False Bay
False Bay, located just outside Cape Town, offers some of the world's most unique temperate water diving. It is famed for its enchanting kelp forests, which create a cathedral-like underwater environment teeming with life. This area is a critical habitat for a wide range of species, most notably the prehistoric Broadnose sevengill shark, which can be reliably encountered. The bay's numerous sites, from rocky reefs to colourful wrecks, provide a diverse playground for underwater explorers seeking an experience vastly different from tropical coral reefs, with a raw and wild beauty that is quintessentially South African.
Diving conditions are accessible year-round, with most sites being a short boat ride from shore. The bay is sheltered from the Atlantic's full force, offering relatively calm waters, though temperatures are cool, requiring a thick wetsuit or drysuit. Visibility varies seasonally, often being best during the winter months. Divers should visit False Bay for the chance to swim with playful Cape fur seals, navigate mystical kelp forests, and encounter shark species found almost nowhere else on scuba, making it a truly world-class cold-water diving destination.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in False Bay, South Africa?
Partridge Point is arguably the most popular dive site in False Bay, South Africa. Its fame comes from the resident Cape fur seal colony, offering divers incredible, playful interactions. The site also features beautiful kelp forests, swim-throughs, and a high diversity of fish and invertebrate life. Its relative shelter and accessibility by a short boat ride from Simon's Town make it a go-to spot for both new and experienced divers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in False Bay, South Africa?
Well-known sites in False Bay, South Africa, include the seal-haven of Partridge Point, the shark-spotting location Pyramid Rock, and the vibrant reef at Castle Rocks. For divers seeking less-crowded hidden gems, sites like Rooikrans or those near Cape Point offer more rugged, exposed diving with dramatic topography when conditions permit. The wreck of the SAS Pietermaritzburg is also a fantastic, easily accessible dive for wreck enthusiasts.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in False Bay, South Africa?
Water temperatures in False Bay, South Africa, are cool year-round. In the summer months (November to April), temperatures typically range from 16-20°C (61-68°F). During the winter (May to October), the water cools down to between 12-16°C (54-61°F). The bay is generally a few degrees warmer than the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, but proper thermal protection is always necessary for a comfortable dive.
When is the best time to visit False Bay, South Africa?
The best time to dive in False Bay, South Africa, involves a trade-off. Summer (November to April) offers warmer water and calmer, sunny weather, making for more comfortable diving. However, winter (May to August) generally provides significantly better underwater visibility, often exceeding 15 meters, as the plankton blooms of summer subside. Therefore, choose summer for comfort or winter for the clearest conditions.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in False Bay, South Africa?
Visibility in False Bay, South Africa, is highly variable. During the summer, plankton blooms can reduce visibility to an average of 3-8 meters. In contrast, the winter months often bring excellent conditions with visibility frequently reaching 10-20 meters or more, especially after a period of offshore winds. Conditions can change rapidly, so it's always best to check with local dive operators for the latest reports.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in False Bay, South Africa?
False Bay, South Africa, is a cold-water environment and does not host manta rays or whale sharks. The main seasonal event is the aggregation of Broadnose sevengill sharks (Cowsharks) within the kelp forests, primarily during the warmer summer months. From June to November, Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate through the bay and can be seen from the boat, though in-water encounters are not permitted.
What marine life can I expect to see in False Bay, South Africa?
The marine life in False Bay, South Africa, is rich and unique. Key sightings include Broadnose sevengill sharks, playful Cape fur seals, and various smaller shark species like Pajama and Puffadder shysharks. The kelp forests are home to octopus, cuttlefish, and an array of colourful nudibranchs. You will also see many endemic fish species, such as the Red Roman, and vast fields of anemones, urchins, and sponges covering the reefs.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in False Bay, South Africa?
For diving in False Bay, South Africa, a 7mm wetsuit is considered the minimum requirement year-round. This should be paired with a hood, boots, and gloves for adequate thermal protection. Due to the cold water, especially in winter, many local divers and those doing multiple dives prefer using a drysuit for maximum warmth and comfort. Rental gear from local operators will typically be 7mm suits.
How do I get to False Bay, South Africa?
To get to False Bay, South Africa, you should fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From the airport, the main dive hubs like Simon's Town or Gordon's Bay are a 45-60 minute drive away. Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around and explore the coastline. Many dive operators can also arrange transfers from Cape Town for their clients upon request.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in False Bay, South Africa?
There are no liveaboard operations in False Bay, South Africa. All diving is shore-based, operating out of coastal towns like Simon's Town. Dive sites are reached via short trips on rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) or, in some cases, directly from the shore. This makes logistics very easy, allowing you to stay in local accommodation and enjoy the area's topside attractions between your daily dives.