SOUTH ATLANTIC
False Bay · Kelp Forests
- South Africa
- Intermediate
- April - October
Plan your dive
- Experience level
- Intermediate
- Depth guide
- Shallow kelp and reef routes; depth depends on selected site
- When to go
- April - October
- Site type
- Kelp Forest
Featured wildlife
- Pyjama shark
About this dive site
Rocky reefs, swaying kelp and South Africa’s striped pyjama sharks.
False Bay’s kelp forests near Simon’s Town shelter small sharks, fish and colourful invertebrates. Operators combine reef and kelp dives, selecting sites according to visibility, swell and the group’s experience. Pyjama sharks are one of the distinctive local species; the larger sevengill sharks described in older accounts should not be treated as a dependable attraction. Cold water, surge and changeable visibility call for suitable exposure protection and a local briefing. Watch animals without moving kelp or pulling them from their resting places.
Most trips target April - October, but wind, swell and current still decide the day's site. Calendar peak is April - October, but skippers still move sites when wind, swell or current change. Book with a crew that knows False Bay day to day, not just the map pin.