Kelp Forest Scuba Dive
Kelp Forest Scuba Dive
If you are scuba certified, why not try the kelp forest scuba dive?
These are two guided boat based dives, taking you to the shallow channel between Pyramid Rock and the shore. There are a number of various shark species that call the kelp forest home, and have included Cow Sharks, members of the cat shark family, like the Puffadder Shyshark, Leopard shyshark and Dark shyshark, the Spotted Gully sharks and pajama sharks. Aside from the main attraction, the kelp forest is a beautiful environment to explore. There is an abundance of life in the kelp forest to discover, like the huge Short-tailed rays can occasionally be spotted. These rays grow up to 2 metres across the disk.
The maximum depth is only 12 metres making it ideal for beginner and junior divers to join. The shallow depths and picturesque environment make this is the ideal environment for photographers.
Dive into Cape Town’s Kelp Forests: An Unforgettable Shore Adventure Awaits
Embark on a Journey Through an Underwater Wonderland
Imagine descending into the enchanting kelp forests of Cape Town, where the ocean’s embrace reveals a world unlike any other. This is not just a dive; it’s an invitation to explore a vibrant underwater paradise brimming with life and wonder.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Experience the freedom of shore diving, where the constraints of boats and schedules dissolve. Here, you’re in control—dive when you want, explore as you please, and immerse yourself in the stunning underwater landscapes of Cape Town at your own rhythm.
Discover an Extraordinary Ecosystem
Cape Town’s kelp forests are a living tapestry of marine diversity. Glide past swaying kelp and encounter a kaleidoscope of colors from vibrant nudibranchs and curious klipfish to the graceful dance of stingrays and the elusive charm of catsharks. Every dive is a new adventure, revealing the secrets of this underwater wonderland.
A Challenge with a Rewarding Experience
Shore entry dives can be a bit of a trek, involving a walk of about 100 meters in your wetsuit and gear. But the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking beauty and unparalleled marine encounters that await you. If you have any concerns, our friendly dive guides are ready to assist. For those seeking a more relaxed approach, our boat dive options offer an equally mesmerizing experience.
Craft Unforgettable Memories
Each dive into Cape Town’s kelp forests promises not only awe-inspiring sights but also lasting memories. This is your chance to create extraordinary moments and stories that will stay with you long after you leave the water.
Are You Ready for the Dive of a Lifetime?
Cape Town’s kelp forests are calling. Dive in and discover an underwater world where adventure and beauty await at every turn. Embrace the thrill, explore the depths, and let this be the dive experience you’ll never forget.
Boat-Based Dives in Cape Town
Experience the Ultimate Dive Excursion
Cape Town’s azure waters are your gateway to an exhilarating underwater adventure. Each boat-based dive offers a unique and unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of discovering diverse dive sites with the sheer beauty of Cape Town’s stunning coastline.
Embark on a Journey of Discovery
Hop aboard and prepare for two exhilarating dives that cater to both certified scuba divers and snorkelers. Picture yourself plunging into the mystical kelp forests, where towering fronds sway gracefully, creating an otherworldly underwater jungle. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of a soft coral reef, teeming with an array of marine life that brings the ocean to life in a dazzling display of color.
If conditions are ideal, you might also explore a historic shipwreck—now a captivating marine sanctuary. This sunken treasure offers a glimpse into the past while serving as a vibrant habitat for sea creatures, adding an element of historical intrigue to your adventure.
Tailored to Your Experience
We carefully select each dive site to ensure a spectacular experience, all within the comfort zone of an Open Water Certification (less than 18 meters deep). For those eager to dive deeper, let us know in advance, and we can arrange a special dive that caters to your adventurous spirit. If the enchanted kelp forests are your primary focus, our shore dive option provides a more intimate exploration.
Safety Meets Adventure
Your safety is our utmost priority. Our experienced boat skipper and PADI dive masters will carefully choose dive sites based on current conditions to guarantee that every dive is both thrilling and secure. With their expertise, you can focus on enjoying the stunning underwater vistas and creating unforgettable memories.
Ready for the Dive of a Lifetime?
Set sail and dive into Cape Town’s extraordinary underwater world. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs, mystical kelp forests, or historic shipwrecks, this boat-based dive experience promises an adventure that will stay with you forever. Embark on the journey, embrace the thrill, and uncover the hidden treasures beneath Cape Town’s waves.
QUICK INFO
Price:
R2650 per person
Duration:
3 hours
Location:
Simon’s town, Cape Town
Season:
All year round
Max Depths:
12m
Water temp:
12 degrees C to 18 degrees C
Water Visibility:
5m – 15m
Qualification:
Open Water
Kelp Forest Scuba Dive
We do have times when the sharks are not present in the area – please enquire about recent sightings when booking to have realistic expectations.
