. As a shore entry site in a small bay, divers can expect a generally shallow profile suitable for exploring the rock face.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Titties Bay?
Titties Bay is known as a macro dive, offering opportunities to spot smaller creatures. Divers can expect to see lots of kelp, Crayfish, and potentially an Octopus or two hiding in the crevasses along the rock face. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Titties Bay, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Titties Bay is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is a shore entry, the condition of the outside sea, particularly swell size, is important to consider. Therefore, it may not be ideal for absolute beginners unless conditions are exceptionally calm.
When is the best time of year or day to dive Titties Bay for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify a best time of year or day for optimal conditions at Titties Bay. However, it explicitly states that the condition of the outside sea, especially swell size, is important. Always check local conditions before planning your dive. For general guidance on dive planning, see when to dive.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Titties Bay?
The provided information does not specify any unique diving certifications required for Titties Bay. Given its intermediate difficulty, a standard Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended, along with experience in shore entries and varying swell conditions.
What are the typical current and swell conditions like at Titties Bay, and how do they affect diving?
At Titties Bay, the condition of the outside sea, particularly swell size, is highlighted as an important factor affecting diving. While there is no specific information regarding typical current conditions, divers should be mindful of swell impacting the shore entry and overall dive experience.