

Best for beginner divers, 5-12m, shore entry, mild current.
Smitswinkel Bay in the Roman Rock Area is a shore-accessible site featuring a combination of reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Snorkellers can explore rocky boundaries that include small caves, with depths typically ranging from 5 to 12 metres and an average of 8 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though visibility varies between 5 and 15 metres. Access requires a steep 15-minute hike to reach the water. The site is suitable for beginners, with a typical session lasting around 45 minutes. Hazards include potential entanglement in kelp and surf conditions. Parking is available for visitors.
-34.32362, 18.47222
Whatever you bring down to the bay needs to be carried back up the steep path, so plan your catch or gear weight accordingly.
Park across the road from the bay entrance, cross the road, and follow the small walkway through the rock wall. A long, winding, and slippery path leads down the mountain to the beach.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-12m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-19°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Yes, the site is rated as suitable for beginners.
The depth ranges from 5 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres.
This is a shore entry site, though it requires a 15-minute hike to reach the water.
Yes, Smitswinkel Bay is a popular location for snorkelling with a rating of 4 out of 5.
Water temperatures range from 15C in winter to 19C in summer months.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Smitswinkel Bay in Cape Town. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 19°C.
The best months to visit Smitswinkel Bay in Cape Town are May, June, July, and August. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.