22 October 2022
To the east of South Africa lies the Indian Ocean. To the west, the South Atlantic Ocean. Both sides offer excellent diving.
On the Indian Ocean side is Sodwana Bay near the border with Mozambique. The water is warmer here, between around 19 and 29 ° C. The whole area is a National Park, and has been since 1950, with diving permitted in just a relatively small section. The protection has resulted in masses of fish with many resident and visiting species, including dolphins, sailfish (marlin), whale sharks (October to February), humpback whales, manta rays and ragged tooth sharks ("Raggies"). Many of the dive sites are named for their distance from a lighthouse: Two, Five, Seven and Nine Mile Reefs.
Marlin, illustration by Corey Ford
You can dive Sodwana Bay year-round. The best time to dive here depends on what you most want to see. Whale sharks and Ragged-tooth sharks appear from December to February, Humpback whales turn up from June to October. Water temperature ranages from 22oC in July and August to 27oC in March.
The best time to dive the Atlantic coast is in summer, between October and February. The water temperature is quite cold, ranging from around 16 oC in October to 18 oC in February. You need a 7 mm wetsuit or a drysuit.
Between Cape Town in the south west and Port Elizabeth in the south - the South East Cape - you find the "Chokka" squid run. During summer - October to December - they are at the height of spawning. The fishing season is closed in November and a multitude of predators arrive to feast on the squid: sharks, dolphins, rays, octopuses, seals and others. The squid (Loligo vulgaris reynaudii) migrate in single-sex schools which mix during spawning. They lay their eggs in large, sheltered, sandy bays like at Port St Francis, west of Port Elizabeth. Visibility is often poor and the water cold - around 14 °C.
Sardine Run. Daniel Lamborn/DepositPhotos
In the winter months of May to July you might see the amazing sardine run - the annual migration of the South African pilchard (Sardinops sagax) from the cold Cap Agulhas in the west round the coast towards Aliwal Shoal and Durban. Like the Chokka squid, the tightly-packed fish attract an array of predators like ragged tooth sharks, bottlenose dolphins, orcas and bryde's whales. The sardine run doesn't happen every year: it seems to depend on current and temperature.
South Africa is blessed with a large population of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). In the 1990s some dive operators at Dyer Island in the Gansbaai area started offering cage diving with the sharks. This proved popular and spread to False Bay south of Cape Town and Mossel Bay which is half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The best time to see the sharks is during winter, May to August. The shark cage operators are licensed and are restricted in the method of chumming and bait used. (An example of Chum is fish oil and minced fish.) They put the bait into the water and then wait for the sharks, sometimes for hours. Once the sharks arrive the cage is lowered into the water and divers get in through the top. The cage is always very close to the surface. There is concern about feeding sharks, worries that it could increase shark attacks as they learn to associate people with food or that sharks will come to depend on humans. However, research suggests that if the licence restrictions are followed - and the sharks are not intentionally fed - then "cage diving can be a beneficial industry that in no way augments the small risks that white sharks represent to humans"1.
Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias. Ramon Carretero/DepositPhotos
There is a high level of crime in South Africa, but mostly away from the tourist areas. Be particularly vigilant in Durban's city centre and beach front area. Make sure you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport before you go. Parents travelling with children into or out of South Africa may be asked to show the child's full birth certificate, and where only one parent is accompanying, proof of parental or legal authority to travel with the child. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. For the latest security information see Foreign travel advice South Africa.
The 5 Best South Africa Dive Sites:
South Africa • Dive Sites • Dive Operators • Further Reading • Your Comments
The Sodwana Bay national park abuts a network of marine reserves stretching 150 km south from the Mozambique border. The reefs are named for how far they are from land, starting with Quarter Mile all the way to 9 Mile Reef.
"A bit of everything. Sodwana is a magical must see ! Multiple dive sites out of this world!
