Simons Town False Bay
Overview
False Bay sweeps in a broad arc from Cape Point to Cape Hangklip, enclosing a body of water where two ocean currents collide: the cold Benguela from the Atlantic and warmer Agulhas from the Indian Ocean. This convergence creates one of the most biologically productive marine environments in southern Africa, and the rocky reefs around Simons Town on the bay's western shore offer diving that is as ecologically rich as it is visually striking. The first thing that hits you underwater at Simons Town is the kelp. Great Atlantic kelp forests rise from the rocky substrate in towering columns, their golden-brown fronds creating a canopy that filters the surface light into shifting green-gold patterns on the reef below. Swimming through a False Bay kelp forest is immersive in a way that clear tropical water rarely achieves. The light plays, the fronds sway, and the sense of being in a living forest is genuine. The sevengill sharks are the draw for many visiting divers. Miller's Point, a rocky reef at 10 to 15 metres, is one of the world's most reliable sites for encounters with broadnose sevengill sharks, a prehistoric species with seven gill slits and a heavy, powerful body reaching three metres. I knelt on the sandy bottom and watched four sevengills cruise past within arm's reach over a forty-minute dive. No bait, no cage, no feeding. The sharks come because this reef is their habitat, and the encounters feel genuinely wild. Cape fur seals add another dimension. The colonies at Partridge Point and nearby haul-outs send curious juveniles to investigate divers, and their underwater behaviour is joyously playful. Young seals barrel-roll, blow bubbles at your mask, and tug at fin tips with an apparent delight in interaction that makes seal dives among the most entertaining in diving.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: Simons Town False Bay
Location
Frequently asked questions
What are sevengill sharks and how do the encounters work?
Broadnose sevengill sharks are a prehistoric species growing to three metres in length with seven gill slits instead of the usual five. False Bay is one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably encounter them without bait or cages. The sharks frequent specific reef areas around Simons Town, particularly at a site called Miller's Point at 10 to 15 metres depth. Encounters are conducted on SCUBA, kneeling on the sandy bottom while sharks cruise past. No bait is used, and the sharks approach voluntarily. The best encounters occur from January through May.
What is the water temperature and what exposure suit is needed?
Water temperatures in False Bay range from approximately 10 degrees Celsius in winter to 20 degrees in summer, though upwelling events can drop temperatures rapidly at any time of year. A 7mm semi-dry wetsuit is the minimum recommendation, with many experienced local divers preferring drysuits for year-round comfort. Hoods and gloves are standard. The cold water supports the kelp forest ecosystem and nutrient density that drives the incredible biodiversity. Divers accustomed to tropical diving should prepare for a significant temperature adjustment.
Can I combine diving with visiting the Boulders Beach penguin colony?
Yes, the Boulders Beach African penguin colony is located in Simons Town, the same base for False Bay diving. Divers regularly visit the penguins before or after morning dives. While penguins are occasionally seen underwater, this is rare and not targeted by dive operators. The combination of world-class temperate diving and a surface visit to one of the only mainland penguin colonies makes Simons Town a unique full-day wildlife experience. The penguin colony is managed by SANParks and requires an entrance fee.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.