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
The name "Rocklands Blinder" is a simple description. The site
is a submerged reef which breaks in a moderate swell, and it is off
Rocklands Point. The alternative name "Seal Colony" refers to the
congregation of seals often seen at this site. The reef is an
outcrop of granite corestones in two main sections divided by a
north/south gulley.
The reef has a zone of heavy red-bait at the top, with sparse
Split fan kelp, and lower down is mostly covered by common feather
stars with patches of Red-chested and Mauve sea cucumbers, Striped
anemones, and Strawberry anemones. About 10 species of nudibranch
have been seen at this site, though some are quite rare and some
very small. Seals are often seen. .
This site is accessible by shore entry, although most
recreational divers are put off by the steep decent to the
shore.
Follow this link
for more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter –
South African fur seal
The South African fur seal(Arctocephalus pusillus
pusillus) is found from Northern Namibia to Port Elizabeth.
Males reach a length of 2.5m and weigh up to 300kg, females reach a
length of 1.6m and can weigh up to 75kg. They spend most of their
days at sea hunting for fish such as anchovies and maasbankers.
They also eat octopus and West Coast rock lobsters. They are
curious creatures and will often approach divers. While they seem
playful they do have a sharp set of teeth so it is wise to keep
hands and fingers tucked in.
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About the
cache
The cache has not been hidden underwater - it is placed down
near the shore, close to the dive site entry. From the parking area
you can see both the Seal Colony and Spaniard Rock itself.