"
Carina
"Probably the most beautiful sub-tropical reefs on the planet. From 1/4 mile, to 2 mile, 5 mile, 7 mile and 9 mile reefs. Nudi's, 1000's of reef fish, turtles, rays, mantas, whale sharks, sharks, etc, etc. The variety is stupendous. The beaches are endless and the location is African, what more could you want?"
Guy Pringle
Gas flame nudibranch (Bonisa nakaza). Madelein Wolf/DepositPhotos
"There are several dive sites at Sodwana Bay. Stunning reefs are packed with large schools of fish, huge moray eels and sting rays and excellent macro life. Highlights included a huge manta ray on a safety stop and snorkelling with a whale shark. Humpback whales were also seen from the boat as well as a huge pod of dolphin. Dive intervals were spent on a 9 mile long white beach. Amazing!"
Laura Munro
"Just perfect to dive here, water was flat like a pancake. I saw lots of eels, sharks, rays and turtles.
"
Martin de Jong
"Stunning reefs, all protected and loads of eels, fish, clownfish, cleaning shrimp, rays, white tip reef sharks, whale sharks, raggies.
"
Cheryl Middleton, USA
"Only Maldives had more variety and water is really warm in summer.
"
Hayley
"Very small, but interesting reef, very near to the launch site. Is best in January and February when the raggies abound. The closest you will get to a raggie! Restricted site - so limited amount of divers per day."
Cheryl Middleton, USA
Female ragged-tooth sharks congregate at 2 Mile Reef from December until February during the first months of their pregnancies.
"One of the best dives ever. It is very diverse in fish life and has a beautiful reef structure. It is a highly recommended place to go scuba diving."
Skye, 2021
"Very nice dive, lots of fish.
"
Tana Torro, Brazil
"Very colourful reef. Lots of reef fish and coral. Saw several large turtles. Easy site to dive.
"
Darrell Lizamore, South Africa
Photo credit: Tim Nicholson
"Its always a huge treat to go and dive there! We always see schools of snappers, rays, spectacular coral reefs and sometimes raggetooth sharks! Sometimes u dive alongside turtles, whalesharks and the dolphins!! Its always very nice to dive there, and never disapointed!
"
Arno van der Westhuizen, 2012
"Great visibility, good diversity. Sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, whales and big schools of fish. Interesting reef formation as well as different types of coral etc.
"
Evelyn Sboros, 2011
"On a reef called 9 Mile the species seen ranged from Whale shark and Bottlenose dolphin on the way out to the site, and a Blue marlin as we entered the water, to the most coral species I have seen on any of my dives around the world. It was just yummy.
"
John Weller
"Nice dive on 2 big rocks. Saw lots of Lionfish and some massive stingrays.
"
Darrell Lizamore, South Africa
"Kelp forest with Cape Fur Seal's. We even spotted a Great White passing in the distance, no threat to anyone as they swim in open water mainly and not in the kelp forest. These creatures are a great attraction, and their behaviour is very inquisitive. December is normally calving season, we stop all diving activities there except for marine research.
"
Gansbaai SCUBA
"We found a new reef in Gansbaai area which I took the liberty of naming after myself "Fred's Reef". This dive is a boat dive, as the reef is about 900 meters off shore. The depth is between 9 and 18 meters, and there is a vast variety of marine life there, as well as South African Rock Lobster. This is excellent to catch and eat, although you must have a permit to dive or catch them. The visibility ranges now from 2 meters to 10 meters, which is good for this country!
"
Gansbaai SCUBA
"Water vis was not good - very green - and not a lot of fish life seen.
"
John Weller
"This large wreck is home to numerous brindle bass which weigh in excess of 200 kg. My best dive here to date had visibility around 25 m, and 8 Brindle bass were seen outside the wreck, on the port side, keeping out of the strong current and just "chilling". A rare sight indeed! Louie Bodenstaff, South Africa, 2011
"Vis was 20m, water temp 23 deg. Lots of ragged tooth sharks, rays etc.
"
Austin, USA, 2007
"Hundred of sand tiger sharks.
