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Dive Inn Cape Town Peak Season

Dive Inn Cape Town Peak Season

by | Jan 15, 2016 | Dive Inn

Dive Inn Cape Town Peak Season

WOW what a season. Loads of tourists visiting from the states and United Kingdom (mostly cricket supporters) touring and diving in our beautiful city of Cape Town.

Dive Inn Cape Town Peak Season blog is a quick view of what we were up to with some pics of where we have been.

Diving was a bit on the down side with us only being able to do 14 dives in the month. Tours were much more in demand with us doing Cape Peninsula tours, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Constantia winelands, Stellenbosch winelands and even 2 trips to Gansbay / Hermanus for shark cage diving.

Cape Town Peak Season

Table Mountain

On our dives we saw loads of Nudibranchs but did not find any of the resident seven gill cow shark. They have been scarce for a while now. However we were lucky to have spotted the shy gully shark on the dives which helped as a shark dive just makes it more fun. The best is that most of our dives were still done in the warmer waters of False Bay and Walker Bay with temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees Celsius and viz from 5-15 meters. The Atlantic dives had good viz but with 8-10 degrees, BBBRRRRRR.

Dive Inn Cape Town Peak Season

Orange Lined Nudibranch

The only courses we done was PADI discover Scuba Diving and refreshers. The rest was Nudibranch Hunting.

We started early on most of the Cape Peninsula tours to miss the seasonal traffic jams there was hectic lines at Boulders Beach and Cape Point Gate. We even changed the tour routes around to miss the big coaches. Table Mountain unfortunately had ques all the time, even with our pre-booked tickets. I got some good exercise in as I needed to park the touring vehicle miles away from the cable car and running up and down to fetch it in very hot weather. More exercise at Cape Point with hikes up to the light house, erected in 1860. There are about 140 steps to the top of the lighthouse after riding up with the Flying Dutchman Funicular. (more…)

Marico Oog

Marico Oog

by | Nov 23, 2015 | Dive Inn

Marico Oog

On a trip inland where heat wave conditions with temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees was ranging we had had to make a plan to get a dive in. So what is another 200 km to drive to go and experience the cool/warm 20 degree crystal clear waters of Marico oog (Marico eye).

Naomi

Naomi

The Farm Grootfontein where Marico Oog is situated is between Lichtenburg and Ventersdorp and about 3hours drive from Johannesburg. It is in the North West province and Wondergat is also nearby. Mostly tar road with 30km on a gravel road. The website stated the gravel road was good but I would disagree as in some place it was rather bumpy. This is about for 10km on an off.

Once we arrived we stopped at the farm house and paid the entrance fees and headed off to the trees and reeds. The outside temperature was much better close to the water and under the trees. As it was midweek we had the whole area to ourselves and took our time exploring the small area. There are some chalets you can rent and in one corner a small water slide into a pool.

Vippita spring water is also bottled on the one side. The water is pumped out from 30meters out of the fountain, then some micron filtering to get floaty stuff out and through a couple of ultra violet light systems to ensure no bug survives in the water. The water was great but we also drank unfiltered water direct from the source and had the same taste and were nice and cool without being in a fridge.

Diver floating

Diver floating

Back to why we are there: Scuba Diving in Marico oog.

After a quick view to see which of the 2 entries we can do through the reeds we kitted up and got into the crystal clear water via a type of jetty and a ladder. The other entry had a float where you could get on and then pull yourself to the middle and dive of their. As I went barefoot the metal jetty and rubber mats were a challenge so a quick but careful sprint was needed. Once in we enjoyed the refreshing water and the flowering water lilies trying to get up and under shots.

Howzit

Howzit

Reeds covers the outer edges and water lilies the inner edge at about 3-5 meters with a type of water lettuce t root level. Then it drops down to the 12-15 meters into the eye where you could see water pumping out with lot of water movement. At 5-6 meters a grid is also hanging from a couple of drums so instructors can get students to get some skills done.

Silt can be a problem as we saw loads on the leaves and if you fin too hard everything ends up in the water but luckily it settles fast again. The viz was really great and to be at 5-8 meters of water seeing the lily stems and leaves, followed by reeds on the bank and clouds in the sky are unbelievable.

Some places the reeds makes a floating platform and you can swim underneath it making it look like you are in cave. We saw 2 big koi, some silver fishies, probably some type of tilapia, couple of freshwater shrimps, 1 snail and loads of crabs. Looking up we saw a small water bird treading and in the reeds another getting deeper into the reeds.

Water lily forest

Water lily forest

Swimming carefully between the lily stems and finning carefully we explored the small diving area and enjoyed the coolness. Normally we in Cape Town would say the warm water but after the hectic temperatures it is seen as cool. Now I can understand why the inland guys get so easily cold in Cape Town.

