Cape Town is a year around cold water dive paradise with a constant backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.

Cape Town is with a population of almost four million the second biggest cities in South Africa. It is a city almost all tourists visit and has become one of the most popular diving destinations. It is known for its shark cage dives, colonies of seals, its beautiful wrecks and excellent coral reefs, most reached from shore or by Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). If you are a trimix or nitrox diver you will be treated special as there are several wrecks at depth which technical divers can fully explore and enter.

Cape Town is together with Mosselbaai and Gansbaai, the prime destination for baited shark diving; a thrilling experience that is on most divers wish list. The great white shark is protected in South Africa since 1991 and education, strict guidelines and regulation is on a very high level. It is also very common to see sharks jumping out of the water catching one of the seals from beneath and splashing back into the water. There are actually two separate dive sections at close distance from Cape Town named the Atlantic Coast and False Bay.

Hout Bay is the common access point for the western Atlantic Coast which is best dived in summer from October to February. Water temperatures are between ten and twelve degrees year-around and visibilities are between ten and twenty meter. Diving here is not for the faint hearted. Surge can be enormous and is known to throw and pull divers out onto the sharp rocks. With a north-western wind you can be diving in waters with less than two meter viz. And on top of that; we strongly advice dry suits as the water can be freezing.

False Bay is geographically located in the Indian Ocean and is protected for winds and currents because of the Cape Peninsula to the west. March to September is the best time to dive False Bay, especially after a period of north-westerly winds when visibilities can catch up to about fifteen meters. Water temperatures are between twelve and eighteen degrees Celsius and most diving activities start near Millers Point.

So whenever you are in Cape Town, there is a place which has the perfect conditions to do a great dive. It is easy to book a tour, some dives are easily accessible from shore and the scenery with its table mountains offers a spectacular background. Other non diving activities include visiting the rugged cape, horse riding, hiking and sunbathing on white beaches. You can visit Robben Island and visit the place where Nelson Mandela spent much of his life. Two Oceans Aquarium is a diving experience located at the waterfront of Cape Town where you can experience diving with sharks or some of the other animals that live in South Africa waters. Underwater sights you don't want to miss are seals, colourful anemones, tall greenish kelp forest and many different species of nudibranches. Southern Right Whales are often spotted in False Bay from August to October.

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Tonquani Lodge & Spa

Tonquani Lodge & Spa www.tonquani.co.za 0443824355 0443841269

1 Cherry lane, Welbedacht Lane... 6570 Knysna

Knysna's multi award winning lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites with every conceivable comfort including minibar, complimentary port and chocolates, tea, coffee and biscuits, TV, hair dryer, heater and airconditioner. Three units have a Jacuzzi bath, fireplace and the executive chalet has a private spa for the ultimate in pampering. All units have private patios, airconditioner and barbecues and are serviced daily. For our guests' convenience we offer an affordable on-site laundry service. Sun loungers invite you to enjoy the welcoming coolness of the main swimming pool which is set in tranquil gardens where you can also enjoy a light lunch on the decked lapa. Three units have private splash pools and there is secure on–site undercover parking. Play a game of croquet on the manicured lawns or laze beside the swimming pool.

Knysna's multi award winning lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites with every conceivable comfort including minibar, complimentary port and chocolates, tea, coffee and biscuits, TV, hair dryer, heater and airconditioner. Three units have a Jacuzzi bath, fireplace and the executive chalet has a private spa for the ultimate in pampering. All units have private patios, airconditioner and barbecues and are serviced daily. For our guests' convenience we offer an affordable on-site laundry service. Sun loungers invite you to enjoy the welcoming coolness of the main swimming pool which is set in tranquil gardens where you can also enjoy a light lunch on the decked lapa. Three units have private splash pools and there is secure on–site undercover parking. Play a game of croquet on the manicured lawns or laze beside the swimming pool. The Spa has been designed to ensure total relaxation and privacy and clients enjoy the exclusive use of the Spa facilities during their treatment. There are all kinds of treatments and therapies to relax, replenish and invigorate. Guests can look forward to enjoying a full and varied breakfast with freshly baked scones, muffins and pancakes. On request all meals can be served in your unit. A light lunch menu is offered and complimentary tea and cake is served every afternoon. South Africa has been listed amongst the top ten most desirable destinations in the world with the Garden Route as one of the top three. In a countrywide poll, Knysna was twice voted “Most popular town in South Africa”. This quaint town in the heart of the Garden Route has been built around the Knysna lagoon and still projects a village atmosphere with its art and craft shops and beautiful waterfront. Knysna Tonquani Lodge is situated just 1.3km from Knysna town and 700 meters from the Knysna Lagoon. There are more than eight golf courses, all easily accessible from Knysna. Our Reception has an on-site Information Centre with brochures & maps. We will gladly make all necessary bookings on your behalf. The log Chalets are a honeymooners delight with complimentary champagne, chocolates, fruit bowl and flowers, white percale cotton linen & bathrobes. On-site undercover parking.

