
The Winchester Hotel by NEWMARK
★★★★
★ 9/10 (1,244 reviews)
32 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Cape Town · South Africa
5.0164 Google reviewsExplore the kelp forests and historic wrecks of False Bay with a PADI 5 Star centre boasting 18 years of local expertise.

Dive Team is a PADI 5 Star dive centre located in Simon's Town, serving as a dedicated hub for ocean exploration and conservation in Cape Town. With nearly two decades of experience in the region, the centre is deeply integrated into the local diving community, focusing on the unique marine ecosystems of the Cape Peninsula.
The centre's location provides access to a vast array of environments, ranging from sheltered reef flats to more exposed offshore sites. Whether you are looking to navigate through dense kelp forests or explore the remains of historic maritime history, the team provides guided excursions tailored to the specific conditions of the day.
The team is composed of PADI certified instructors and divemasters who lead daily guided dives. They focus on providing safe, expert-led experiences for divers of all levels, from those completing their first Open Water Diver course to advanced divers seeking wreck or deep diving specialties.
For younger divers, the centre allows children aged 10 and over to participate in diving or snorkelling, provided they are accompanied by a parent. The instructors maintain a high standard of safety and local knowledge, ensuring that every dive is suited to the current sea conditions and the individual's skill level.
Dive Team offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or progress through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. The curriculum also includes specialised training such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, and Underwater Navigator.
For those looking to advance their career or technical skills, the centre provides Divemaster training, as well as specialty courses including Enriched Air / Nitrox, Wreck Diver, and Night Diver. The centre also offers Emergency First Response training to ensure divers are prepared for any situation.
The centre is equipped with two Bauer compressors, and the air quality is tested twice a year by DAN Southern Africa. A Nitrox station is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time.
Full equipment hire is provided for those not travelling with their own kit, covering all the essentials needed for a dive. For those needing maintenance, the centre offers in-house servicing for several major brands, including Cressi, Aqualung, Apeks, Oceanic, Hollis, Scubapro, and Mares.
The SAS Pietermaritzburg Wreck in False Bay is a favoured site for those interested in wreck diving and night dives. Resting at a depth between 16 and 20 metres, the wreck is heavily encrusted with invertebrates and offers good visibility during the winter months.
Whittle Rock is a significant reef system that rises from the depths to as little as 5 metres. This relatively untouched site is a highlight for photographers, featuring rocky pinnacles and a vast range of marine life.
Smitswinkel Bay Wrecks offers a challenging experience for advanced divers with Nitrox certification. This site features five wrecks, including the Princess Elizabeth and the Orotava, resting at depths between 25 and 33 metres and covered in soft corals.
Windmill Beach is an ideal location for all levels, providing easy entry and exit in calm waters. This shallow site is a favourite for spotting small creatures within the reef and kelp environments.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The kelp forests and reefs are home to a vast array of life, including various species of klipfish, rockfish, and dorado. You will frequently encounter schools of fish, including seabream and romain rouge, moving through the water column.
Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from colourful Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) to various species of octopus and cuttlefish (Sepiidae). The sandy patches and rock crevices are also inhabited by crabs (Brachyura), lobsters (Homaridae), and various species of goby and sole.
Larger pelagics are a regular feature of the Cape waters. You may encounter rays (Batoidea), such as eagle rays and stingrays, as well as sharks. During the winter months, from July to December, Humpback whales and southern right whales are present in the area, and you may also see the Ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
The ocean conditions around the Cape can be unpredictable, with strong winds and heavy swell being common. Surface conditions can be rough and windy, which is an important factor when planning shore entries or boat trips.
Water temperatures are generally cool, and the presence of plankton can vary depending on the season. Divers should be prepared for the specific conditions of the day, as the team monitors the sea state closely to ensure safety.
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★★★★
★ 9/10 (1,244 reviews)
32 km away as the crow flies

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32 km away as the crow flies

★★★★★
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