The Dive Site
Series
Hidden below the waters surrounding the Cape Peninsula lie one
of the unknown jewels of the area, known to only those who brave
the sea to get a first-hand account. Viewed from above it gives the
impression of being a bleak brown landscape as has been mentioned
to me on many an occasion. Enter the water and suddenly a whole new
world unfolds right before your eyes.
Cape Town is not well known as a diving destination of any note,
particularly to “outsiders” – ie. to those who do
not dive and also tourists to the area. It is certainly not well
marketed world wide, as have dive venues such as Sodwana Bay and
Aliwal Shoal. The aim of this series is to illustrate the many
great diving opportunities available and to draw attention to the
vast marine biodiversity that surrounds us.
Dive Site
Description
Partridge point dive site is made up of large granite outcrops
and boulders piled up on top of one another. Surrounding this are
areas of low boulders protruding from the surrounding sand. There
are numerous swim-throughs and overhangs to explore in relative
safety. Depth ranges from 26m to pinnacles that almost reach the
surface.
On the shallower parts of the reef there are extensive kelp
forests which play host to numerous species of fish. Drop of to the
deeper parts of the reef and the landscape changes to one of sea
fans, large wall sponges, numerous species of nudibranchs, crabs,
gorgonian fans, cuttle fish, basket stars and large areas of sea
cucumbers.
This dive site is only accessible by boat - there are many dive
charter operators that bring clients to this reef.
Follow this link
for more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter –
Hermit crab
The blue-striped hermit crab (Pagurus liochele) is
fairly common in False Bay and can be found up as far as Port
Elizabeth and is endemic to this area. It lives in water up to
around 18m deep and can grow up to 50mm in length. The
distinguishing feature are the bright blue rings on its hairy legs.
It is usually found scuttling along over rocky surfaces, but is
also sometimes seen on Palmate sea fans.
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| A hermit crab peeking out from under its borrowed home. |
Seeking a bigger home - rarely seen picture of a hermit crab
without its house, looking for something larger to accommodate the
new family. Just below its tail you can see the eggs that it is
carrying. |
About the
cache
The cache is not underwater - it is hidden just off the adjacent
roadside parking spot. The reef can clearly be seen stretching out
seaward - reference the additional waypoint.