False Bay: Simon's Town


	All of the following dive sites are within a few kilometres of Simon’s town. Most of these are covered with prolific plant and fish life. These dives are not to be missed and are extremely well suited for photography.


	Dive sites:

		Shore entries:


	Sunny Cove:


	This reef has lots of small fish and even the elusive Pipe fish and Seahorse has been seen on occasion. Since there are plenty of sunlight the reef is covered with abundant marine growth. The average visibility is around 3-12m depending on the conditions.


	How to get there: Measure 0.7km from the Fish hoek traffic circle and park alongside the Sunny Cove railway siding. The site is across the railway tracks and you can enter below the station.

		Max. depth: 8m

Froggy Pond:

		This is a site with extremely easy entry and exit points. The rocks are densely covered with marine growth due to the sunlight. A great variety of small fish and even cuttlefish and octupuses are sighted. A relaxed dive for the novice or out-of-practice diver. Average vis. 3-12m.


	How to get there: This site is situated 9.8 km from Fish hoek in a little bay on the left. Park on the opposite side of the road and kit up there or on the lawn before the beach. Enter from the beach to the right of the rocky cluster jotting out into the sea. Swim to the left and around this cluster, descend and start to explore.

Max depth: 7m

Miller’s Point:

This is a reef consisting mainly of low walls and gullies covered in marine growth and kelp. There are a lot of fish life as well as abalone which may be taken with a snorkel during season. This is a good div efor novices and experienced divers and is often used as a winter training site. Be aware of the ski boats in the area and carry a buoy and alpha flag. Average vis. 3-20m

How to get there: Take the M4 from Fish hoek to Cape point and start to measure at the Fish hoek traffic circle.13,3km from the circle turn off to the Cape Boat and Ski club and enter the water near the launch site. There are several easy entry and exit points.

Max depth: 18m

Castle Rocks:

This is the site of two excellent dive spots Outer Castle and the big rock to the south east of the entry point. There are spectacular drop-offs and these are covered with marine growth. Since this is a marine sanctuary and any fishing and harvesting is prohibited, the fauna is prolific and many species of fish can be found. The rocks are covered with invertebrates and many small bottom sharks are also to be found here. All the Basket stars, crayfish, sea fans and sponges makes this site a photographers dream. Average vis. 3-15m. Ngiht dives are also possible.

How to get there: Take the M4 from Fish hoek to Cape Point and start to measure from the traffic circle at Fish hoek. Drive past the Naval base and after excactly 14km park on the right-hand side of the road opposite the big rocks. There are a few unmissable cottages below the road. Kit up alongside the road and walk down the steps next to the cottages, past the lawn. the entry and exit points are to the right. Clamber across the round boulders in the water behind the sandy patch-beware of slipping. Choose an alternative exit point. The rocks can be reached after a 50-75m swim.

Max depth: 15m

Partridge Point:

This dive is only for the fit and keen as it involves a steep and long climb down to the dive site. It has magnificent underwater caverns,tunnels and overhangs all covered with luxuriant marine growth. Average vis. 3-15m.


	How to get there: Follow the Castle Rock directions and park on the left, 15.6 km from Fish hoek. There is a restriced road leading to the Nature conservation base.


		Max depth: 20m

	Boat dives:


	Roman Rock:


	This is an extensive reef dominated by the pinnacle rising to just below the surface. It has spectacular drop-offs covered with with sponges and starfish. The fish are very tame and follows the diver around. There are also great gorgonians and sea-whips swaying in the current, while nudibranchs, anemones and soft corals give color to the scene. This is a 10 min boat ride from the harbour of 5 min from Hobie beach. Best dived in winter with ave.vis 1-10m.


	Max depth: 18m


	Wreck dives/shore entry:


	The Clan Stuart:


	Permission to dive on her must be obtained from the Naval headquaters at Simon’s town. The engine block of this ship can be seen sticking out of the water and the wreck is covered with marine growth which attracts a lot of fish. The Clan Stuart was a British coal carrier and sank on 21 November 1914. Average vis. 3-15m.


	How to get there: It is situated 4km from the Fish Hoek traffic circle. After permission is obtained it is a 50m swim with easy entry and exit points.


	Max depth: 8m

For More Information contact: Orca Industries

Adress: 3 Bowwood Road, Claremont, 7708, South Africa
Phone: 021- 6719673 / 9
Fax: 021 - 6719733
E-mail duncan@orca-industries.co.za


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	Updated on: 06/09/2001