Timothy

Dive The Big 5 www.divethebig5.co.za +27 13 750 1832 +27 13 750 0018

po box 2209 1240 white river

Aire del Mar Guesthouse

http://www.airedelmar.co.za www.airedelmar.co.za +27 (0) 28 3842848 +27 (0) 28 3842849

77 Van Dyk Street, Kleinbaai, ... 7220 Gansbaai

Aire del Mar is ideally situated for viewing of the Great White Sharks. Only 2 hours drive from Cape Town, Aire del Mar is in the quiet and small seaside resort of Kleinbaai, near Gansbaai. From your room you can see Dyer Island and the harbour from where the boats leave for shark cage diving and whale watching. The harbour is walking distance from Aire del Mar.

We offer you friendly personal service and quality accommodation in: Five Spacious Luxury Rooms (first floor of building), all with en suite bath rooms and balconies. From your room you have a spectacular unspoilt panoramic view over the bay of Dyer Island - world famous for its shark alley! All luxury rooms are equipped with satellite TV, wall heater, kettle (with coffee and tea) and a wall safe for your valuables. You start your day with a healthy breakfast and towards the end of the day you can enjoy sundowners from your own balcony or in our fully licensed bar. Three Self-Catering Studios (ground floor of building), with sea view and en suite bathrooms. They are equipped with a fridge and microwave and utensils to prepare a light meal.

In The City

In The City www.inthecity.co.za/ +27214658243 +27214658253

2A Fruitgrowers, Wellington Bu... 8000 Cape Town

IN THE CITY represents properties that are in keeping with 4 and 5-star levels, and our service standards follow the guidelines set forth in the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. IN THE CITY is experienced in both short and long-term leasing of exceptional properties within Cape Town. Our high standards, personal service and attention to detail ensure that tenants “experience the exquisite in contemporary living.”    The apartments belonging to IN THE CITY’S magnificent portfolio may be found in the following buildings: Cartwrights Corner, The Decks, Adderley Terraces, Market House, Mandela Rhodes, Fountains Suite, The Piazza, Glaston House, Mutual Heights, Temple House, Harbour Edge, Dockside, Icon Building, Quayside, Soho and Rockwell.  IN THE CITY offers a variety of bachelor, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and penthouse apartments elegantly furnished with chargeable high speed internet access as well as certain apartments pertaining allocated smoking areas.  IN THE CITY provides a full range of concierge services (Personalized Check-in, bookings for tours and tickets to major tourist attractions, car hire and airport transportation through our preferred supplier, Ukholo Travel and Tours. In addition, IN THE CITY provides daily (optional) and complimentary weekly housekeeping services as well as dry cleaning and laundry.

YourCapeTown.nl

Your Cape Town, Cape Town's ne... www.yourcapetown.com

Your Cape Town is your new portal with all you need to know on Cape Town! Find out about restaurants, accommodation, clubs, things to do and more in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape. Be sure to tell all your friends about this site and help us by telling your stories on stuff you have done!

Your Cape Town is your new portal with all you need to know on Cape Town! Find out about restaurants, accommodation, clubs, things to do and more in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape. Be sure to tell all your friends about this site and help us by telling your stories on stuff you have done!

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The best dive sites and top diving locations in Cape Town rated by divers since last year.

1. Rated 5.0, 1 ratingsFroggy Pond
2. Rated 4.0, 1 ratingsA Frame
3. Rated 4.0, 1 ratingsClifton Rocks