Documentarian Craig Foster's guide to Cape Town's most epic underwater adventures

Renowned South African documentarian and conservationist Craig Foster, best known for his Oscar-winning film My Octopus Teacher, is an expert when it comes to exploring Cape Town’s breathtaking underwater world. Through his work, Foster has unveiled the mesmerizing beauty and delicate ecosystems hidden beneath the waves of the Cape Peninsula. For ocean enthusiasts, Cape Town offers some of the most epic underwater adventures, and no one knows them better than Foster himself.

The kelp forests off the coast of Cape Town are the stars of Foster’s acclaimed documentary. These towering underwater forests, often called the "African Sea Jungle," stretch along the coastline, providing shelter to a dazzling array of marine life. Diving or snorkeling in these waters offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a surreal world of swaying kelp fronds, colorful sea creatures, and dramatic underwater landscapes.

Foster highlights False Bay as one of the top locations for exploring these kelp forests. This area is accessible to divers of all levels, and even for those without extensive experience, snorkeling is an equally rewarding way to get up close to the vibrant marine life. Here, you might encounter curious octopuses, playful seals, and schools of shimmering fish darting through the kelp. Foster’s advice: move slowly, be patient, and let the environment reveal itself.

For beginners or those seeking a more leisurely underwater adventure, Foster recommends exploring Cape Town’s rock pools and shallow reefs. The tidal pools along the coastline, such as those at St. James and Dalebrook, offer rich marine life in crystal-clear waters. These are perfect for families, photographers, or anyone interested in observing marine species up close without venturing into deeper waters.

In these shallow zones, you’ll find vibrant anemones, starfish, and small fish species, all framed by the dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline of the Cape Peninsula. Foster suggests taking time to observe the smaller creatures that often go unnoticed. The rock pools are a microcosm of Cape Town’s underwater biodiversity, reflecting the larger, more hidden ecosystems just offshore.

For those seeking more thrilling underwater experiences, Cape Town’s shark diving adventures are unparalleled. From cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai to diving with smaller species like the cow shark in the kelp forests, these experiences offer a chance to see one of nature’s most misunderstood predators up close.

Foster has a deep respect for sharks and advocates for responsible interactions that prioritize their well-being. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these apex predators not as fearsome killers, but as essential parts of the marine ecosystem. For a less intense but equally fascinating experience, divers can explore the reefs near Simon’s Town, where smaller sharks like the shark are frequently spotted.

Central to Foster’s guide is a strong emphasis on conservation and responsible exploration. The underwater ecosystems around Cape Town are fragile and face numerous threats from human activities. Whether you’re diving in kelp forests or snorkeling in rock pools, Foster advises always leaving no trace and being mindful of your impact.

He encourages explorers to support local marine conservation initiatives, such as the Sea Change Project, which he co-founded. This organization works to protect the kelp forests and promote sustainable interaction with marine environments.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or a curious first-timer, Cape Town offers a treasure trove of underwater adventures. With Craig Foster’s expert insights, you can explore these marine landscapes while gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems they support. Dive in, take your time, and let the magic of the Cape Peninsula’s underwater world unfold before your eyes.