Simonstown, Cape Town
All year round
SURFACE SNORKEL
Water temp:
12°c - 18°C
Visibility: 5m – 15m
NO PRIOR CERTIFICATION
SIMONS TOWN, CAPE TOWN
ALL YEAR ROUND
SURFACE SNORKEL
WATER TEMP: 12°C – 18°C
VISIBILITY: 5M – 15M
NO PRIOR CERTIFICATION
Snorkeling in Cape Town’s magical kelp forests is a unique experience!
The gently swaying canopy of kelp fronds provides protection for a vast array of marine creatures in the understorey. Schools of strepies, stump nose, red Roman, fransmadam, jut-jaws, stumpnose, janbruin and bronze bream shelter in the protective forests. The mesmerizing swaying of the kelp stems is a visual treat in itself – it truly feels as though you are swimming through a forest and is why it has earned the name “Great African Kelp Forests” Aside from the giant kelp, there are other kelp species such as the split fan kelp which grow under the giant kelp stems.
With our small ratio of guide to guests, Pisces Divers can cater to novice snorkelers or more experienced freedivers alike.
Sponges, sea fans, anemones, hydroids, feather-stars, abalone and urchins all jostle for space on the reef and combine to make for a hugely diverse number of animals that can be spotted under our kelp forests or on the more exposed reefs. The number of nudibranchs and other molluscs in our waters are legendary. Half our nudibranch species are endemic to this region and some species have several unique colour morphs. Small shark species are commonly spotted, huge short-tailed rays are often seen and its great fun searching for octopuses hiding in the reef.
Although we are not currently snorkeling with the Cape Fur seals, we will visit the haul out at Partridge Point to view them and take photos from our boat between snorkel sessions. Marine scientists are currently assessing the outbreak of rabies in our seal colonies and we are awaiting expert guidance to infom our protocols in this regard. At this stage, we are avoiding snorkeling at the seal haul outs and are watchful for any abnormal seal activity before entering the water.
INCLUDED
- Snorkel Gear
- Guide at ratio of 1:4
- Delicious light lunch
- Transport from dive shop to site
- Briefings
- Water, hot drinks and chocolates on boat
- Lockers for personal items at dive centre
EXCLUDED
- Transfers from hotel to dive shop (can be arranged, please enquire for costing)
- Cameras
ITINERARY
- Meet at Pisces Divers at time agreed when booking made
- Collect equipment, sign indemnities and load the boat
- Briefing
- Boat is launched and collects divers from beach opposite the dive centre
- Proceed to dive site (20 minute trip) and dive
- Exit water and head back to Simonstown
- Return to dive centre for hot shower, coffee, lunch and debrief
WHAT TO BRING
- Towel
- Warm Jacket
- Bathing suit / Swimming costume
- Sunblock
- Camera
- Own equipment if preferred
GALLERY
REEF & KELP PACKAGE
R2,950.00
SINGLE SNORKEL OPTION
R1,900.00
SEAL & KELP FOREST VIDEO
MEAL OPTIONS
REVIEWS
EXPERIENCE MORE DIVING WITH PISCES DIVERS
Smart Guides to Safe Diving
Each guide delivers relevant diver health and safety information in a concise, easy-to-read format.
Cape Point Ocean Safari
See Cape Point from a different angle. Jump into the water with the Cape Fur Seals and have a blast with the clowns of the sea. The Cape Fur Seal activity is available all year and anybody is welcome to join in on this activity.
WRECK & REEF
The Cape waters are littered with thousands of shipwrecks, recent and ancient, on the shore and in deep water. Common wreck dives are the Maori, the Astor, the Katzu Maru, the Smitswinkel Bay wrecks and the SAS Pietermaritzburg.
