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
Boat Rock, also known as Bakoven Rock lies approximately 650m
offshore, straight out from the nearby Ski Boat Club. While the
maximum depth is around 22m, the rock is always visible. The site
consists of a shelly sand bottom with big granite boulders and
several overhangs. There is kelp growth in the shallower areas.
Marine life is prolific, a good variety of invertebrates and fish
can be seen. Keep watch for scallops on the sand. This is
considered to be a good site for photography. .
This site is only really accessible by boat and is a popular
venue with the charter operators.
Follow this linkfor
more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter –
Speckled Klipfish
The Speckled klipfish(Clinus venustris) can be found on
both sides of the peninsula, and is most common in deeper waters up
to about 30m. It is found on most reefs, but does not venture out
onto the sand. The fish can attain a length of 12cm. The
outstanding feature of this critter, apart from the huge array of
colour variations is the radial pattern in its eyes. It is easily
approachable, making it a great photographic subject.
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| One colour variation ..... |
And now for something completely different |
About the
cache
The cache is not situated underwater - it has been placed in a
position so as to give a viewpoint over the dive site. Using the
trail start point given follow the faint trail up above the road.
The dive site can clearly be seen from there, use the additional
waypoint as a reference.