DIVING CERTIFICATE REQUIRED

ALTERNATIVELY  SNORKELING WITHOUT DIVE CERTIFICATE

Kelp Forest Dive 

One of our more popular kelp forest sites is at Pyramid Rock where we have a good possibility of encountering the Sevengill shark, which is also called the Cow shark or Broadnose sevengill. The maximum depth is only 12 metres making it ideal for beginner and junior divers to join. The shallow depths and picturesque environment makes this is the ideal environment for photographers aiming to capture these sharks in their natural habitat.

The Cowsharks aggregate in the shallow channel between Pyramid Rock and the shore. If the sharks are present, there can be up to 30 sharks in the aggregation. Their curious and inquisitive nature means there is no baiting involved and we rely solely on a specific area where these animals are known to aggregate. Aside from the main attraction, the kelp forest is a beautiful environment to explore. There is an abundance of life in the kelp forest understorey.

We do have times when the sharks are not present in the area – please enquire about recent sightings when booking to have realistic expectations.

If the Cowsharks are not evident, then look out for the Spotted Gully sharks, which attain 1.7 metres in length. This is a timid shark more easily approached by freedivers than SCUBA divers. Then there are several species of catshark: the Pyjama catshark, Puffadder Shyshark, Leopard shyshark and Dark shyshark. These smaller sharks are between 50cm and 1.2 metres in length. The huge Short-tailed rays can occasionally be spotted. These rays grow up to 2 metres across the disk.

Cape Fur Seal

The Cape Fur Seal dive is a super fun and interactive dive and one of the signature dives that Cape Town has offered for more than two decades. The seals are very playful and love to show their acrobatic skills to divers.

These seals are used to divers and are not shy at all, they will often jump in the water in large numbers to come and investigate and play with divers.

We dive at Partridge Point, an exposed haul-out spot for seals. There are times when the water can be rough at the site due to waves or currents. We will make a careful assessment before entering the water and reserve the right to divert the divers to a more protected site if conditions warrant it.

A shallow section of the reef, known as the amphitheatre, is the best spot to interact with the Seals. The deeper sections of the reef offer beautiful marine life, swim-throughs and large sea fans.

ITINERARY

• Meet at Pisces Divers at 09h00
• Collect equipment, sign indemnities and load the boat
• Briefing for first dive
• Boat is launched and collects divers from beach opposite the dive centre
• Proceed to first dive site (20 minute trip) and dive
• Exit water and surface interval
• Briefing for second dive site
• Proceed to second dive site
• Exit water and head back to Simonstown
• Return to dive centre by 14h00 for hot shower, coffee,lunch and debrief

WHAT TO BRING

• Dive Certification Card (Open Water or Advanced)
• Towel
• Warm Jacket
• Bathing suit / Swimming costume
• Sunblock
• Camera
• Own dive equipment if preferred