Marico Oog

Marico Oog

We did 2 dives and really enjoyed the experience of Marico oog diving in Crystal clear fresh water. Picnic in between the dives under the trees was great and very relaxing so a good break away I would say for Johannesburg divers who need to get away from their low viz lakes and practice and perfect Buoyance skills. Also note it is at altitude so you need to check or adjust your dive computer and review your dive tables. Just note only thing you buy at Marico oog is Springwater, all the rest you need to bring with. All food, dive gear, cylinders filled up and perhaps white gold as we had none on our visit. Best would be to phone ahead just to confirm that you can dive and Conrad from all about scuba in Klerksdorp can also provide some good info of where to dive at Marico oog.

Happy diving.

Cape Canopy Tour

Cape Canopy Tour

by | Oct 20, 2015 | Dive Inn

Cape Canopy Tour

Cape Canopy Tour is outside of Elgin and about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. We at Dive Inn Cape Town decided it is time to dive into another adventure and we tried out zip lining with Cape Canopy Tour.

They are the 7th and youngest of the canopy tours branches in South Africa and which are all privately owned. Cape Canopy Tour is situated in the fynbos paradise of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve and the cost of the tour covers the entry fee to the reserve as well. You will be treated on your way there already with views of the fruit trees in full bloom and lush green valleys.

Friendly staff welcomes you on arrival and will give you a quick tour of the ‘office’ area which includes a small coffee shop where you can buy zippucchino’s.

Cape Canopy tour

Sunbird cafe

We were called to the briefing room and were shown a video of what Cape Canopy tour is about, a bit of history and how the zip lining works. Safety is really a big thing with them and we felt safe all the way through. Lonely Planet stated they are the 2nd best new attraction in the world. Well done guys.

After briefing, signing affidavits, providing e-mail address for the certificate we were kitted out. First was to step into the harness and securing it around your body. Next were gloves (aka handbrake tool) and some helmets. This take a bit off time to ensure the harness fits comfortable and secure, from here we head of to the cruiser for the 30 minute trip up the mountain. For this trip they also renamed it from the boring 4×4 trip rather to the African massage trip as the dirt road is a bit bumpy.

Arriving on the top our 2 guides were waiting for us. A 5 minute walk got us to the first zip line and they briefed us on the process we will follow. Most of us were tentative at first especially about the idea that you have to break with your gloved hand BUT behind the slider and not in front as it will be painful. After the 2nd slide down into the valley we all got more comfortable and starting enjoying the scenery as we zipped over it. We had various lengths of lines crossing the valley down and even had a suspension bridge we needed to cross. Three quarters down we had an Elgin ice tea break with some choc chip cookies. (more…)

Sea Anemones

by | Sep 10, 2015 | Dive Inn

Sea Anemones: (Pronunciation: Uh-nem-uh-nees)
Before I start about my quick view on Anemones, Wikipedia can do the more scientific explanation:
“Sea anemones are a group of water-dwelling, predatory animals of the order Actiniaria. They are named for the anemone, a terrestrial flower. Sea anemones are classified in the phylum Cnidaria, class Anthozoa, subclass Hexacorallia. Anthozoa often have large polyps that allow for digestion of larger prey and also lack a medusa stage. As cnidarians, sea anemones are related to corals, jellyfish, tube-dwelling anemones, and Hydra”.
Well I think Sea anemones are slightly easier to say and here in Cape Town we give them even easier names. But for the clever ones out there I will put the proper names in bracketsIMG_0444.  I have learned local names can differ from region to region so in a way it’s good to learn the tongue twister names.

They are all over the world and old “Nemo” loves them.

False Plum anemone(Actinia Equina)One of our biggest species is the False Plum Anemone (Pseudactinia flagellifera). They can devour almost anything they can fit into their mouths. I have seen west coast rock lobster, redbait, and even shy sharks sticking out of them. Spider crabs love to hind behind them as well.
Walking sock anemones ( Preactis millardae) are exceptional feeders and they can strip multi-coloured seafan (Acabaria rubra) polyps that only bare stalks are left. They are not stationary and move around more. Saying this some of the other anemones does have the ability to move as well. Juveniles can be sometimes incorrectly be mistaken as a type of nudibranch.Walking Sock anemone(Preactis millardae)

Walking Sock anemone(Preactis millardae)Most of the sea anemones have prime land and do not allow others to get close by. There are of course the exceptions like strawberry Anemones (Corynactis annulata) who can cover a rock or wall in a pink carpet. In other places in the world a similar specie is called Jewelled Anemones. The close -up of their tentacles are really stunning. A close up of the cup coral (Balanophyllia bonaespei) tentacle ends looks great as well. The Cup coral I always thought was an anemone but writing this blog I read it is not as it even has a skeleton thus it falls under the coral family.
The other carpet forming ones who are also a bit bigger than the strawberries are the striped anemones (halianthella annularis). Size them up and then the Sandy Anemones (Aulactinia reynaudi) come into play with a wide array of colours and we normally see them in the Atlantic side.

