Key Summary
- Overview of Bakoven Beach as a spearfishing and dive site
- Detailed information on marine life and the site’s underwater topography
- Important dive and parking tips, including catch limits and safety considerations
- Overview of Apnea Addicts’ connection with the NSRI for local dive training
Bakoven Beach Dive Site
Located in Camps Bay, Bakoven Beach is a compact yet well-known beach with a nearby NSRI Station. It’s a popular choice for spearfishing, freediving, and snorkelling, offering accessible entry for beginner divers and instructors. The beach’s shallows make it ideal for learning how to freedive, as the water depth gradually increases, revealing rocky structures and kelp beds that are home to a variety of marine life.
Getting to Bakoven Beach
Parking at Bakoven Beach can be a bit challenging due to the popularity of the area. Parking bays are located just above the beach, and it’s important to respect designated spaces to avoid issues, as unauthorized parking can result in your vehicle being clamped. From the parking area, walk down the path toward the NSRI station, where divers can gear up on the slipway before entering the water nearby.
Location: 
Marine Life at Bakoven Beach
The ecosystem at Bakoven is active, providing a range of marine species, making it an engaging dive site for observing underwater life. Some of the most common species include:
Cape Bream (Hottentot):
Frequently spotted around the rocky formations in the bay. Legal minimum size: 22 cm; daily limit: 10 per person.
Galjoen:
Found near the rock formations and kelp beds. Legal minimum size: 35 cm; daily limit: 2 per person.
Shy Sharks and Sunfish:
These species occasionally swim by, adding to the diversity of the area.
Cape Fur Seals:
Known to dart through the waters, these seals are a memorable sight for divers.
Klipfish, Crayfish, and Octopus:
Often hiding in crevices among the rocks.
Kelp Beds:
The kelp forests shelter smaller fish and invertebrates, creating an intricate underwater environment.
Diving Conditions and Best Times
Bakoven Beach is best suited for summer diving, particularly when easterly or southeasterly winds have cleared up the bay. Water temperatures range from 9 to 14°C, so cold-water gear is recommended. Visibility generally varies between 3 to 8 meters, though it can occasionally extend to 15 meters, particularly in favorable conditions.
Spearfishing at Bakoven Beach
Bakoven Beach offers a variety of conditions for spearfishers, though certain rules should be observed:
- Speargun Choice: An 80cm or 90cm speargun is ideal for navigating Bakoven’s rocky underwater landscape. The Horizon 80cm speargun from Apnea Addicts is a good option for this site, offering accuracy and ease of handling.
- Respect for Bathers: Since Bakoven is a popular beach, spearfishers should respect the presence of bathers. Spearguns should only be loaded well away from shore, and it’s best to avoid the shallow swimming areas.
- Rock Formations and Kelp Forests: Hottentot fish in particular are attracted to the large underwater rocks, where the kelp and structure provide shelter and feeding grounds.
Training and Dive Etiquette
The gradual depth of Bakoven Beach makes it suitable for training freedivers, and Apnea Addicts often uses the site to introduce students to freediving basics. Notably, NSRI Station 2 is based here, and Apnea Addicts has had the privilege of training their team in freediving to support their lifesaving missions in the bay.
Underwater Topography and Points of Interest
Upon entering the water near the NSRI slipway and swimming out to the 7-meter mark, divers encounter a range of underwater formations, from large boulders to kelp beds that grow denser farther out. At the back edge of the bay, there are intriguing drop-offs covered in redbait that create a striking underwater scene on clear days.
Key areas to explore include:
- The Outer Rock Drop-offs: Clear and calm conditions reveal a vibrant array of redbait-covered rocks and ledges, which are well-suited to underwater photography.
- Kelp Beds: These forests, home to smaller fish and invertebrates, add to the diverse ecology and offer an engaging experience for snorkelers and divers alike.
Safety Tips for Diving at Bakoven Beach
Bakoven Beach’s location on the Atlantic Seaboard means it can experience high boat traffic, especially in the outer sections of the bay. Divers are advised to consider the following safety tips:
- Boat Traffic Awareness: The bay is frequented by fishing and scuba diving boats, so always remain vigilant and monitor your surroundings.
- Buoy Line: A buoy is recommended due to the busy waters; it helps signal your location to nearby boats.
- Diver Courtesy: Since Bakoven is shared with swimmer, beach goers, scuba divers and snorkelers, it’s courteous for freedivers and spearfishers to give space and be mindful of others.
- NSRI Station: The presence of NSRI Station 2 adds a layer of security, but safe diving practices remain essential.
- Condition Awareness: Bakoven’s conditions can shift quickly due to its Atlantic location. Be aware of changing tides and weather conditions.
Gear Recommendations for Bakoven Beach
For an optimal dive experience at Bakoven, consider the following gear:
- Wetsuits: A 5mm wetsuit with an integrated hood provides adequate insulation for colder water temperatures.
- Fins: Good Freediving fins like Reef Freediving fins allow for easy maneuverability around the kelp forests and rocky areas.
- Masks and Snorkels: Low-volume masks, such as the Reef Inferno, provide a comfortable fit and optimal visibility.
- Spearguns: For spearfishing, an 80cm or 90cm speargun like the Horizon is suitable for Bakoven’s underwater terrain.
- Buoy Line and Flag: A buoy line is essential for diver visibility given the high boat traffic in the area.
Conclusion
Bakoven Beach is a well-suited dive spot on the Atlantic Seaboard, with its underwater rock formations, kelp forests, and diverse marine life offering a rewarding experience for spearfishers, freedivers, and dive students alike. With close proximity to Cape Town, Bakoven Beach is a practical yet rewarding choice for divers of all levels. Following safety practices and adhering to local regulations ensures a positive and secure experience for everyone at this popular dive site.
