Cape Peninsula & Atlantic Seaboard
The Cape Peninsula and Atlantic Seaboard, stretching from Melkbosstrand to Muizenberg, offers a diverse and unique diving experience. This region, which includes the scenic Cape Point, is rich in marine life and provides a variety of diving conditions depending on the season and specific locations along the coast.
Seasonal Diving Dynamics
The diving conditions along the Atlantic Seaboard and False Bay are influenced heavily by seasonal winds. The Atlantic Seaboard is primarily dived during the summer months, while the Simonstown side of False Bay is better in the winter. This seasonal pattern is due to the prevailing winds that help clear the waters, making them ideal for diving. During the summer, the south-easterly winds clear the Atlantic Seaboard, offering excellent visibility. Conversely, in winter, the north-westerly winds clear up False Bay, making Simonstown an excellent winter diving spot.
Marine Life and Conditions
The Atlantic Seaboard, benefiting from the nutrient-rich Benguela current, boasts an impressive abundance of marine life, although the diversity is somewhat limited due to the colder waters. Here, divers can commonly encounter Cape Snoek, Bonito fish, and Cape Hottentot, especially from shore. This area is also known for its crayfish, which thrive in these colder, nutrient-rich waters.
Cape Point Diving Regulations
Cape Point, a highlight of the region, falls under the Marine Living Resources Act (1998) of South Africa, which imposes strict regulations on diving activities. According to these regulations, no diving equipment is allowed on boats within one nautical mile from shore, and dive gear is prohibited on vessels less than two nautical miles from shore within Cape Point, with the exception of Bellows Rock. Shore diving is the only permitted method, ensuring the conservation of this pristine marine environment.
Page 2, point 4 MLRA of 1998: 
Practical Considerations
Diving along the Atlantic Seaboard, especially in areas like Sea Point, Camps Bay, and Clifton, can be challenging due to limited parking and cramped spaces. In contrast, the Simonstown area of False Bay generally offers more accessible parking, making it a more convenient option for divers. The Cape Point area, aside from its diving restrictions, is also noted for its natural beauty. Divers and visitors alike can enjoy sightings of ostrich, eland antelope, baboons, and tortoises in this land reserve, which also features dramatic cliffs and several no-fishing zones.
Personal Experience and Mapping
Having spent 12 years diving the Peninsula area, with a significant focus on Cape Point over three years (approximately 200 days a year), I can attest to the unique and rewarding experiences this region offers. The attached map includes pin drops on some common dive sites, each linked to detailed explanations and guides for those locations. This region is a blend of natural beauty and rich marine life, promising memorable dives whether you are a seasoned diver or a novice exploring new waters.
For more information about Cape Point and its regulations, visit Cape Point.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling marine life along the Atlantic Seaboard or diving into the clear waters of False Bay, the Cape Peninsula offers something for every diver. Each dive site has its own charm and challenges, making this region a must-visit for those looking to experience the best of what Cape Town’s underwater world has to offer.
