South Africa

If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure, Sodwana Bay is the place to be. Nestled along the eastern coast of South Africa, this pristine destination boasts some of the most awe-inspiring diving experiences. With its diverse marine life, crystal-clear waters, and an array of dive sites suitable for all skill levels, Sodwana Bay is a true underwater paradise.

Sodwana Bay is renowned for its rich biodiversity, making each dive a unique encounter with marine life. Dive beneath the surface, and you’ll encounter an incredible variety of marine species, from colourful coral reefs to mesmerizing fish, including rays, turtles, and don’t miss the chance to witness the majestic whale sharks during their annual migration.

Why choose Sodwana Bay?

World-class dive sites: Sodwana Bay boasts over 50 dive sites, ensuring that divers of all levels can enjoy this underwater wonderland. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced diver, you’ll find something to suit your skills and interests. From the beginner-friendly Two Mile Reef to the adrenaline-pumping dives at Quarter Mile Reef, there’s always a new adventure awaiting you.

Crystal clear waters: The exceptional visibility in Sodwana Bay is a key highlight for divers. With water clarity often exceeding 30m, you’ll have the chance to observe marine life and intricate coral formations in unparalleled detail.

Conservation and preservation: Sodwana Bay is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This protected area is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem that includes not only the underwater wonders but also pristine beaches, coastal forests, and rare wildlife. Diving in Sodwana Bay means contributing to the conservation of this incredible natural heritage.

Year-round diving: Thanks to its temperate climate, diving in Sodwana Bay is possible year-round. The water temperature varies from 19°C (66°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer, making it comfortable for divers at any time of the year.

Adventure beyond diving: While scuba diving is the main attraction, Sodwana Bay offers more than just underwater adventures. Explore the surrounding wilderness, embark on guided safaris, or simply unwind on the pristine beaches.

Plan your dive adventure today

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, Sodwana Bay promises an unparalleled scuba diving experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world beneath the waves and encounter some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Sodwana Bay, discover the magic that lies beneath the surface and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

This stunning marine haven offers a unique blend of marine life, exhilarating dive sites, and underwater wonders that will leave you breathless, both literally and figuratively.

Situated near the coastal town of Umkomaas in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, its name originates from the ill-fated ship, the Aliwal, which struck these shallow waters in 1849. This intriguing history adds an extra layer of fascination to this remarkable diving destination.

Aliwal Shoal is a diver’s dream come true, offering a blend of adventure, history, and unparalleled marine biodiversity.

Why choose Aliwal Shoal?

Rich biodiversity: Aliwal Shoal is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity. Divers here have the privilege of encountering a wide array of marine life, including vibrant corals, pelagic species, and some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. From the striking tiger sharks and graceful manta rays to the smaller, colourful nudibranchs and other macro life, Aliwal Shoal has it all. Great for photographers.

Wreck diving: For those with an affinity for exploring shipwrecks, Aliwal Shoal has an abundance of intriguing sites, including the SS Nebo (27m), Griqualand (50m), and the world-famous MV Produce (32m). These wrecks provide a glimpse into the maritime history of the area and are a favourite among wreck diving enthusiasts.

Variety of dive sites: The Shoal boasts a range of dive sites catering to divers of all levels. Whether you’re a novice diver or an experienced pro, there’s a site here that will match your skill and thrill level. Some popular spots include Raggie’s Cave, Cathedral, and the Northern Pinnacles. The actual reef is 3km by 1km in area.

Thrilling shark encounters: Aliwal Shoal is renowned for its shark encounters, and the most famous of these is the chance to dive with the awe-inspiring ragged-tooth sharks. During certain seasons, you can also encounter tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks (greater and scalloped), white tip reef sharks, oceanic black tip sharks, bull sharks, sand sharks as well as the very occasional Great White.

Visibility: The clear, warm waters of Aliwal Shoal make it an ideal destination for year-round diving. With visibility varying between 5-40 m, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the underwater world. The beauty of Aliwal Shoal is that you never know what you’re going to get, making diving always an adventure.

When to dive

The diving season at Aliwal Shoal is year-round, thanks to its pleasant sub-tropical climate. However, if you have a specific marine encounter in mind, consider planning your visit accordingly. Ragged-tooth shark season typically falls between May and September, while tiger sharks are more commonly sighted from November to February.

Preparing for your dive

Before embarking on your Aliwal Shoal adventure, ensure you have the appropriate dive certifications and experience, especially if you plan to explore deeper or more challenging dive sites. The dive operators we align with in Umkomaas offer free Nitrox and can provide equipment rentals, guided dives, and essential local knowledge to enhance your experience.

Preserving Aliwal Shoal’s beauty

As this is a Marine Protected Area, permits are necessary and must be kept on the boat whenever you dive. As a responsible diver, it’s crucial to prioritise the conservation of this remarkable ecosystem – adhere to ethical diving practices, respect marine life, and never touch or disturb the fragile corals.

Plan your dive adventure today

Explore the mysteries of Aliwal Shoal, and let its underwater wonders captivate your soul. Dive in and discover the magic of the deep blue. It’s often said that divers have travelled to multiple worldwide destinations to experience in just one dive what they have at Aliwal Shoal. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, this South African gem promises a scuba diving experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Protea Banks is a world-renowned dive site located approximately 8km off the coast of Shelly Beach. This submerged, fossilized sand dune system is a haven for marine enthusiasts, drawing divers from across the globe to witness its unparalleled biodiversity and thrilling underwater encounters. Named after the Protea family of plants, this undersea paradise is just as colourful and diverse as its floral namesake.

Why choose Protea Banks? 

