Explore the Western Cape
Camps Bay is an ideally located venue from which to explore the Western Cape of South Africa. It is on the Mother City's doorstep and Cape Town is certainly not lacking in activities in any small way as it has an enormous variety of options available - it can be exceptionally challenging to get bored in Cape Town!If the chill of the ocean stirs your blood, then diving in and around the Cape Point area may satisfy your adventurous juices. The buzz of the ocean, the crackles, the pops and the loud sound of your own breathing, brings you right into the moment, consciously aware of your body, each inhalation, each exhalation. This glorious alien world gently dancing in the swells, beautifully designed in an array of wild colours and markings - the awesomeness of Mother Nature. Your attention focussed wherever you point your vision, almost not being able to see enough at any one given time.
Diving in South Africa
It is important to have already completed a recognised diving course before going diving in South Africa. Diving is not a complicated sport and is quite easy to learn and safe to perform. There are a few basic rules to follow to keep yourself safe and sound and a few little skills to add to your collection.
The water temperature around the South African coast ranges from around 8°C to 25°C, however the waters off the Cape are cold and so you may want to also wear gloves and booties or sockies as well as a wetsuit. Generally the water temperature here is between 8 and 12°C. All the gear you will require can easily be rented from the dive operators in the area.
Diving Opportunities in Cape Town Surrounds
In summer on the southern tip of Africa, once the southeaster has blown for a while, Antarctic water moves in trading places with the surface water which has been blown further towards the deep ocean. This Antarctic water is exceptionally cold but has an amazing clarity that provides for excellent visibility.
Diving Locations
Favourite venues with the local crowd are dive spots known as Justin's Caves and Het Huis te Kraaiestein down Victoria Drive.
For the specially fit, there is a dive known as Geldkis which also involves a frosty swim of 800m - 400m in each direction in and out. Another popular offshore dive with charters is to a place known as Vulcan Rock, although this is genuinely for the experienced diver.
Wreck diving off the Cape shores can be done where one investigate the remains of the Maori.
For those keen on trying something a little less ordinary, the Two Oceans Aquarium offers dives in their kelp forest and their predator tanks. The aquarium can be found next to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront where there is much shopping which can be done, sundowner drinks enjoyed and restaurants which cook up a storm.
Lekker Local Tips
* Diving in the tanks at the Two Oceans Aquarium offers alternative activities for the divers' partners to enjoy if getting into the wet is not for them. There is also a touch tank at the aquarium where certain sea creatures can be gently handled under supervision.
* If technical diving rocks your boat, there are charters that can assist you to experience the chilly Cape waters in technical style.
