The Best Dive Sites in South Africa from Aliwal Shoal to Sodwana Bay
With a multitude of marine life, crystal clear waters, and subtropical temperatures South Africa is one of the World’s premier diving destinations.
But where should you choose for your diving holiday in South Africa? To help you out we’ve put together a list of our favourite Diving Locations.
Aliwal Shoal – KwaZuluNatal
One of South Africa’s most picturesque locations, KwaZuluNatal is also home to one of the greatest diving locations in the world, the famous Aliwal Shoal.
With a rocky, sandstone reef believed to be 80,000 years old, Aliwal Shoal is set 5km off the coast of Umkomaas and is approximately 3km in length and 1km wide. The shoal promises some incredible underwater sights including Tiger Sharks and Ragged tooth Sharks. All dives are carried out without cages meaning you’re free to explore this underwater paradise.
Storms River Mouth – Mossel Bay – Garden Route
The serene and sheltered waters of Mossel Bay offer perfecting diving conditions, with warm sea temperatures and even the option of night dives there’s something here for everyone.
Cage dives can also be arranged to give you the opportunity to watch the feeding frenzy of the Great White Shark. For those less inclined to seek out a thrill seeking dive there are plenty of opportunities for diving in South Africa without a cage and experiencing the stunning reefs and abundance of fish life that the area is famous for.
Uniforms – Sodwana Bay – KwaZuluNatal
Forming part of the Isimangaliso national park Sodwana Bay is a short drive from Durban is renowned for its many varieties of Coral, not to mention a summer dive means the chance to watch the famous turtles as they lay their eggs.You’ll experience the Tiger Angelfish, Purple Butterly fish and many more besides. Sodwana Bay is a pristine diving location that is also known for being one of the safest.
Sardine Run – KwaZuluNatal
Further enhancing its reputation as a premier diving destination, KwaZuluNatal continues to feature in the best dive site locations of South Africa, this time with Sardine Run.
A migration on a huge scale sees schools of sardines move to the warmer waters of KwaZuluNatal to commence birthing season. Watch in awe as Sharks, Dolphins, Whales and even birds swoop on the area hoping to catch an easy lunch. The dive is completely cage less meaning you’re completely immersed in this underwater phenomenon.
Hotspot – Sodwana Bay – KwaZuluNatal
Sticking with Sodwana Bay, Hotspot offers dives down to approximately 30 metres and a multitude of underwater life that will leave you wanting to come back time and time again.
With Black Coral, Longnose Hawkfish, Tiger Sharks, Whipcorals and much more besides, Hotspot also offers caves, pinnacles, oh, and the odd shark or two!
Harlem Wreck – Port Elizabeth
A former Navy frigate, the Harlem was scuttled in Algoa bay in the 1960’s and has since become a haven for marine life, not to mention an excellent site for the inquisitive diver.
Diving down to approximately 21 metres you will experience an abundance of underwater life including coral, sharks and countless varieties of fish.
With some many great dive sites in South Africa I think it is time for another holiday. Have a look at Wanderforth for tailored trips to this amazing country.
Would you like to scuba dive South Africa or have you been already?
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This article is published by The Scuba Page, the online magazine for Scuba Dive lovers around the world. The Scuba Page is part of RUSHKULT : the online booking platform for adventure sports. Visit the RUSHKULT platform to book your next Scuba Dive training, guided trip and accommodation.
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