Diving & Travel Guide to Cape Town – False Bay

About Cape Town – False Bay

False Bay offers a warmer and more sheltered alternative to the Atlantic Seaboard, with diverse diving from kelp forest exploration at Gordon's Bay to dramatic wall diving at Rooi Els and the world-famous great white shark cage diving at Seal Island. The bay's relatively protected waters create milder conditions while still supporting the rich Cape marine ecosystem including sevengill sharks, pyjama catsharks, and endemic reef fish. Gordon's Bay combines kelp beds, shore and boat dives, and the Barge wreck in a single location, making it ideal for dive groups with mixed experience levels. Rooi Els delivers dramatic rock walls descending to deep ocean drop-offs for advanced divers seeking challenging conditions. Seal Island's great white shark breaching spectacle during winter is one of nature's most thrilling wildlife encounters. The region's proximity to the Cape Winelands and excellent shore diving infrastructure makes it a must-visit addition to any Cape Town diving itinerary.

Highlights

• ✓Great white shark cage diving at Seal Island during winter breaching season
• ✓Dramatic deep rock walls and ocean drop-offs at Rooi Els
• ✓Versatile diving at Gordon's Bay with kelp, wrecks, and shore access
• ✓Warmer and more sheltered conditions than the Atlantic Seaboard
• ✓Diverse endemic reef fish and sevengill shark encounters
• ✓Excellent combination with nearby Cape Winelands visits

Getting There

Drive from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) approximately 30-45 minutes east along the N2. Gordon's Bay and Rooi Els are accessible via the scenic R44 coastal road. Seal Island trips depart from Simon's Town harbour.