Strawberry anemoneWe can found sea anemones at depth, on rocks, kelp, crabs, shells and in the sand. Low tide anemones can be seen in rock pools and in tidal pools as well so everyone can have an opportunity to check them out. I can remember as a child tentatively putting my finger in a rock pool touching an anemone and pull back quickly when it feels like it is grabbing your finger with its tentacles.
On safety stops in Cape Town I prefer to get to a pinnacle at 5 meters thus the last 3 minutes of the dive I can still explore and take pics and normally between the redbait heads you find the best blue and red & yellow spotted Knobbly anemones(Bunodosama capensis).Knobbly Anemone(Bunodosoma capensis)

Knobbly Anemone(Bunodosoma capensis)

In Summary Sea Anemones are a very well adapted organism who as a basic organism can survive almost everywhere.

 

Aliwal Shoal Dive Trip July 2015

Aliwal Shoal Dive Trip July 2015

by | Jul 29, 2015 | Dive Inn

Aliwal Shoal Dive Trip July 2015

Winter time in Cape Town can be challenging so what is not better to go and find some warmer waters to dive in South Africa like Aliwal Shoal in Umkomaas.

Aliwal Shoal Dive Trip July 2015

Grab the day and cup it.

We got a small group together and arranged a package with Aliwal Shoal Scuba in Umkomaas which included Stunning ocean view accommodation, dinner, Breakfast, 12 dives, 1 baited shark dive and transfers from airport.

Arriving mid-afternoon on a Saturday we were shown to our en-suite rooms and where to unpack our dive gear. The rooms are Very comfortable but a bit noisy due to the breaking waves on the outside. No complaints on the ocean noise levels as rooms like that in South African dive centres is not common, so bargain.

Aliwal Shoal Scuba previously known as Umkomaas lodge is one of the centres with the most diving knowledge in SA and the only operator in the town to have rooms on the beach.

The reef offers a wide variety of dive sites and also one of the places in South Africa where you can almost be guaranteed to see Ragged tooth sharks. They do however move in some seasons where the sightings are not in such big numbers what we experienced. With the raggies around they drop their teeth all over the reef and if you are lucky enough to spot one you can keep it. Just remember it must be on the reef and not on the shark 😉 We were also fortunate to see how a raggy bit into the sand and this is how they get rid of their older teeth and give space to the new row of sharp teeth.

Aliwal Shoal Dive Trip July 2015

Oceanic Blacktip shark

Potato bass one of the other big fish we spotted was also kind enough to pose for photos and allow us to pose with them. On the baited dives they liked to make an appearance and next to the sharks you can note they are really big.

Of the 2 wrecks on the shoal we were only able to dive the Produce and had dark eerie water due the SAPPI pipeline. But our Cape Town divers felt at home as this is what our summer False Bay waters normally look like, only difference, water was 21 degrees. Kerri and Brian were the only ones seeing the big Brindle bass so we need to go back again. On the wreck scorpion fish and lion fish are in abundance with goldies everywhere. Here my camera skills failed as with the set up I did not pop up my flash so photos could only be taking with a high iso and a torch shining on the subject.

A baited shark dive is where 3 drums with mashed up fish are hanging in the water where the oil and smell trail from the drums are there to attract the Black tip Oceanic sharks. Summer months Tiger sharks and bull Sharks can also be seen. We were treated to 2 dives with these awesome creatures and so cool to see them swirling around us with other fish who can eat the scraps coming out of the drums. With the sharks comes the remora fish attaching themselves to the sharks or just using the slipstream to swim with them. Some of them and a whole lot of sharks had some human interactions where you can still see hooks and line sticking out from their mouths. In bad cases the jaws and mouths are misshaped due to jaws being broken or cut badly. One shark also had a bad chunk of skin and flesh away just under the gill slits.

The whole dive is done in around 10 meters of water with sharks, fish and even potato bass all around you and they are not interested in us at all. An awesome way to experience the blacktip sharks from so close.

Aliwal reef dives vary from 30 odd to 5 meters with current changing and surge that can affect you ears. This trip we had not to hectic currents and the surge was very calm.

But getting to the sites is where the fun starts. Early morning between 6 and 7am is kit-up time. This depends on the wind as wind pick up normally over lunch time. Once all your gear is loaded on the boat we get on the back of the truck and head of to the river mouth, about 5 minute drive away. (more…)