Vogelsteen

This dive site is named Vogelsteen, derived from the early Afrikaans/Dutch meaning ‘Bird Rock’. It's located along the coastline, extending northeast from Cow and Calf, potentially further. The area is characterized by a moderate relief close to shore, progressing to fairly flat terrain with small boulders and outcrops before transitioning into a band of black mussel shells packed with silt and pebbles. Beyond this zone lies a flat sand bed at approximately 11 meters. The coastline runs almost exactly magnetic east-west. The maximum depth is around 12 meters, though most dives occur shallower, typically between 9 and 11 meters. Visibility can be challenging due to suspended silt; it’s recommended to use macro and close-up photography equipment. The seabed often contains fine silt deposits, sometimes concentrated in patches up to a few centimeters thick, easily disturbed and reducing visibility. This site is particularly noted for its abundance of Cerianthids – burrowing anemones. These are most common where black mussel shell beds exist, with fewer sightings in stony rubble or sand. The Cerianthids exhibit color variations ranging from pale tentacles to those with dark inner tentacles and purple or blue outer/base tentacles. The species is new to science and currently being described by a specialist in Russia, making it the type locality. The shallows behind Vogelsteen are worth exploring during calm conditions due to considerable biodiversity. The area’s unique geology – particularly the mussel shell beds and silt deposits – creates a distinctive environment.