"
Giorgia Lombardini, Italy
"The water visibility was about 20m, water was warm 26 degrees. I had a Raggedtooth shark, Paperfish, Pineapple fish, huge Potato bass, Turtles, lots of different rays and at the end of the dive we had countless Sand sharks.
"
Frank Miller, UK
More Details: Ultimate Diving Adventures: 100 Extraordinary Experiences Under Water
"The most exhilarating dive ever! A drum of fish heads hangs in the water attached to a surface buoy. The sharks are not fed at any point on the dive, they are just attracted by the scent. The dive begins by us rolling into a sea swarming with dusky sharks which gets the heart pumping. At 8 meters you are briefed to get neutral buoyancy and sit vertically in the water. Only then do you truly appreciate the spectacular show the duskys and oceanic white tips are putting on, ducking and diving around the drum. A few minutes passed before the first tiger shark came in! What gorgeous creatures they are! The 3 meter female swam around us several times, clearly inquisitive but never aggressive. A second one came in towards the end of the dive, this one slightly smaller than the first female. To be so close to so many sharks at once and to have the opportunity to be face to face with a tiger shark is nothing short of amazing and such a privilege! The operators have been doing these dives for years without incident which just goes to show how misunderstood sharks are. After this dive I am definitely a shark fan and cant wait to do the dive again!
"
Laura Munro, UK
The rocky reef called Aliwal Shoal is around 3 km offshore. It is named after a ship that nearly sank there, called the Aliwal. At 2.5 km long and a km wide, there are many good dives here. It is famous for its sharks as from July to October grey nurse sharks or raggedtooth sharks (Carcharias taurus) gather to mate, and whales and whale sharks pass through. Aliwal Shoal is in a Marine Protected Area which safeguards the sharks and reef.
Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus-limbatus) at Aliwal Shoal
"On a good day, humpback whales on the surface, Whalesharks, ragged tooth sharks, dolphins, groupers, rays, turtles, morays and macros such as pineapple and leaf fish all on one dive. The beach launch through the surf can be a thrill of its own. I have had over 200 dives there. Most of them very good although conditions and viz can be challenging at times. Best time between July and October as that is when the Raggies are there for mating and whales and whale sharks pass through. I had a dive there last September and there were humpbacks with young on the surface and an amazing number of sharks - probably because of COVID and the absence of divers. "
Harry Nieman, 2021
"Tropical mixed with big pelagics. An hour after leaving Durban cbd, you can be diving with tiger sharks and almost every other creature.
"
Vegard Kvam, 2014
"The highlight of the reef sites on Aliwal Shoal was Cathedral Rock with 30 Ragged Tooth Sharks all swimming in and out the natural rock auditorium. Amazing! The Shoal has lots soft coral, large schools of pelagics and great macro diving. Swim throughs, caves and crevices give the dive sites character and are great fun to explore. Excellent diving!
"
Laura Munro
"The vis was about 20 meters on all three days: we were spoilt. It normally 10 - 15 m. We saw a wide variety of sea life including a Humpback whale and her calf being led by a School of dolphins, mind-blowing stuff. Manta rays and moray eels were some of the good things we also saw. When you get back there is a restaurant that does an awesome feed for a good price. The beers tasted pretty good as well!
"
Shaun Millington
"Shark heaven - hammerheads, bull, angel, raggie, reef. Mantas. Great team work needed on the ROB launch. Fab experience.
"
Helen Moffatt, UK
"Three types of sharks, turtles, dolphins, breaching whales and lots more.
"
Conrad Smit
"Good sightings of raggies, currents tough at times.
"
Tertius Hofmeyr
"Visibility 20m, water was warm, sea conditions flat. The group was all Aquabud and the fun started from the time we arrived at the charter until we left that afternoon. The Divemaster was tops. He showed up exactly where we would go and what we would see having the main dude (Miguel) on the dives, just makes a dream come true with his ways.
