Saunder’s Rock Dive Site
Saunder’s Rock, located on the Atlantic Seaboard near Green Point, Cape Town, is a favorite spot for spearfishers, freedivers, and snorkelers alike. Known for its rugged underwater terrain, abundant marine life, and accessibility from the city center, this site attracts divers, particularly in the summer months when conditions are ideal. Whether you’re looking to spearfish or simply enjoy the underwater scenery, Saunder’s Rock offers a challenging but rewarding dive experience.
Getting to Saunder’s Rock
To access Saunder’s Rock, take the scenic drive along Beach Road from Sea Point towards Clifton. You’ll pass by the Sea Point Pavilion, and as the road turns into a one-way street, continue until you reach a circle. Go straight over the circle, and you’ll soon arrive at another roundabout that leads to Saunder’s Bay. Since the road beyond this point becomes one-way (in the opposite direction), the best place to park is in the lot just before the second circle.
After parking, kit up at your vehicle and walk back towards the circle, where you will find a set of stairs leading down to the water. Be mindful of the rocky entry, as conditions can be challenging. If the swell exceeds 2.1 meters, it is advisable to choose an alternative dive site due to the risks posed by the strong waves at Saunder’s Rock.
Location: 
Diving Conditions at Saunder’s Rock
Saunder’s Rock is best dived during the summer when the easterly winds clear up the water, ensuring better visibility. The water temperature typically ranges between 12 and 18°C, and the depth of the site extends up to about 18 meters. The site’s layout includes shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and deeper sections that offer prime spearfishing opportunities.
Shallow Areas:
The shallows of Saunder’s Rock are stunning, with rock formations full of crevices and cracks. These features make the shallows perfect for snorkelers and divers looking for crayfish and fast-moving hottentot fish.
Mid-Depth Areas:
As you swim deeper into the site, you’ll encounter large boulders covered in kelp, interspersed with caves and open patches of sand. The kelp forests in these areas often harbor shoals of hottentot, while the open sand patches are typically barren.
Deeper Areas:
Moving toward the back of the blinders, the depth increases to around 12 meters. In these deeper waters, you can expect to find more hottentot and explore the rock formations in search of marine life.
Marine Life in Saunder’s Rock
The marine life at Saunder’s Rock is less diverse than other Atlantic Seaboard dive sites, but it remains abundant. Divers and spearfishers will most commonly encounter:
Hottentot (Pachymetopon blochii):
These fish are frequently seen darting through the kelp forests and are a prime target for spearfishers.
Galjoen (Dichistius capensis):
Known for their speed, these fish are often spotted in the shallows. Legal minimum size: 35 cm. Daily limit: 2 per person.
Crayfish (Jasus lalandii):
Found in the crevices and cracks of the rocks, crayfish are a regular sight for divers.
Abalone (Haliotis midae):
Occasionally spotted in the intertidal areas, though their presence is limited due to poaching pressures.
Mullet (Mugilidae):
These fish often frequent the shallow areas, creating schools that are a joy to observe during a snorkel.
While the site doesn’t boast a wide variety of fish, the presence of large hottentot and galjoen, along with the rocky, kelp-covered underwater landscape, makes Saunder’s Rock an attractive site for spearfishers and freedivers.
Best Times and Conditions for Diving
Summer is the optimal time to dive at Saunder’s Rock. The easterly winds during this season help to clear the water, improving visibility. On a good day, visibility can reach up to 15 meters, but it usually ranges from 6 to 8 meters. The water temperature typically fluctuates between 12 and 18°C, making a thick wetsuit essential to ensure comfort during the dive. The shallow rocky terrain also makes the site ideal for snorkeling and freediving.
Safety Tips for Diving at Saunder’s Rock
As with any dive site, safety is a top priority when diving at Saunder’s Rock. Here are some essential safety tips:
-
Entry and Exit Safety
Be cautious when entering and exiting the water, particularly if the swell is over 2.1 meters. The rocky terrain can be hazardous, and timing your entry with the wave sets is crucial.
-
Dive with a Buddy
Never dive alone, especially at a site like Saunder’s Rock, where the underwater terrain can be challenging.
-
Check Weather Conditions
Always check the swell and wind conditions before diving. If the swell is too high, consider diving at a different site.
-
Use Proper Gear
Ensure all your gear is in good condition, including your speargun if you plan on spearfishing. An 80cm speargun is ideal for the conditions at Saunder’s Rock.
-
Respect Marine Life
Spearfishing is allowed at this site, but always ensure that you adhere to local fishing regulations and size limits.
Gear Recommendations
For a successful and comfortable dive at Saunder’s Rock, consider the following gear:
Wetsuits:
- 5mm wetsuit with an integrated hood, such as the Reef 5mm Barrier Dive Wetsuit, provides optimal thermal protection for water temperatures between 12 and 18°C.
Fins:
- High-performance fins like Spierre or Freedivers Pure Carbon Blades offer excellent propulsion, especially when swimming through the kelp.
Masks and Snorkels:
- Low-volume masks such as the Reef Inferno or Reef Mirror-Free ensure clear vision and comfort.
Weightbelts:
- Freedivers silicone weightbelts with 800g D-weights ensure great weight distribution and buoyancy.
Spearguns:
- An 80cm speargun like the Zeneth or Horizon is recommended for spearfishing at Saunder’s Rock, as it offers precision and ease of maneuverability in the rocky terrain.
Dive Lights:
- Useful for exploring the deeper kelp forests and rocky crevices.
Personal Anecdotes and Expert Advice
Experienced spearfishers often speak highly of Saunder’s Rock. The site’s accessibility from Cape Town’s city center and its relatively calm waters during summer make it an attractive option for a quick dive. The abundance of large hottentot in the kelp forests and the opportunity to explore the caves and boulders add to its appeal. However, divers should always remain cautious when exiting the water, as the rocky terrain can make this challenging.
Saunder’s Rock is a fantastic dive site for spearfishers, freedivers, and snorkelers looking for a challenging yet rewarding underwater adventure. With its shallow rocky reefs, kelp forests, and the occasional sighting of crayfish and galjoen, this site offers something for everyone. The proximity to Cape Town’s city center makes it easily accessible, and the ideal conditions during summer ensure a pleasant dive. By following the safety tips and gear recommendations, divers can ensure an enjoyable and safe experience at Saunder’s Rock.
