Coral Gardens (Rooi-els)

Western Cape, South AfricaDirections

7mm or semi-dry + hood typical

Coral Gardens (Rooi-els) at a glance

Coral Gardens (Rooi-els) is a dive site in Western Cape, South Africa. Typically most favorable Apr · from 3 years of archive data. Recent reports put the water around 16°C (61°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Next window today· 6:00–20:00 · favorable & moderate · sunset 19:07

Forecast for this hour · 3:00 · run 8 h ago

1.3 m (4.3 ft)waves — about a meter and a half expected (waves — about four feet expected)

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 16°C · seasonal avg 16°C ( · Forecast 61°F · seasonal avg 61°F)

Dive windows this week

Lightest wind: Tue

Mon

1.3 m waves · 10 kn wind (4.3 ft waves · 10 kn wind)

Tue

1.1 m waves · 4 kn wind (3.6 ft waves · 4 kn wind)

Wed

1.0 m waves · 7 kn wind (3.2 ft waves · 7 kn wind)

Thu

2.3 m waves · 6 kn wind (7.4 ft waves · 6 kn wind)

Fri

1.8 m waves · 11 kn wind (5.9 ft waves · 11 kn wind)

Sat

2.0 m waves · 13 kn wind (6.7 ft waves · 13 kn wind)

Sun

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wave and wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 5:23 · Sunrise 5:49 · Sunset 19:07 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 2.3 km from site · updated 25 Oct, 19:18 GMT+2

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near Coral Gardens (Rooi-els)

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

January, 5% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 18°C (65°F), waves have typically been 2.5 m (8.2 ft), wind has typically been 20 knots
February, 2% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 18°C (65°F), waves have typically been 2.7 m (8.9 ft), wind has typically been 19 knots
March, 2% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 17°C (63°F), waves have typically been 2.6 m (8.6 ft), wind has typically been 19 knots
April, 6% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 16°C (60°F), waves have typically been 2.8 m (9.3 ft), wind has typically been 18 knots, historically most favorable
May, 1% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 16°C (62°F), waves have typically been 3.3 m (10.7 ft), wind has typically been 17 knots
June, 1% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 16°C (60°F), waves have typically been 3.7 m (12.2 ft), wind has typically been 21 knots
July, 0% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (59°F), waves have typically been 3.9 m (12.7 ft), wind has typically been 21 knots
August, 0% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (59°F), waves have typically been 3.7 m (12.2 ft), wind has typically been 21 knots
September, 1% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 15°C (60°F), waves have typically been 3.4 m (11.1 ft), wind has typically been 21 knots
October, 3% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 16°C (61°F), waves have typically been 2.8 m (9.2 ft), wind has typically been 21 knots
November, 1% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 17°C (63°F), waves have typically been 2.8 m (9.0 ft), wind has typically been 20 knots
December, 3% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 19°C (66°F), waves have typically been 2.7 m (8.9 ft), wind has typically been 20 knots

April has typically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life recorded at this site

No recorded sightings data for this site yet. Species lists appear as GBIF records and diver reports accumulate.

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km (16 mi). Know one? Add it to the map.

Featured shore dive guide

Coral Gardens (Rooi-els) dive guide

Coral Gardens (Rooi-els) is a False Bay shoreline dive for divers researching kelp, boulder reef, and Western Cape shore conditions. Use this guide to understand why people look it up, what to check before entry, and how to treat the forecast as planning context rather than a safety clearance.

Open map Check conditions Compare nearby sites Read reviews

PickADive guides and forecast windows are planning context, not a safety clearance. Confirm current conditions, rules, training limits, and operator guidance before diving — the decision is yours.

Difficulty: Conditions-dependent; Usually easier only when shore entry and swell are manageable.
Access: Shore research; Confirm entry, exit, and local parking before committing.
Best for: Kelp and reef context
Planning note: Verify locally; Use forecasts as research, not as a decision to dive.
Depth: Depth varies; Confirm your plan against current conditions and training.
Best time: Check conditions close to the dive; Forecasts and local observations can change quickly.

Why dive Coral Gardens (Rooi-els)

This site earns guide treatment because it represents a classic Western Cape shore-diving search pattern: a named reef, a precise coastal village, and a conditions-sensitive entry where divers need more than a map pin. It is useful for researching kelp forest scenery, rocky reef structure, and Rooi-els access logistics before comparing nearby False Bay sites.

How to dive it

Plan it as a shore dive with local knowledge. Confirm access, swell direction, exit options, parking, and permit requirements before leaving Cape Town or the Overberg. Rooi-els conditions can change quickly, so use PickADive windows only as an early planning signal and verify with recent local observations.

Marine life and site character

Expect a cold-temperate reef character rather than tropical coral scenery. Divers commonly research this part of False Bay for kelp, rocky reef, invertebrates, small reef fish, and the strong sense of place that comes from diving close to the Kogelberg and Cape shoreline.

Best season and conditions

There is no universal best day for this site. Favor calmer sea state, manageable swell, light wind, and recent visibility reports. In the Western Cape, a day that looks good on a broad forecast can still be poor at the entry point, so check local reports close to dive time.

Hazards and diver readiness

Shore entries, surge, slippery rocks, changing visibility, cold water, and exit difficulty are the main planning concerns. Do not treat a forecast window as permission to dive. Match the site to your training, equipment, buddy team, and current local conditions.

Local tips

Compare Coral Gardens with nearby Rooi-els and False Bay sites before committing. If the entry looks uncomfortable, choose a better-protected site or dive with a local operator who knows the coastline and current access norms.

Common questions about Coral Gardens (Rooi-els)

Is Coral Gardens (Rooi-els) a beginner shore dive?

It can be approachable on calm days, but shore entries, cold water, surge, and exit conditions can raise the difficulty. Newer divers should go with local guidance and stay within training limits.

What should I check before diving Coral Gardens Rooi-els?

Check swell, wind, visibility reports, entry and exit conditions, marine protected area rules, and whether your exposure protection is suitable for cold Western Cape water.

Does PickADive certify the site is safe today?

No. PickADive provides research context. You still need same-day local observations, appropriate training, equipment checks, and a conservative dive plan.

What nearby pages should I compare?

Compare other Western Cape and False Bay listings on PickADive, especially nearby Rooi-els and Cape Town shore sites, to find a better fit for the day.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

shoreline dive site at Rooi-els on the False Bay shoreline

No hazards recorded for this site yet — that never means there are none. Ask a local operator before you dive.

Reviews

No reviews yet — this site is waiting for its first. Dived here? Your rating and a few lines help the next diver.

Spot something off?

Help keep this listing accurate for the next diver.