Ark Rock
One of the main attractions of Arc Rock is the opportunity to interact with a group of young cape fur seals during dives. These playful creatures never fail to entertain divers as they thermoregulate and engage in vigorous play. Additionally, divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including the endemic shark species. Brittle stars are also abundant in this area.
Arc Rock serves as an alternative location for seal dives when Seal Rock is inaccessible due to large swells. Visibility at this dive site may range from around 5 to 6 meters, providing a pleasant diving experience even with slightly lower visibility. With a maximum depth of 12 meters, Arc Rock is suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners.
In addition to the seal interaction, divers have the opportunity to explore the extended reef that stretches from the part of the rock protruding from the water. This further adds to the excitement and diversity of the dive experience.
For those visiting Arc Rock, it is conveniently located near Penguin Viewing Path, Seaforth, Cape Town Ward 61, Simon's Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. So, come and explore the underwater wonders of Arc Rock, a dive site that promises a memorable and thrilling experience for all divers.
Diving Conditions Score for Ark Rock
Challenging conditions, for experienced divers only.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Ark Rock
Depth
12m
Visibility
6m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Ark Rock
Wave Height
1.7m
Wind Speed
28.4 m/s
Water Temp
13.8°C
Visibility
39.26km
Cloud Cover
98%
Wave Period
10.7s
Air Temperature
14.8°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Ark Rock
Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 5.477579710144927/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.54m, Wind 17.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 0:00 with score 5.404162869198313/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Ark Rock are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 5.5/10
Waves: 1.54m (11.5s), Wind: 17.6 m/s
Score: 5.4/10
Waves: 1.56m, Wind: 7.3 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Ark RockAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Ark Rock
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Ark Rock
Summer
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Ark Rock
Ideal Conditions for Ark Rock
Water Temp
23.4°C / 74.1°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
October
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Ark Rock
Ark Rock follows southern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (23.4°C) and December the coldest (19.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 3 hr. ago - Jun 22, 2026