There’s a lot to explore around the Cape Peninsula, but dedicated divers know that some of the city’s best-kept secrets lie beneath the waves. For those willing to dive a little deeper—literally—this city offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world. From exploring colourful kelp forests teeming with marine life to discovering historic shipwrecks off the rugged coast (there’s a reason it’s called the Cape of Storms!), Cape Town’s underwater world is as diverse as it is captivating.
This diversity ensures that whether you’re a scuba “newbie” or a seasoned pro, there’s always something spectacular to see. Here are five of the best scuba spots to discover during your stay at O’Two, showcasing the magic of Cape Town’s underwater world.
1. A-frame, Simon’s Town
A-Frame is a favourite among local divers, and it’s easy not hard to see why. This site offers a relaxed yet scenic experience that’s perfect for beginners and underwater photographers alike. The site’s lush kelp forest boasts a huge variety of marine life, from inquisitive fish to striped pyjama sharks and colourful nudibranchs. The gentle dive depth of just 12 metres also makes it the ideal spot for newer divers to dip their toes into Cape Town’s wild waters.
2. Castle Rocks
Head even further south from Simon’s Town and you’ll reach Castle Rocks, one of Cape Town’s most iconic shore dives. Named for its dramatic rock formations, this site lies within the coastal Marine Protected Area. That means it’s teeming with fish life, including Red Romans, yellow- and silver-lined “strepies” and small sharks. There’s also a good chance of encountering South Africa’s national fish, the Galjoen, making this a perfect dive site for avid underwater naturalists.
3. Partridge Point
Located just around the corner from Castle Rocks, Partridge Point offers an incredible underwater landscape, complete with swim-throughs, caverns and giant boulders. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, Partridge Point is also known as one of the Cape’s top spots for encountering shy pipefish, brilliantly coloured sea cucumbers, and the occasional curious seal—or three! Add in a manageable dive depth of 20 metres, and this site offers an exhilarating experience for divers of all skill levels, blending adventure, awesome marine life, and accessibility in a single package.
4. Smitswinkel Bay Wreck Diving
For those seeking a deeper adventure, Smitswinkel Bay, located even further south, is a must-visit. This site is a diver’s paradise, home to five intentionally sunk wrecks that have created an extraordinary artificial reef. These wrecks, now encrusted with soft corals and home to a multitude of marine species, sit at depths of around 30 to 40 metres. On a clear day, you can see all five ships, making for a surreal diving experience that feels like an underwater museum. But be aware that the depth means this site is best suited to more experienced divers.
5. Shark Diving Around the Coast
If all of that’s still sounding a little bit tame, it’s time to get to some shark diving! Cape Town offers several adrenaline-pumping shark experiences around the peninsula, ranging from diving with cow sharks in shallow kelp forests to cage-diving with great white sharks.
For the truly brave, Pisces Divers offers a pelagic shark experience in open water off Cape Point. Here you’ll get to see graceful blue sharks, or even a speedy shortfin mako — the fastest shark in South African waters. There are no cages here, so be prepared to come face to face with some of the ocean’s biggest predators!
Best Times to go Diving
Cape Town offers year-round diving opportunities, but the best sites vary with the seasons. The warmer months from October to April are ideal for diving the eastern side of False Bay and the Atlantic side of the peninsula, thanks to the clear waters brought in by the southeasterly winds. In contrast, winter (May to September) is the best time to explore the Simon’s Town side of False Bay, as visibility tends to be better during this season.
Booking your Diving Adventure
Cape Town is home to a lot of dive shops, so it’s worth doing some research based on the experiences and sites you’re most interested in. Into the Blue, Pisces Divers, and Dive Action are among the highest rated for general diving. For great whites, try Apex Predators or White Shark Divers.
Conclusion
After a day of diving, why not treat yourself to some relaxation and luxury at O’Two Hotel? Unwind by our rooftop pool with stunning views of the Atlantic or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at our spa. Our luxurious accommodations and personalised service will ensure you’re fully recharged for whatever exciting activity Cape Town has in store next. Ready to dive in? Let O’Two be your home base as you explore the best of Cape Town—above and below the surface.
