Windmill Beach - Cape Town & Western Cape

Ashitol Bay in the Similan Islands is a good spot for a relaxed dive. We’ve often found leopard sharks resting on the sand here, especially in the shallower areas. It’s a gentle introduction to the Similans, excellent for newer divers or those looking for an easy second dive, with plenty of reef fish around the coral patches. The calm conditions make it ideal for practicing buoyancy.

Location
Cape Town & Western Cape, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-34.200600, 18.457800

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 Windmill Beach

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 Windmill Beach

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 maximum depth for diving at Windmill Beach?
The maximum depth for diving at Windmill Beach is 8 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for a wide range of divers, while still offering a rich underwater experience and varied topography.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Windmill Beach?
Divers at Windmill Beach can expect to explore a diverse ecology with varied topography, characteristic of a reef dive site. The site boasts a wide variety of invertebrate and fish species, making it a vibrant location for marine life observation. Additionally, there's a small cove with a sandy bottom, suitable for training exercises. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Windmill Beach, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Windmill Beach is rated as intermediate difficulty. However, it features a very easy and protected beach entry, and a small cove with a sandy bottom that is suitable for training exercises. While intermediate, its accessible entry and training areas can make it manageable for confident beginners under supervision.
When is the best time of year to dive at Windmill Beach for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Windmill Beach for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific permits or certifications required to dive at Windmill Beach?
Yes, a specific permit is required to dive at Windmill Beach. This is because the site is located within a Marine Protected Area, established in 2004, which helps preserve its diverse ecology. Divers should ensure they have the necessary permits before planning their dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like for diving at Windmill Beach?
Typical visibility conditions at Windmill Beach average around 6 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions for this dive site.