I dived with Into the blue last week, and despite having an early meeting time was greeted by the staff with instant smiles and friendliness. Within 15 minutes the blond lady at reception had our whole groups paperwork sorted, gear packed, and introductions given.
There was a groupf of about 7 of us, and we all got to know eachother and the rest of the staff very well throughout the day. Everyone of the staff was friendly and happy to lend a helping hand, and they were very thorough and professional throughout the day.
The dive conditions didn't end up being so good, but the skipper GP was wise enough to call off the second dive for safety and we were sorted out back at the shop with rescheduling and refunds.
Very well done, and I would highly recommend for any divers visiting Cape town. I will be back to dive with Into the blue again!!!
SCUBA DIVING WITH SEALS IN CAPE TOWN - INTRODUCTION
Scuba diving with seals in Cape Town is a must for every scuba enthusiast. Explore the kelp forests around Duiker Island, Partridge Point and Strawberry Rock and be entertained by these beautiful creatures.
Unlike when they are above water, where they are slow and awkward, seals are amazingly agile under the water. They live in closely knit colonies and it often happens that when we go scuba diving near them that we encounter dozens of them underwater at the same time.
They are playful and curious creatures and are also known as the clowns of Cape Town. They love to swim around scuba divers and are bound to make your dive experience a memorable one.
There are 3 sites where we can scuba dive with them.
SCUBA DIVING WITH SEALS – STRAWBERRY ROCK
This site is located to the north of Sandy Cove, opposite the Twelve Apostles Hotel in Oudekraal. There are two large granite boulders which stick out of the water and are home to around 70 Cape Fur Seals. Besides the playful seals that can be found there, the site is home to lots of strawberry anemones and other colourful invertebrates. With an interesting rocky reef on the north side, and a dense kelp forest in the south, the site is well worth the fairly long surface swim.
Strawberry Rock dive facts
- Depth – 10 – 15 m
- Boat/Shore – Shore
- Minimum Qualification – Open Water
- Possible night dives? – No
- Additional equipment? - Underwater Camera
- Best time to go? – October – May
SCUBA DIVING WITH SEALS – DUIKER ISLAND
Also known as Seal Island, Duiker Island is located below the Sentinel in Hout Bay the site is a popular destination for divers and sight-seers alike. This is because the large granite boulders that stick out are home to 1000’s of Cape Fur Seals, one of the Cape’s largest colonies. This dive is one where you are guaranteed to see loads of them in amongst the dense kelp forest surrounding the island. Be sure to bring your camera!
Duiker Island dive facts
- Depth – 6 -7 m
- Boat/Shore – Boat
- Minimum Qualification – Open Water
- Possible night dives? – No
- Additional equipment? - Underwater Camera, 7mm + wetsuit
- Best time to go? – October – May
SCUBA DIVING WITH SEALS – PARTRIDGE POINT
The dive site of Seal Rock is located in Partridge Point in False Bay near Miller Point. The site consists of not only of the obvious Cape fur seals, but also a deep reef to the east. The site is a host to brightly coloured and various invertebrates which makes it a very diverse and interesting site to visit for lovers of both large and small aquatic life forms. The only thing to look out for is the strong surge and swell that can be present at this site.
Partridge point dive facts
- Depth – up to 26 m
- Boat/Shore – Boat
- Minimum Qualification – Open water or Advanced Open Water depending on the planned maximum depth
- Possible night dives? – No
- Additional equipment? - Underwater Camera, DSMB
- Best time to go? – May – October