ITINERARY
DEPARTURE TIME
Meeting time at dive Shop 9.00 but exact time to be confirmed the day before the trip and is based on weather conditions.
Briefing and departure time 10.00.
Hotel transfers arranged at an additional fee.
WHAT TO BRING
- Rain/wind jacket
- Sun block and Hat
- Beanie and scarf
- Your swimming costume
- Camera
- Take sea sick tablets – we do sell sea-bands a drug free answer to sea sickness
- Do not over indulge in alcohol the night before as you will be horribly sea sick.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
We have a very high success rate, but we are working with wild animals. Please be aware of this, so you do not arrive with unrealistic expectations. Marine animal sightings and activity are never guaranteed and even during peak season, there may be days when the sightings are lower than expected.
ABOUT SIMON'S TOWN
Simon’s Town, sometimes spelt Simonstown, is a town in the Western Cape, South Africa and is home to Naval Base Simon’s Town, the South African Navy’s largest base. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour.
THINGS TO DO IN SIMON'S TOWN
- Go shark cage diving
- Visit the penguins at Boulders beach
- Go Kayaking
- Go water biking
- Snorkelling in the Kelp Forest
- Scuba diving or snorkel with seals
- Scuba diving at the various wreck sites in False Bay
- Walk up to Just Nuisance’s grave
- Have fish and chips on the pier
MARINE LIFE WE SEE ON OUR TRIPS
During an unforgettable ocean adventure in False Bay, visitors can observe a diverse array of marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and whales, making it an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts.
Bronze Whaler Sharks
African Shark Eco-Charters is now diving with the beautiful Bronze Whaler Sharks. The tours are very exciting and the sharks are interactive around the boat. This makes for a great shark diving trip.
Bronze Whalers are also known as “Bronzies”, or Copper Sharks. With the decline of the Great White Shark in the areas, these sharks have now been spotted more frequently in False Bay. We have been seeing them on our day tours in the summertime. They can reach up to 3.5m in length, but we generally see sharks around the 2.5m mark.
Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Sharks
Over the last few years, we have seen a distinctive increase in Broadnose Sevengilled Cow Shark sightings around Seal Island. This is an astounding shark to dive with, as it is primitive looking and has calm slow movements. This shark was primarily seen in Cape Town in the shallows and in the stunning protected reefs in the Kelp forests along the Cape Peninsula marine reserve. However, in the last few years, they have moved to Seal Island and we have been privileged to be able to dive with them on our shark cage diving tours.
Hammerhead Sharks
It’s not often we see hammerhead Sharks in False Bay, but we have seen a few of them on our day trips when the warm water has pushed into the bay. They are named for the distinctive shape of their heads. It’s a great privilege to see them in False Bay.
Sting Rays
Occasionally we have been graced by Short-tailed Stingrays. We love these weird-looking creatures. They are the largest stingrays in the world and can reach upwards of 2.1m across and 350kg in weight.
Penguins
Did you know that you can see African Penguins on Seal Island? There are not a lot of penguins found on the island. Their numbers vary, but we roughly see around 50-80 penguins. They are very cute and happily live with the Cape Fur Seals.
Whale Watching
Whales are often seen on our trips in False Bay. We see Brydes whales, Southern Right whales and Humpback whales. We have also spotted Orca’s on our trips, especially the infamous shark eating “Port” and “Starboard”.
Great White Sharks
The iconic shark of all sharks is the Great White Shark. They are known and famous in False Bay to breach out of the water when hunting and catching their prey, which is the Cape Fur Seals. This behaviour is known as breaching or as we call it “AIRJAWS”. This behaviour is predominately seen in our peak season which is our Wintertime, with peak seasons being June, July and August.
Short Fin Mako Sharks
This extremely fast pelagic shark can be found on our Blue and Mako shark trips off Cape Point. This is a full day trip. We can go anything from 5-20 miles off Cape Point in search of warmer “blue water” where they are found. They are also known as the Blue Pointer or just Mako Shark. They are classified as endangered.
Blue Sharks
These open ocean sharks are found in temperate to tropical waters. They are long pointy sharks, of a blue shade on the top with white underneath and have long pectoral fins. They are also called the Great Blue Shark. They are most frequently seen on our pelagic shark trips.
Cape Fur Seals
Seal Island is heaving with Cape Fur seals. Depending on breeding season, the rock can boast anything from about 40 00-70 00 seals. They are large muscular seals, extremely noisy animals and bleat like lambs.
Common Dolphins
These beautiful sleek dolphins can be found in their hundreds in False Bay. We see them on many of our shark trips.
So, now that you know what False Bay has so much to offer, it’s like going on a marine safari!
Book your spot now for the trip of a lifetime!
PRICING
The price of the trip is R2 650.00 per person excluding transfers. A transfer is R750,00 a person. A single person transfer is a flat rate of R1500,00.