Diving the Cape Peninsula and False Bay/Gordon's Bay Old Harbour

Gordon's Bay old harbour is a small commercial fishing harbour and marina on the east side of Gordon's Bay, which is occasionally used for dive boat launches.

Understand
The Old Harbour is used by divers at any time of year when diving conditions on the east side of False Bay are suitable. This can be at any time of year, but mor often in summer, when the south west swell is smaller and the south east wind makes conditions on the west side of the bay unpleasant. The slipway is well protected by the harbour walls and boats can be launched and recovered in almost any weather conditions.

The slipway is a concrete ramp 12.8 m wide at the top, about 17 m wide at the water with about 8° slope and is in fairly good condition. There is also a rail slip to the side with trolley 5.2 m wide, 14 m long, about 6° slope. There is a concrete jetty in good condition to the right side of the slipway where boats can tie up to load and wait for access on busy days. Very well protected from waves from all directions.

Public access for boats with seaworthiness certificates and licensed skippers.

The harbour and slipway are controlled by MCM. The responsible person is the Gordon's Bay harbourmaster. For information.

Position

 * S34°09'53.48"S E018°51'33.90" (Slipway/jetty/boarding area)
 * S34°09'54.08"S E018°51'36.09" (Main gate)
 * S34° 9'48.16"S E018°51'29.58" (Harbour mouth)

About (distance)km from Gordon's Bay CBD, and (distance)km from central Cape Town by road.

Conditions
The launching facilities are usable all year, and the use of the facilities by dive boats is mainly dependant on good diving conditions on the east side of False Bay. This is more common in summer, when the lack of rain runoff from the mountainside, and the generally lower south west swell result in better visibility when the sea is calm enough to dive. The dive sites on the Gordon's Bay area are all close inshore in the lee of the mountains, so a fairly strong south easterly wind is not generally a problem, which is a good thing since in summer the south easter can blow very strongly at Gordon's Bay, often for several days running.

Facilities
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access is controlled by a security guard at the gate, who will take your entry fee.

Parking for trailers is limited. The parking area is right next to the slipway and is tarred, with demarcated parking areas. The loading of boats can be done at the trailer parking area or at the jetty. Embarkation of passengers is at the jetty.

Parking for vehicles without trailers is also limited and is occasionally a problem. There are toilet facilities which are usually in working condition and are usually open at all times.There is a kiosk for refreshments which is open during working hours, and a bar/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating which will cater to divers in wetsuits (outside), within easy walking distance of the slipway.

Fees
Launching fee R42.00 per day (2005) A fee of R2.00 (2005) per vehicle is charged for access to the harbour. Pay at the gate, and get a ticket/receipt.

Hazards
Security of parked vehicles is reasonable, but it is advisable to lock valuables in the boot where they can not be seen by passers-by. The car park is visible to the gate guard if he happens to be outside his office.

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