Castle Rock Cape Town

Kelp forest with swim-throughs, sharks, and seals

Boat Access
7m Avg Depth
14m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Castle Rock, is located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It features a pristine kelp forest with varying depths, transitioning into impressive reef structures further out. Massive pinnacles rise from the seabed, creating a dynamic underwater landscape. The site's rock structure offers shelter from northwestern winds, making it a potentially good choice even on slightly windy days. Navigation is relatively straightforward, following the kelp forest and pinnacles.

The kelp forest is teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of Cape Town's fish, along with the occasional seal, shark, and other larger marine animals. The abundance of kelp provides numerous hiding places for smaller creatures. Various invertebrates and smaller fish should provide ample opportunity for macro photography.

The best time to visit is during the warmer months (spring and summer, roughly September to April), when visibility is typically better and the water is warmer. However, conditions can change quickly in the ocean, so checking the weather forecast and sea conditions before diving is crucial. For freedivers, the relatively sheltered nature of the site and the average depth of 10 meters make it a suitable option. However, always dive within your limits and always dive with a buddy.

Diving Freediving

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Famousness Well Known

Plan Your Visit

kelp forestreefswim-throughsharksealmacro photographywide anglesouth africacape town

Marine Life

various Cape Town fish speciessealssharkskelp

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Moderate depth and potential currents.

Hazards:
strong currentscold watermarine life
Current Strength:

Mild

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