Dive Team Turns 3! 🎉
Yup, we are officially three years old—and what a ride it has been! It’s hard to believe how quickly the dive center has grown, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our divers, students, and crew.
I often take a moment to sit back and reflect on just how far we’ve come. From our small shop front, to knocking down walls and expanding next door, and now adding a second boat, the journey has been nothing short of incredible. But we’re far from done—there are still big plans in the pipeline!
Unforgettable Dives & Ocean Encounters
In the past three years, we’ve had some absolutely insane dives. Rocky Banks has never failed to deliver spectacular dives, and we’ve been lucky enough to witness massive stingrays gliding through the kelp forests. There’s nothing quite like the surprise whale encounters at Whittle Rock, or the pure magic of random dolphin encounters that turn an already incredible dive into something truly unforgettable. Reminding us why we love what we do and why we fight to protect this incredible marine ecosystem.
Challenges in Conservation
Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. Conservation in False Bay comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest concerns lately has been the seal rabies outbreak, which has made encounters with these usually playful animals more unpredictable. We’ve had to adapt and educate our divers, ensuring safety while still appreciating the beauty of our marine wildlife.
False Bay is a biodiversity hotspot, but it’s also a battleground for conservation. We constantly see threats to our marine life—from overfishing and poaching to pollution—and it can feel like an uphill struggle. But that’s exactly why we remain so committed to being more than just a dive center.
Giving Back to the Ocean
A true eco-tourism business doesn’t just operate in nature—it gives back to protect the very environment it thrives in. That’s why we are incredibly proud to have supported research projects with Stellenbosch University, assisting Master’s and PhD students in their studies. We’ve also had the privilege of helping with the SharkSafe Barrier project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at protecting both sharks and humans by creating a natural deterrent to prevent shark attacks without harming marine life.
A Team That Makes It Happen
While Dive Team has grown into something amazing, it wouldn’t have been possible without some truly incredible people.
- Damian Leipert, the guy who fixes all our electrical issues and keeps things running behind the scenes (because let’s be honest, there’s always something breaking).
- Basile Boyazis, who has been on duty since day one, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for diving.
- Neal “Proppies” Wills, who started as an open water diver and has climbed the ranks to become a skipper and a PADI Instructor—a core member of our team.
- Nicolene Olckers, who has played a key role in ensuring that our safety standards remain 100%, because without solid safety protocols, none of this would be possible.
And, of course, a massive thank you to our amazing industry partners who have supported us and also provided mentorship and guidance from day one:
| ✔ Cressi Africa | ✔ Apeks |
| ✔ Aqualung |
✔ Reef Wetsuits |
| ✔ Brightweights | ✔ Reef Divers Pretoria |
| ✔Two Oceans Aquarium | ✔ DAN Southern Africa |
| ✔ PADI |
Your trust and support have played a huge role in getting us to where we are today!
What’s Next?
The past three years have been incredible, but we’re only just getting started. Bigger adventures, more exciting projects, and even more unforgettable dives are on the horizon.
So, to everyone who has supported us from day one, and to those who continue to be part of our journey—thank you! Here’s to the next chapter of Dive Team. 🎉🌊🐠
And Now, Some Completely Useless but Nostalgic Stats
Because why not? We’ve been keeping track of some truly vital statistics that serve absolutely no purpose other than making us laugh:
✔ We have filled over 12,000 scuba cylinders (which is probably why we hear the sound of an air compressor in our sleep).
✔ Roughly 6,000 apples have been consumed (because we like to pretend we’re healthy between all the post-dive snacks).
✔ We have lost four GoPros to the ocean depths (we assume they're now in the hands of some very confused octopuses).
✔ We managed to completely destroy one set of boat propellers (don’t ask, it was a dark day).
✔ We received exactly ONE three-star review (we’re still losing sleep over it).
✔ We have led over 7,000 dives without a single major incident (which, let’s be honest, is the stat that actually matters).
Here’s to many more years of adventure, conservation, and trying not to lose any more GoPros! 🎉🚤💨