Key Summary
- Overview of Johnson’s Reef as a premier winter dive site in False Bay
- Detailed description of the site and its conditions
- Types of fish species and marine life commonly found
- Best times and conditions for diving
- Safety tips and considerations
- Gear recommendations
- Personal anecdotes and expert advice
Johnson’s Reef in Smitswinkel Bay: Dive Site
Location:
Johnson’s Reef in Smitswinkel Bay
Johnson’s Reef is located in Smitswinkel Bay along Simonstown side of False Bay. Known for its rich biodiversity and captivating underwater landscapes, it offers an exceptional diving experience, especially during the winter months when conditions are most favorable. The reef lies in a relatively sheltered bay, providing divers with a tranquil environment to explore.
Getting to Johnson’s Reef
Smitswinkel Bay is situated below a steep cliff, requiring a 400-500 meter walk down to the bay itself. Divers park across the road from the bay’s entrance location, then cross the road, you will spot the white pillars marking the bay quite clearly. A small walkway goes through the rock wall in front of you, leading to a long, winding, and slippery path down the mountain to the white beach below. The path is dotted with loose logs and rebar, making it essential to stick to the designated path to avoid disturbing the rehabilitating natural plants.
Upon reaching the beach, turn right and walk until you hit the fence marking the Table Mountain National Park border. Walking around this barrier and rock, you will arrive at the entrance for Johnson’s Reef.
Entering Johnson’s Reef
The best entry point to Johnson’s Reef is on the right side near a large natural rockpool. Divers can gear up on the rocks near the water and use the incoming swell to gently carry them off the rocks and into the ocean. Immediately upon entering the water, you will start seeing fish, predominantly Hottentot, and occasionally Galjoen and Red Roman. The initial part of the reef is characterized by its red bait and rocky outcrops. As you venture further, the reef deepens, culminating in a dramatic drop-off at the end.
Diving Conditions at Johnson’s Reef
Winter is the ideal time to dive at Johnson’s Reef. Water temperatures range between 13-18°C, and visibility can reach up to 15 meters on good days. The reef features rocky outcrops, kelp forests, and vibrant marine life, making it a picturesque underwater playground. The dive site ranges in depth from 5 meters to 12 meters, catering to divers of varying skill levels.
Fish Species and Marine Life in Smitswinkel Bay
Johnson’s Reef is home to a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter:
- Cape Fur Seals: Playful and curious, seals often approach divers, providing exciting interactions.
- Pyjama Sharks: Commonly found resting among the rocks, these small, harmless sharks are a highlight for many divers.
- Galjoen (Dichistius capensis): Known for their elusive nature, Galjoen are often spotted hiding among the rocky crevices. Legal minimum size: 35 cm. Daily limit: 2 per person.
- Red Roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps): Vibrantly colored and relatively easy to spot, these fish are popular targets for spearfishers. Legal minimum size: 30 cm. Daily limit: 2 per person.
- Hottentot (Pachymetopon blochii): Commonly seen in schools, these fish add to the reef’s bustling activity. Legal minimum size: 22 cm. Daily limit: 4 per person.
- Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi): Occasionally passing through the area, Yellowtail are prized catches for spearfishers. Legal minimum size: 60 cm. Daily limit: 10 per person.
- Nudibranchs: These colorful sea slugs can be found crawling along the reef, adding a splash of color to the underwater scenery.
- Soft Corals and Sponges: The reef is adorned with various soft corals and sponges, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem.
Exploring the Reef
Straight out to sea from the entry point is the first part of the reef, characterized by a slight rise and abundant red bait. Continuing further, the reef deepens before dramatically dropping off at the end. This drop-off is teeming with marine life, offering divers a thrilling underwater experience.
After exploring the initial area, divers can head south, staying along the 8-15 meter mark. This area is rich in marine life, including Hottentot, Red Roman, and occasionally Galjoen. Yellowtail may also be spotted in this region. Once divers have had their fill of spearfishing, they can return to the shallows to search for Allikreukel and black mussels before heading back up the cliff.
Best Times and Conditions for Diving
Winter months provide the best conditions for diving at Johnson’s Reef. The cooler temperatures result in fewer plankton blooms, enhancing visibility. Offshore winds from the north or west improve water clarity, making for optimal diving experiences. The reef’s sheltered location allows for diving even when conditions in other parts of False Bay may be less favorable.
Safety Tips for Diving at Johnson’s Reef
Safety is paramount when diving at Johnson’s Reef. Here are some essential tips:
- Dive with a Buddy: Always dive with a partner to ensure safety and provide assistance if needed.
- Check Weather Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts and avoid diving in adverse conditions.
- Use Proper Gear: Ensure all equipment is in good condition and suitable for the diving conditions.
- Be Mindful of Marine Life: Respect the marine environment and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
- Stay Within Limits: Know your limits and dive within your certification and experience level.
- Navigation: The path to the beach can be treacherous, so tread carefully and stay on the designated path to avoid damaging the rehabilitating vegetation.
- Carrying Gear: Be mindful of the weight of your gear and any catch you intend to bring back. Remember, what you bring down must be carried back up the steep path.
Gear Recommendations
For a successful and comfortable dive at Johnson’s Reef, consider the following gear:
- Wetsuits: A 5mm wetsuit with an integrated hood, such as the Reef 5mm Barrier Dive Wetsuit, provides optimal thermal protection.
- Fins: High-performance fins like Spierre or Freedivers Pure Carbon Blades offer excellent propulsion and maneuverability.
- Masks and Snorkels: Low-volume masks such as the Reef Inferno or Reef Mirror-Free ensure clear vision and a comfortable fit.
- Weightbelts: Freedivers silicone weightbelts with 800g D-weights provide excellent weight distribution and buoyancy control.
- Spearguns: For spearfishers, an 80-90cm speargun like the Zeneth or Horizon is ideal for the reef’s conditions.
Personal Anecdotes and Expert Advice
Charl Marais: Johnson’s Reef is a spectacular dive site, especially in winter. The visibility can be incredible, and the variety of marine life is astounding. One of my favorite experiences was encountering a playful Galjoen on the red bait patch that followed us throughout the dive. It’s a site that offers something new every time you visit.
After the dive… Be prepared for the hike back up. It’s quite a workout, especially if you’ve collected Allikreukel or mussels. Plan your dive and manage your catch wisely to make the ascent manageable.
Conclusion
Johnson’s Reef in Smitswinkel Bay is a winter diving paradise. With its rich marine life, excellent visibility, and diverse underwater landscapes, it provides an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Johnson’s Reef offers an adventure that is both exciting and rewarding. Just remember, whatever you bring down to the bay needs to be carried back up, so plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
