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
Easily identified from shore, Pyramid Rock protrudes from the
surface in all tidal conditions. The reef drops off from the
surface down to around 12m on the sand. It consists mainly of
granite boulders surrounded by sand. The predominant covering is
kelp, with a few orange wall sponges and other soft marine growth.
This is probably one of the best sites in False Bay for fish
sightings as it has been a marine sanctuary for many years. Species
to be encountered here are Red Roman., John Brown, Cape Knifejaw,
Milkfish, Hottentot, Red Steenbras, Blacktail, Zebra, Red
Steenbras, Strepie, Two tone fingerfin and many others.
The site is a fairly easy swim from shore, a boat is not
necessary although the dive charter operators do sometimes come
here.
Follow this link
for more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter –
Red roman
Probably one of the better known fish in False Bay, the Red
Roman (Chrysoblephus laticeps) can grow up to 50cm in
length. It is found from Northern Namibia to Port St Johns in 5m
-100m of water and is endemic to the area. Instantly recognized by
the bright red colour with white bands and the distinctive blue
stripe across the snout. It feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms
and echnioderms. Females mature at 17-20cm and then change sex to
male when reaching 30cm. After this change they become
territorial.
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| Up close with a mature Red roman - just over 30cm and now
male. |
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About the
cache
The cache is not hidden underwater - it has been placed on the
rocky shoreline, a short distance from the parking coords. The
trail leading down to the shore is listed as an additional
waypoint. The dive site itself is centred around the small
triangular shaped rock that is visible above the water line - see
additional waypoint.