Shark capital of South Africa: Protea Banks is renowned as one of the best places on Earth to witness sharks up close. Here, you can encounter the Zambezi or bull sharks, graceful tiger sharks, and occasionally the elusive Great White sharks, making it a top destination for shark enthusiasts.

Rich marine life: Beyond sharks, Protea Banks is teeming with a kaleidoscope of marine life. From massive schools of pelagic fish to charismatic turtles, rays, and dolphins, every dive is a chance to encounter remarkable underwater species.

Diverse dive sites: Protea Banks offers a variety of dive sites. You’ll find the perfect site to suit your preferences and comfort level.

Visibility: With visibility often exceeding 30m, divers can fully appreciate the vibrant coral reefs and the incredible marine life that calls Protea Banks home.

Diving adventures at Protea Banks

Shark diving: Experience the thrill of diving with sharks like nowhere else on the planet. Our experienced guides will take you on a safe and unforgettable shark encounter with hammerhead migrations (November to February) ragged tooth sharks (May to September), tiger sharks (November to May), Zambezi sharks and Oceanic black tip sharks (year-round).

Reef diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs adorned with colourful fish and macro creatures. Witness the beauty of the underwater world as you swim alongside schools of fish and sometimes even dolphins or the odd whale.

Advanced diving: For experienced divers, Protea Banks offers challenging dives, deep descents, and drift dives that will push your skills to the limit.

Why dive with us?

Safety first: Your safety is our top priority. Our experienced dive instructors, guides, and skippers are certified and equipped to ensure every dive is safe and enjoyable.

Eco-friendly: We are committed to preserving the delicate marine ecosystem of Protea Banks. Our dive practices are eco-conscious, and we actively support marine conservation efforts.

All-inclusive packages: We offer all-inclusive dive packages, including accommodation, equipment rental, and transportation, making your scuba diving experience stress-free.

Personalised service: Our team is dedicated to providing personalised service, ensuring that your dive adventure at Protea Banks exceeds expectations.

Plan your dive adventure today

Protea Banks offers a world of underwater wonders waiting to be explored. Come and discover the magic of Protea Banks scuba diving, where every dive is an adventure and every encounter is a memory to treasure. 

Why choose Port Elizabeth?

Spectacular marine biodiversity: Port Elizabeth is home to an astonishing array of marine life. Famous for its colourful corals, majestic kelp forests, and a kaleidoscope of fish species awaiting your discovery. From playful dolphins and graceful rays to awe-inspiring sharks, every dive is a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures up close.

 Ideal dive conditions: With its moderate climate and minimal currents, Port Elizabeth provides optimal conditions for scuba diving all year around. Whether you prefer exploring the warm waters of Algoa Bay or the cooler, nutrient-rich dives of the Indian Ocean, we have it all.

Dive sites for all levels: Port Elizabeth offers an array of dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. From gentle, shallow reefs for beginners to exhilarating deep dives for advanced enthusiasts, you’ll find the perfect spot to match your skills and interests.

Plan your dive adventure today

Are you ready to explore the mesmerizing underwater landscapes of Port Elizabeth? Dive in, encounter marine life in its natural habitat, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of our oceans.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to take your first plunge, Cape Town’s underwater adventures have something for everyone. We’ll take you on a journey through the mesmerizing scuba diving experiences that await you.

Why choose Cape Town?

Dive sites: Cape Town offers a variety of dive sites, from wreck diging to diving with seals and sharks.

• Hout Bay: Just a short drive from Cape Town’s city center, Hout Bay is a popular diving destination. Explore underwater kelp forests, fascinating shipwrecks, and encounter a wide variety of marine life, including seals and various fish species. The SS Maori wreck is a highlight for wreck diving enthusiasts.
• False Bay: False Bay is renowned for the documentary “My Octopus Teacher”, and it’s one of the best places to spot the elusive seven-gill cow shark. This area offers excellent shore and boat diving opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to dive with playful Cape fur seals at Partridge Point or explore the magical underwater kelp forests.
• Blue and Mako sharks: Exiting Falsebay going passed Cape Point, travel time is an hour to reach the 20 Nautical Mile mark, where depths reach deeper than around 300m and water temperature averages 20°C. The blue and Mako sharks are lured to the surface by a scent trail in the water. The playful blue sharks are a real treat exploring your bubbles and presence.

Seasonal highlights: At any time of year, there is something to experience in the waters of South Africa’s Mother City

• May to July: Winter months offer the best visibility in Cape Town’s waters, making it an ideal time for exploring wrecks and kelp forests.
• September to November: Spring brings warmer waters and increased marine activity, making it a fantastic time to spot playful seal pups and other marine species.
• December to February: Summer is perfect for diving with the gentle giants of the ocean – the majestic whale sharks, often seen around Cape Town during this season.
• All-year round: Look out for southern right whales, penguins, ragged tooth sharks and seals.

Conservation Efforts: Cape Town’s diving community is actively involved in marine conservation efforts. Participate in beach clean-ups, learn about responsible diving practices, and support organizations working to protect the unique marine ecosystems of the region.

Diving services and schools: We have aligned ourselves with diving operators and schools catering to divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get certified or an experienced diver seeking thrilling adventures, you’ll find qualified instructors, well-maintained equipment, and dive charters to make your experience safe and memorable.

Plan your dive adventure today

Scuba diving in Cape Town is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore the breathtaking underwater world of South Africa’s south-western coast. From colourful reefs to mysterious shipwrecks and encounters with incredible marine life, Cape Town offers a diverse range of underwater adventures for divers of all levels. So grab your scuba gear and start your extraordinary journey beneath the waves.