"
Phillip Muller, Germany
"On a lucky day you can virtually see any shark. Both from tropical or temperate areas. On an average day, depending on the season you will see at least 3 to 4 different species. "
Patrick
"Always see the big stuff - sharks (many types), mantas, dolphins, turtles and the viz is fantastic."
Andrew Stacey
"Old whaler... no penetration but awesome fish around...one of my favourites I did with Calypso Dive. "
Jenny Goss
Editorial note: Calypso Dive has now been taken over and is called Umhlanga Scuba.
"Our wreck dive was a great one. Once we backward rolled into the water, we could see the wreck at 30m. Once again Miguel of Aquabud Scuba was on the dive and he showed us so much on that wreck that you can only dream about. Just fish everywhere."
Phillip Muller, Germany
The shark cage operators are licensed and are restricted in their methods. They place the bait into the water and then wait for the sharks, sometimes for hours. Once the sharks arrive the cage is lowered into the water and divers get in through the top. The cage is only a metre or so below the surface. There is concern about feeding sharks, however, research suggests that if the licence restrictions are followed then "cage diving can be a beneficial industry that in no way augments the small risks that white sharks represent to humans".1
"So great getting up close and personal with the ocean boss. "
Jenny Goss
"Chunnel is the dive spot known as the waterway where the sharks constantly move. There are mainly Ragged-tooth sharks, but you will also see some Raggie scorpionfish, ribbon tail rays, turtles and sand sharks."
Tamara McArthur, ScubaCo Diving & Travel
"Visibility 15 m, water temperature was 23 degrees, no current. We had on the dive: Sharks (whitetip reef sharks and a Raggie), Pineapplefish, Banded pipefish, all types of morays and a lot of other fishes."
Melissa Alves, Brasil
"Visibility 20, water temperature 22 degrees, with a bit or a surge.
We had on the dive, all types of rays (round ribbontail, Spotted eagle rays and Blue Spotted rays), a school of hammerhead sharks, Potato bass, turtles. "
Melissa Alves, Brasil
In Smitswinkel Bay hosts four wrecks, the: SAS Transvaal, MV Orotava, MV Princess Elizabeth, SAS Good Hope and the MV Rockeater. But there is also some beautiful sealife to be seen.
Cape triplefin blenny (Cremnochorites capensis). Madelein Wolf/DepositPhotos
"4 wrecks sunk in a row to form a natural reef between 20 and 40m in depth. On a good day the visibility is so good that you can see all the wrecks as you descend. They include a fishing trawler, a mining ship and 2 minesweepers. If you like diving wrecks, slightly deeper and colder water, this is a must-do."
Dawie Olivier, January 2018
"Pinnacles are known as the reason for our amazing Wrecks. The pinnacles stand out from the bottom to 6m from the surface. This dive site has gullies, overhangs, caves and swim-throughs."
Tamara McArthur, ScubaCo Diving & Travel
"Visibility was around 10 m, water was warm and a bit of a current.
We had Dolphins underwater, Frogfish, Paperfish, rays, turtles, Potato bass and many other fish. As well as dolphins on the surface."
Melissa Alves, Brasil
Coral Divers
Sodwana Bay
Zululand
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa
Tel: +27 33 345 6531
Email: info@coraldivers.co.za or
coraldivers@mweb.co.za
coraldivers.co.za
Or check our Facebook Page here.
Coral Divers is a PADI 5 star Gold Palm IDC Centre and a National Geographic Dive Centre situated in Sodwana Bay, South Africa. We are proud to be able to provide all levels of PADI scuba instruction from Bubble Maker to Instructor Development Courses as well as accommodation and dive charters.
Lying within the boundaries of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay provides the travelling diver with a vast array of unspoilt coral reefs populated with a huge diversity of Indo-Pacific fish & invertebrates.
Apart from the great diving & beautiful coral reefs, the area offers fun and excitement for the non-diver too. From quad bike riding, horse riding, kiteboarding and paintballing to day trips to Makhasa Game Reserve for Rhino or Buffalo tracking on foot, you're sure to find something that appeals to you, your friends and/or family.
