Scuba diving near Somerset West surprises almost everyone. The water is cool, but the reefs are bursting with colour. You'll find bright sea fans, soft corals, dozens of nudibranch species and small sharks. On the other side of False Bay, there are kelp forests, seals and wrecks. Best of all, the closest dive centre is in Gordon's Bay, just down the road from Villa Helderberg. Here's where to dive, when to go and who to book with.
A colourful reef off Strand, False Bay. Photo: Indigo Scuba.
Scuba diving near Somerset West: the Gordon's Bay reefs
Gordon's Bay sits on the eastern side of False Bay, about 15 minutes' drive from the villa. Most dives here are boat dives from Harbour Island. The trip out is short, and the reefs are full of life.
Some of the best-known sites are Cow and Calf, the Pinnacle and Noble Reef. Noble Reef is named after the pink and orange noble coral, the only true hard coral in Cape waters. Further along the coast, Steenbras Deep drops to around 30 metres and is covered in sea fans, sponges and feather stars. Blousteen has a kelp forest where you may see shysharks, rays and even sevengill cowsharks.
The local dive centre is Indigo Scuba, an SSI centre that has been running since 2009. They take divers out on their own dive boat, rent out gear and offer guided dives for visitors. Ask them which sites are diving best on the day, because conditions change quickly. After your dive, warm up on one of the beaches near Somerset West.
Sea fans on a Gordon's Bay reef. Photo: Indigo Scuba.
Kelp forests and seals at Simon's Town
Across the bay, Simon's Town is the other big hub for scuba diving near Somerset West. It's about an hour's drive from Somerset West, so plan it as a day out. Here the highlight is the kelp forest. Tall fronds of kelp sway in the swell, while fish, octopus and catsharks hide between them.
Cape fur seals often join divers in the shallows. They are curious and quick, and an encounter is unforgettable. In some seasons, divers also meet sevengill cowsharks in the kelp. Pisces Divers, a PADI five-star centre near Long Beach, runs daily shore and boat dives for certified divers. Afterwards, pop in to see the penguins at Boulders Beach, one of our top things to do in Cape Town.
Inside the kelp forest at Simon's Town. Photo: Pisces Divers.
Wreck diving at Smitswinkel Bay
For experienced divers, the Smitswinkel Bay wrecks near Cape Point are a classic. The navy sank five ships here to create an artificial reef: the frigates SAS Transvaal and SAS Good Hope, the diamond dredger Rockeater, and two fishing trawlers. Today they are covered in sea life. However, the wrecks are deep, at around 30 metres or more, so you'll need advanced or deep-diving certification. Book through a Simon's Town dive centre.
Learning scuba diving near Somerset West
Never dived before? A holiday is a great time to learn. Indigo Scuba in Gordon's Bay teaches the SSI Open Water course, which qualifies you to dive to 18 metres. Training starts in a heated indoor pool before you head into the sea. Pisces Divers in Simon's Town offers PADI courses with its own dive pool. Both also run advanced courses if you're already certified.
One of False Bay's many nudibranchs. Photo: Indigo Scuba.
When to go and what to wear
On the Gordon's Bay side, the best season for scuba diving near Somerset West is roughly October to May. During those months the south-easterly wind tends to clear the water. In winter, north-westerly winds often make this side rough, so local divers usually switch to Simon's Town instead.
The water is cold, even in summer. Expect roughly 15 to 19°C, and sometimes colder after strong winds. A 7mm wetsuit with a hood, gloves and booties is the norm, and many locals dive in drysuits. Parts of the Cape Peninsula fall inside a marine protected area, where divers need a permit. Your dive centre will tell you whether you need one and help you get it.
Our tip
Planning scuba diving near Somerset West? Book your dives for the first days of your stay. If the sea is too rough, you'll still have time to reschedule. And don't fly within 24 hours of your last dive, so plan your final dive well before your flight home.
Options for non-divers and rainy days
Not certified? You can still see the kelp forest. African Shark Eco-Charters runs guided kelp forest snorkelling trips from Simon's Town, with all gear and the permit included. At the time of writing they cost R2,900 per person. See their trip page for details.
For certified divers, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront offers something different. You can dive with ragged-tooth sharks, no cage needed. Other dives take you among stingrays in the I&J Ocean Exhibit or through the kelp forest tank. At the time of writing, an adventure dive cost R1,342 with all equipment, or R1,140 with your own gear. Book through the Two Oceans Aquarium. It's a good plan B when the sea is too rough.
A curious Cape fur seal in False Bay. Photo: Pisces Divers.
Frequently asked questions
Is scuba diving near Somerset West good for beginners?
Yes. Indigo Scuba in Gordon's Bay teaches beginners in a heated pool before the first sea dive. The water is cold, so a thick wetsuit makes a big difference to your comfort.
How cold is the water in False Bay?
In summer it's usually between 15 and 19°C, and it can drop lower after strong winds. Most divers wear a 7mm wetsuit with a hood, or a drysuit.
What is the best month for diving in Gordon's Bay?
The Gordon's Bay side is usually best between October and May. In winter, the Simon's Town side tends to be calmer.
Will I see sharks?
Possibly. Small shysharks and catsharks are common on the reefs, and sevengill cowsharks visit some kelp forests. None of them are a danger to divers.
Can I dive without being certified?
Only on a beginner course or a try-dive with an instructor. Otherwise, a kelp forest snorkelling trip is a great alternative.