Dive sites in Protea Banks

Description: The South Pinnacles of Protea Banks are legendary. Located roughly 7.5km offshore, dive here and traverse a series of rocky outcrops rising from the sea floor at 35 meters. These pinnacles create complex underwater landscapes, with overhangs, arches, and caves that add a dash of thrill to the underwater adventure.

Marine Species: You’ll frequently encounter dense populations of pelagic fish, like barracudas and kingfish. Schools of hammerhead sharks are the highlight, often numbering in the hundreds during peak season.

Unique Encounters: During the months of October and November, this site becomes a hotspot for the ragged-tooth sharks as they gather in numbers for their annual congregation. Additionally, you might spot bull sharks and tiger sharks patrolling the depths.

Photography: With the right equipment, capturing the swirling mass of hammerheads or the intimidating gaze of a tiger shark can be monumental. The vibrant backdrop created by the varied underwater terrain offers a majestic canvas for underwater photography.

Suitability: This site is best suited for advanced divers due to the relative depth and challenging conditions, including strong currents. Experience in deep diving and drift diving is highly recommended.

Description: The North Pinnacles, located slightly towards the northern regions of Protea Banks, are equally mesmerizing. The rocky structures extend up to 30 meters from the ocean bed, interspersed with grottos, ledges, and sand patches offering a rich terrain to explore.

Marine Species: Expect to see an array of species, from playful dolphins to hulking whale sharks. Schooling hammerheads are a common occurrence here, and you’ll frequently run into a variety of rays, including the massive mantas and graceful eagle rays.

Unique Encounters: The North Pinnacle’s coral structures are vibrant, and it’s a known hangout spot for potato groupers. In the warmer seasons, manta rays glide effortlessly through the water, sometimes performing acrobatics that leave divers in awe.

Photography: The biodiversity and the underwater topography provide plenty of opportunities for close-up shots of marine life as well as wide-angle shots of the dynamic seascape. Photographers can capture the elusive moments when whale sharks pass by or the synchronized dance of rays.

Suitability: This is another site that calls for advanced divers due to the deeper depths and moderate-to-strong currents. Previous experience with deeper dives and handling of underwater photography in such conditions will be advantageous.

Description: Known for its grandeur and immense beauty, Cathedral offers a unique diving experience. This site features a cavern that forms a large open vault, approximately 27 meters deep. The cavern is surrounded by ledges and swim-throughs, creating an almost ethereal sense of exploring an underwater cathedral.

Marine Species: The site attracts numerous pelagic species, including sizeable schools of jacks, snappers, and barracudas. During the sardine run, the water comes alive with predatory action from game fish and sharks.

Unique Encounters: The Cathedral is famous for the massive schools of hammerhead sharks that cruise along its channels. Adding to the allure are the sightings of the majestic manta rays and sometimes even the rare oceanic blacktip sharks.

Photography: The sheer drama of lighting within the cavern, combined with the potential for high-energy action from predatory sharks, makes this a prime site for dynamic and impactful underwater photography. Use strobes effectively to highlight the unique formations within the cathedral-like cavern.

Suitability: Due to its depth and the potential for strong currents, Cathedral is best suited for experienced divers. Technical divers may also find this site intriguing due to the various depths and the cave-like environment it offers.

Water Temperature: The water temperature at Protea Banks varies across the year. During the summer months, from November to April, you can expect temperatures to range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). In the winter months, ranging from May to October, the temperature can drop to between 19°C and 23°C (66°F to 73°F). It’s advisable to wear a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit during the cooler months and a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit during the warmer months to ensure comfort through your dives.

Visibility: Visibility at Protea Banks can significantly vary. On good days, visibility can extend to 40 meters (130 feet), particularly during the winter months when cooler currents prevail. However, it can reduce to around 10 meters (33 feet) due to plankton blooms or increased sediment stirred up by rough seas. Divers are encouraged to check marine weather forecasts and local dive reports for accurate visibility predictions before planning their dives.

Currents and Tides: Protea Banks is known for strong and unpredictable currents, which are one of the site’s defining characteristics. The area can experience both up-currents and down-currents, necessitating a level of experience and confidence in current diving. Tidal patterns also play a significant role, with slack tides providing the calmest conditions. Divers should ideally dive at slack tide for more manageable conditions but remain prepared for sudden changes. Utilizing a surface marker buoy (SMB) is highly recommended for safety.

Safety Tips:

• Experienced Divers: Protea Banks is best suited for advanced and experienced divers due to its deep sites and strong currents.
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB): Always carry and deploy an SMB to ensure you are visible to boat traffic.
• Buddy System: Dive with a qualified buddy and maintain close proximity, especially when currents are strong.
• Depth Awareness: Monitor your depth carefully, as some sites at Protea Banks can drop off steeply.
• Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and nearest hyperbaric facilities.
• Equipment: Ensure your dive equipment is in excellent condition; consider bringing a secondary air source and a dive computer with a compass.

Regulations: Protea Banks falls under South African maritime regulations, where conservation and safety are prioritized. Adhere to these guidelines:

• Permit Requirements: Some dives may require specific permits, so check with local dive operators.
• Marine Protection: Respect all protected marine species and do not disturb the natural habitat.
• Fishing Restrictions: Abide by regulations regarding fishing and spearfishing, which may be restricted in certain areas to protect marine life.
• No-Touch Policy: Follow the no-touch policy to help preserve the reef environment and avoid damaging delicate corals and marine life.
• Waste Management: Ensure that no waste or debris is discarded into the sea; bring back all trash to the shore for proper disposal.

Wrap Up

Protea Banks is undeniably one of the most exhilarating dive destinations in the world. Its diverse topography and bountiful marine life make it a haven for both advanced divers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re mesmerized by the immense schooling hammerheads at Northern Pinnacles, fascinated by the diverse coral formations at Southern Pinnacles, or captivated by the array of pelagic species at Playground, each site offers its unique charm and challenges. As you plan your diving adventure, keep in mind the varying conditions and regulations that safeguard these underwater treasures. Dive into the depths of Protea Banks for an unforgettable experience that pledges both excitement and discovery.