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
Upon first entering the water this does not look like much of a
dive site – simply another kelp forest. The bottom consists
mainly of rounded boulders covered with pink encrusting coral and
many sea urchins. The kelp has many channels and open areas and is
not just a dense forest. The big surprise here is the presence of
several Spotted sevengill cowsharks, up to 3m long. They will
approach to within a few feet of divers, slowly swimming past and
minding their own business. This is one of the few dive sites that
you have an almost guaranteed chance of seeing at least one, but
more than likely several on a single dive.
Featured Critter –
Spotted sevengill cowshark
The Spotted sevengill cowshark or Broadnose sevengill shark
(Notorynchus cepedianus) Can grow up to 3m long and weigh
185kg. It is found from Namibia to East London locally, but also
occupies temperate oceans and the Mediterranean. Easily
identifiable owing to two distinguishing characteristics – it
only has one dorsal fin whereas most sharks have two and the fact
that it has seven gill slits as opposed to the five that other
sharks have. Many of the sharks seen here display scars from
mating. They feed on sharks and rays, bony fish, crustaceans,
cephalopods and other marine mammals. It is believed that they may
hunt seals in packs. These are potentially dangerous creatures, but
so far have not been known to attack humans.
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| A sevengill in its environment. |
Sevengill in the open kelp forest. Note the single dorsal
fin. |
About the
cache
Please do not attempt to reach this cache through the
Ski Boat club premises. There is a simple route from the road - see
additional waypoint.The cache is not underwater - it is
situated on the rocky shoreline. Follow the faint path down to the
sea and walk over the small round boulders. Please use stealth, the
Ski Boat club can be busy over the weekends. The dive site
stretches between the cache and Pyramid Rock.