

Best for beginner divers, shore entry.
Ollava is a shore-entry reef and kelp forest site located in Simon's Town. The topography features a dense kelp canopy that requires careful buoyancy control and deliberate movement to avoid entanglement. Divers can encounter common octopus, crayfish, and various shark species including pyjama sharks, puffadder shysharks, and leopard catsharks. Long-nosed fur seals are occasionally spotted. Water temperatures typically range from 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Conditions are variable, with surge and swell potentially affecting shore entry and navigation. Divers should remain aware of shifting visibility and be prepared to manage entanglement risks near the reef. This site is suitable for beginners, though self-sufficiency with all gear is required.
-34.19322, 18.43067
Check conditions carefully before entering, as surge and swell can make the shore entry and navigation through the kelp difficult even on days that look calm from the surface. Facilities are not confirmed at this site, so arrive self-sufficient with all your gear, including a surface marker buoy.
Meet at the coffee shop for a briefing, then transport is provided to the dive site.
Recorded at this site
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-18°C
Typical Dive
40 min
Divers regularly encounter common octopus, crayfish, and pyjama sharks. Other species recorded include puffadder shysharks, leopard catsharks, and long-nosed fur seals.
Yes, Ollava is accessible to beginner divers, though they must be comfortable managing buoyancy and navigating through kelp forests.
Ollava is a shore-entry dive site.
While primarily a dive site, the shallow nature of the kelp forest allows for snorkelling, provided conditions are calm and the snorkeller is aware of surge and entanglement risks.
Water temperatures at the site generally range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius.
Diving at Ollava in Glencairn requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Ollava in Glencairn. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 18°C.