Mseni Lodge
Sodwana Bay National Park
Sodwana Bay
Zululand
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)35-5710284
Fax: +27 (0)35-5710251
E-mail: info@amoraydiving.com
Amoray Diving, run by Colin. Great setup on the beach - one of two 'permanent' structures. More personal than the big 'sausage factory' outfits. Good crew, friendly staff and Colin's incredible knowledge, make this a must for divers who want to feel part of a family. Cost of dives vary - depending on which reef you are going to. Normally in the R200 to R280 range.
Cheryl Middleton, USA
Dive the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area.
14C Sherry Vilano
van Tonder Ave
Edenglen
South Africa
4 Vickers Place
Glenashley
Durban
South Africa
E-mail: adventuredives@telkomsa.net.
Would definitely dive with them again.
Conrad Smit
1 Falcon Place
Cowies Hill Park
Pinetown
3610
Tel: 031 701 4896
Fax: 086 519 2825
E-mail: shop@scubaclub.co.za
I did my open water one with Scuba Club In Durban, The instructor is very experienced and an excellent dive master. He takes time to show people what is hiding in the nooks and crannies, Which is good 'cos if you are new to the area you aren't sure what to look for. On top of that he is a nutter! I would definitely be going back. Fully inclusive, Even the day after qualifying I never had to pay to hire any equipment from Scuba Club. Definitely a worth while experience!
.
Shaun Millington
Based inside Durban's uShaka Marine World
Shaka Marine World
Shop K8
Village Walk
Durban
Tel: +27 31 332 1153
E-mail
Tel: +27 824506635
E-mail: miguel@aquabud.co.za
I did my Advanced course with Miguel Nunes, the owner of Aquabud. A true professional, he just made us all so comfortable during the lectures and on the dives. The course was a real value for money. I would recommend anybody to Aquabud, not only the teaching and the coaching in diving, but the friendly manner of their divers. Thank you, Miguel for an awesome time in South Africa. We will be back. Diving in Durban cost as R180 per dive + equipment hire. Aliwal Shoal dive cost R220 + equipment hire. The diving experience was unthinkable, a dream come true. Thank you all the Aquabud buddies you have changed my life.
Phillip Muller, Germany
Aquabud Scuba are charging R220 per dive and R150 for all gear for the day. The service I got from them was excellent.
One of my best experiences was with them. They cater for all types of dives and they make you feel welcome at all times.
They don't just give you a great dive, but the fun you have with them is priceless.
Once again thank you for the great fun I had with you guys at Aquabud Scuba and may your business be Prosperous, just keep up the good work and your professionalism. I'll be back.
Melissa Alves, Brasil
Dive the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area.
Rocky Bay Resorts
Gate 2
Old Main Road Park Rynie
Scottburgh
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa, 4182
49 Fred Street
Kempton Park 1619
Gauteng
East Coast of South Africa
Tel: +27 82 336 8573
They provide a 10 day dive safari with diving at the two main dive areas in South Africa with two nights at a safari lodge. Excellent value for money. They take safety and service beyond any opeator I have ever dived with. I have already booked my next trip! The guides go out of their way to accommodate your every need and then some. There is absolutely nothing we would change or add to the trip. The service, experience, diving, accommodation is worth every penny. It was by far the best holiday we have ever had and we consider ourselves well travelled. We loved the mixture of diving and wildlife safari. Where else in the world can you dive with a whale shark in the morning and watch hippo at lakes edge in the afternoon or horse ride on the beach. The two nights at the game reserve broke up the diving between Sodwana and Aliwal and gave us a chance to see the best of both sea and land animals. Our guides could not have done more to make our stay the best ever and we really hope this review will encourage others to take the trip of a life time.
