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 -
Batsata Rock and Reef
There are several reefs that surround Batasata Rock which lies
off the Southern point of Smitswinkel Bay – Batsata Maze,
Birthday Reef and Horeseshoe Reef. Collectively they may also be
known as the Smits Reefs. They all consist of granite outcrops of
various shapes and sizes with deep gullies, overhangs and swim
throughs which all drop off to the sand at a depth of around 27m.
The highest part of the reef consist of a few pinnacles that reach
up to around 6m - 4m. The reef is covered with sea life – red
bait, feather stars, sponges, soft corals, sea cucumbers, various
anemones, brittle stars and wall sponges encrust the reef. This is
also a fish haven, many of the species common to False Bay can be
seen here.
This dive site is only accessible by boat - there are many dive
charter operators that bring clients to this reef.
Follow this linkfor
more information and a dive site map.
Featured Critter -
Horsefish
Two species of horsefish fish feature here – the Smooth
horsefish and the Spinenose horsefish.
The Smooth horsefish (Congiopodus torvus) can grow up
to 76cm, is distributed from Walvis Bay to KZN and is endemic to
the area. It displays colours of yellows, olive browns and some
darker blotches on the body. It has an elongated snout / mouth and
a mane-like dorsal fin which is either upright or laid flat. This
fish lives in water that is between 10m – 150m deep. It lives
on a diet of small crustaceans, urchins, brittle stars, worms and
molluscs.
The Spinenose horsefish (Congiopodus spinifer) can grow
up to35cm, is also distributed from Walvis Bay to KZN and is
endemic to the area. It’s body is a mix of mottled dark brown
and lighter patches. It also displays an elongated snout / mouth.
The dorsal fin also resembles a mane but is not as tall as that of
its’ cousin. It is most often found in water that is between
20m and 150m deep. These two fish have a similar diet.
Neither of these two fish are commonly seen by divers, this is
one of the locations in False Bay that you may be fortunate enough
to see one./p>
 |
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| Smooth horsefish or Smoothskin horsefish. This is a juvenile,
the skin is still rough before reaching adulthood. The dorsal mane
can quite clearly be seen. Tricky to take a picture of, they do not
often remain still. |
Spinenose horsefish. Note the pronounced nose and mouth. The
beginning of the dorsal mane can be seen just above and behind the
eye, laid flat. This is a mature adult fish found at around 20m. I
was able to take many images of this one, it remained where it was
and posed for me. |
About the
cache
This cache is not hidden underwater. It is is a small lock 'n
lock container hidden adjacent to the trail which heads of in a
southerly direction from the parking. From the cache location if
you look in a south easterly direction you can see Batsata Rock
just off the headland - see the additional waypoints for the exact
location and coords.