Explore the Underwater World of Cape Town: Freediving, Kelp Forests, and African Penguins
Cape Town is known for being one of the most stunning and picturesque cities in the world (we think so, we live here!): from the impressive Table Mountain Range, the beautiful Cape Winelands, the majestic Cape Point to the endless beaches, great surf and incredible culinary scene. But very few people come to this Peninsula to explore the spectacular world beneath the waves… our “blue backyard”.
The famous tip of the vibrant Cape Peninsula has various names: Cape Point, the Cape of Storms or the Cape of Good Hope… and now also the home of ‘My Octopus Teacher’!
Here one can experience two very diverse ocean currents – the warm Agulhas coming from the east and the cold Benguela coming from the south – resulting in an abundant and very unique marine ecosystem and home to some of our favourite landscapes and creatures.
On top of acquiring the skills to deepen your freediving practice you can discover the wildly delicious world of coastal foraging – ideal for chefs and foodies wanting to explore foraged and local food and discover new ingredients – you can also learn about the marine ecosystems of False Bay and the challenges and success stories along our coastline.
KELP FORESTS are like mysterious old growth forests just below the surface. A dense aquatic woodland area full of life! On dives you can explore the kelp and their inhabitants (small species of shy shark, octopus, a myriad of reef fish, tiny nudibranchs and colourful urchin beds to name a few) but purely as a landscape the kelp forests are inspiring and beautiful.
The AFRICAN PENGUINS play an integral part in the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area story. Listed as critically endangered, these small characters deserve all the appreciation and support they can receive. We can visit several of their nesting, bathing and playing sites (with official permits) and learn about their fight for their survival, life cycle and unique adaptations. If you’re lucky you will see how their clumsy land waddles turn to underwater agility!