South Africa
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Destination South Africa
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The prime destination for shark diving, home of the legendary Sardine Run and route of migration for hundreds of humpback whales.
South Africa is renowned as a wildlife safari destination, but in the last decade or so, people have become more interested in the huge variety of marine wildlife that is waiting to be discovered off the very extensive coastline.
The wide diversity of marine life and the temperate climate, which makes the country a year-round dive destination, means that more and more divers are looking to South Africa for their next diving holiday.
South Africa is a vibrant and diverse country located at the southernmost tip of Africa. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled wildlife, South Africa offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Whether you’re exploring its bustling cities, majestic mountains, or pristine coastlines, this destination promises unforgettable experiences.
South Africa is located at the southernmost tip of the great African continent. There is a staggering 2,798 kms of coastline, stretching from the Mozambique border on the East Coast, all the way around the country to the Namibian border on the West Coast. The East Coast of the country is washed by the pleasantly warm waters of the Indian Ocean, while the West coast of the country is on the Atlantic seaboard where the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic causes really cold water temperatures. These two oceans converge off the coast of Cape Town, at Cape Point (this is a must-see attraction on your itinerary). The diverse conditions, and presence of both warm and cold currents, are responsible for several separate and distinct diving environments being available around the coastline.
Most international visitors arrive in the country at the O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, in the northern part of the country. From there you will have to hire a car or jump into another plane to get to the coast. It is quite easy to reach Durban, the principal city on the East coast by car in about 5 hours, or one hour by plane.
Cape Town, at the southernmost tip of the country is a gruelling 16 hour car journey from Johannesburg, and unless you have several days to stop and visit the little towns and villages along the way, you will need to fly to Cape Town (2 hrs).
Some International airlines (Emirates, BA, Virgin Atlantic, among others), offer direct flights to Cape Town and Durban so check that out if scuba diving is primary intention.
South Africa has sadly lagged behind when it comes to public transport and you really need your own vehicle if you plan to see a fair amount of the country.
The North Coast, East Coast and Wild Coast has a subtropical climate with summer rain and high humidity, and pleasantly moderate and dry winters.
Summer – from November to March is the hottest time and the humidity can be unpleasant – but it’s a great time to dive! April and May are probably the best months to visit this part of the coast, when most of the rainy season is past. However, if you are interested in the Sardine Run, which occurs in June / July, then that is when you need to be here! Average water temps: 24C Jan to Mar, 16C July to Sept.
The West Coast has a Mediterranean climate, with most of the rain occurring in winter, from about May to October. Summer is generally dry and hot, and April/May is a great time there too!
Whale watching season is from June to November, and this is also the best time of the year for shark cage diving. Water temp in the cold Atlantic Ocean: 14C Jan to Mar, and 8C July/Sept.
This really depends on your interests:
- Safari and Wildlife Viewing: May to October (dry season) offers optimal visibility in game reserves like Kruger National Park.
- Diving and Marine Life: November to March for coral reefs; June to July for the Sardine Run; May to October for shark diving.
- City Explorations: Year-round for cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.
South Africa has a varied climate, influenced by its diverse geography:
- Summer (November to March): Warm and rainy in the northeast, dry and hot in the Cape region. Ideal for beach vacations and tropical diving.
- Winter (May to September): Cool and dry, especially in the interior. Best time for wildlife safaris and the Sardine Run along the coast.
- Spring (September to November): Blooming wildflowers in the Western Cape, offering a colorful landscape.
- Autumn (April to May): Milder temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for outdoor activities.
Water temperatures around South Africa vary significantly depending on the region and season, offering diverse diving conditions.
- Indian Ocean (KwaZulu-Natal): Temperatures range from 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F) in summer (November to March) and 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F) in winter (May to August). The warm waters host vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and larger pelagic species.
- Atlantic Ocean (Cape Town): Expect cooler waters ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) throughout the year, perfect for exploring kelp forests and wrecks. A 7mm wetsuit or dry suit is recommended for these dives.
Whether you’re drawn to shark encounters, colorful reefs, or dramatic underwater landscapes, South Africa promises unforgettable diving experiences.
South Africa is a destination that truly has it all, from breathtaking safaris and thrilling shark dives to cultural experiences and amazing reef dives.