Laura Munro, UK
1 Golf Course Road
Widenham
Umkomaas
4170
1 Reynolds Road
Umkomaas
4170
Tel: +27 39 973 0456 or +27 39 973 1866
Whatsapp: +27 81 569 0247
Blue Ocean Dive Resort is the best choice for your Scuba Diving holiday at Aliwal Shoal on the Kwazulu Natal South Coast. Let us WOW you with our spectacular service, friendly and professional staff, superior boats and equipment! Everyone checks in as a client, but leaves as a friend. Our service is and will remain un-paralleled.
Blue Ocean Dive Resort will also be the premier training academy for the youth who want to make a career in the Scuba Diving, Hotel and Tourism industry. We offer accommodation, diving, dive shop and restaurant in Umkomaas. All PADI training from OW to rebreather, Instructor courses and all tek courses on offer.
Nicki Gibson, Blue Ocean Dive Resort, November 2018
Twenty years’ experience in the diving industry in South Africa and Mozambique. Specialises in bespoke diving trips. Specialist charter operation focusing on large predator interactions with baited shark diving being a core focus. Also offer training of all PADI courses.
21 Harvey Street, Umkomaas, 4170
(Entrance to Village Reef Complex is on the corner of Reynolds and Harvey Street – Look for the Blue Flags)
Telephone: +27(0)39 973 0002
Email: info@scubaco.co.za
658 Carolina Street
Faerie Glen
Pretoria
South Africa
Tel: (+27) 12 991 3134
Fax (+27) 12 991 5523
E-mail: info@divesouthafrica.co.za
Beach Blvd East
Diaz Beach
Mossel Bay
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)44 692 0313
E-mail: info@adventuresedge.co.za
7 Kerk Street
Bayside Centre (Checkers Centre)
Mossel Bay, 6500
South Africa
No 1 Libra Close
Plettenberg Bay
6600
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)73 178 5462
Fax: +27 (0)44 533 2379
E-mail: info@oceansafrica.com
SCUBA diving and specialist tours in Southern Africa. A collaboration between dive centres, whale watching operators, dive instructors and guides. Specialise in developing custom tours to meet the individual needs of clients.
On the south coast of South Africa
Beacon Isle Hotel
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)41 581 1144
plett@prodive.co.za
Dive the Sardine Run from in April and May.
189 Main Rd
Walmer
Port Elizabeth
Tel:
+27 (0) 41 581 1144
dive@prodive.co.za
Shop 8, Quay 5
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
South Africa
8002
Good's Shed
Main Rd
Simon's Town
7975 Cape Town
South Africa
Quayside Building
Main Road
Simon's Town
7975 Cape Town
South Africa
82 St Georges Street
Simon's Town
South Africa
7975
Fully licensed shark cage diving operator.
1 Swart Street
Kleinbaai
Tel: +27 (0) 82 441 4555
info@sharkdivingunlimited.com
I tried shark cage diving in Gansbaai South Africa with Shark Diving Unlimited. It's the company of Sharkman Mike Rutzen from the Discovery and Nat Geo documentaries. We saw 3 huge sharks, 2 3 metre and one 4 and 1/2 metre, it made my heart stop. I would really recommend this company and you get a yummy free brekkie and lunch afterward. Also nice to see a company that is doing some environmental protection too.
Maraika van Wessem, 2015
Small shark diving trips and educational tours twice daily.
61 Marine Drive
Hermanus
7220
South Africa
Shark cage diving operator
1 Main Road
Gansbaai
Cape Town
7220
South Africa
Tel: +27 82 466 4519
enquiries@sharkbookings.com
Shark cage diving operator
5 Geelbek Street
Kleinbaai
Western Cape
South Africa
Tel: +27(0)799 309 694
info@sharkwatchsa.com
Tel: 073 061 6000 and 081 315 4666
Fax: 086 657 8585
E-mail: greg@bluerayadventures.co.za
References:
1Johnson R and A Kock. 2006. South Africa's White Shark cage-diving industry - is there cause for
concern? In Nel DC & Peschak TP (eds) Finding a balance: White shark conservation and recreational safety in
the inshore waters of Cape Town, South Africa; proceedings of a specialist workshop. WWF South Africa Report
Series - 2006/Marine/001.
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