Roman Rock

About this dive site

This dive site is located at Roman Rock, a significant reef in South Africa named after the endemic fish, Chrysoblephus Laticeps. The area consists of a relatively large reef complex, approximately 400 meters long and 110 meters wide, with dramatic topographic features including high ridges, deep gullies, and large boulders. A lighthouse and helipad are supported by two prominent rocks at the surface. The eastern portion of the reef extends to shallower depths than 3 meters in some areas, while the western section is demarcated by a deep gully, reaching depths of up to 12 meters or more. The seabed is primarily coarse, shelly sand with granite cornerstones. A smaller ridge runs parallel to the main reef about 20 meters away. The site offers a diverse marine environment, including encrusted rocks covered in black mussels, kelp, sea urchins, and large solitary ascidians. Feather stars are abundant on the steeper sides, alongside mauve sea cucumbers and occasional sea fans. Sand habitats host sand stars, brittle stars, sand slugs, Cerianthids, purple sea pens, and dense aggregations of spiny starfish. This is a good photographic location, suitable for both macro and wide-angle lenses. The reef presents a varied experience with significant depth differences.