Plan your trip to South Africa with Élite Diving Agency and explore this world-renowned diving destination with expert guidance. Contact us today to learn more!
Scuba Diving in South Africa
Destinations around the world
Describing diving in South Africa is not an easy task, as there are so many different options all around the coast. Perhaps the best way to go about it is region by region, starting in the North on the East Coast, and continuing all the way around the South Coast to Cape Town
South Africa is a premier diving destination with an array of world-class dive sites. Each region offers unique underwater experiences, from vibrant coral reefs to thrilling shark encounters. Here’s a guide to where you can find the best diving in South Africa.
Aliwal Shoal is off the South coast of Kwazulu Natal and is rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the 10 best dive sites in the world! The Aliwal Shoal is about 5 kms offshore and can only be reached by boat – you should be expecting beach launches to add to the fun! The shoal is huge and there are many interesting dive sites in warm water – generally around 24C in summer. You can expect to see many shark species, dolphins, whales, rays, mantas and many other species of fish.
Why Dive Here?
Aliwal Shoal is renowned for its shark encounters and dramatic underwater topography, including caves, pinnacles, and wrecks.
Highlights:
- Shark dives with ragged-tooth sharks (July to November) and tiger sharks (year-round).
- Dive sites like Cathedral and Raggie Cave.
- The wrecks of The Produce and Nebo.
An hour drive south of Aliwak Shoal, Protea banks offers an extreme shark diving experience.
Why Dive Here?
Protea Banks is a hotspot for big pelagic action, offering thrilling drift dives for experienced divers.
Highlights:
- Encounters with bull sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads.
- Seasonal sightings of manta rays and whale sharks.
- Pinnacle dives with breathtaking marine biodiversity.
Sodwana Bay has the world’s most southern coral reef and is the only tropical dive site in the country. The reef runs along about 50 km of the coastline and is home to up to 1,200 species of fish. Here you will also find 15 species of shark, manta rays and breeding colonies of turtles. This area is also great for snorkeling.
Why Dive Here?
Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this tropical diving paradise boasts vibrant coral reefs and excellent visibility.
Highlights:
- Stunning reefs like Two Mile Reef and Nine Mile Reef.
- Marine life including turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.
- Seasonal visits by whale sharks and humpback whales.
Experience the spectacle of the annual Sardine Run from your base on the Wild Coast. This premier dive event occurs each year sometime between June and July, when enormous shoals of sardines make their way up the east coast, pursued by thousands of game fish, sharks, dolphins, whales and sea birds. Non-divers can also enjoy this incredible marine migration from the shore – be sure to bring good binoculars.
Why Dive Here?
The Sardine Run is one of the most spectacular underwater migrations on the planet, attracting divers from around the globe.
Highlights:
- Massive schools of sardines, accompanied by predators like sharks, dolphins, and seabirds.
- Seasonal event (June to July).
- Once-in-a-lifetime underwater action and photography opportunities.
Diving conditions in South Africa vary widely depending on the region and time of year, offering experiences for divers of all skill levels.
- Visibility: Ranges from 5 to 40 meters, depending on the dive site and season. Winter months generally bring better visibility, especially at deeper sites like Protea Banks.
- Currents: Strong currents are common in areas like Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, making them ideal for drift dives but requiring experience and proper preparation.
- Weather: Conditions can change quickly; dives are often scheduled early in the day to avoid afternoon winds. Summer months (November to March) bring warm water and vibrant marine life, while winter months (May to October) are ideal for pelagic encounters and big marine migrations.
- Experience Level: Some sites, such as Aliwal Shoal, are beginner-friendly, while Protea Banks and Sardine Run dives are better suited for advanced divers due to strong currents and deep waters.
South Africa is a dream destination for a variety of diving experiences:
- Shark Diving: Encounter species like tiger sharks, bull sharks, and ragged-tooth sharks.
- Wreck Diving: Explore the historic wrecks off Cape Town and along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
- Reef Diving: Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana Bay offer vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Drift Diving: Strong currents in Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal make for thrilling drift dives.
- Sardine Run: A once-in-a-lifetime experience of diving among massive schools of sardines and their predators.
Aliwal Shoal
- Cathedral: A breathtaking reef formation attracting large marine species like ragged-tooth sharks.
- Raggie Cave: Known for its seasonal population of ragged-tooth sharks.
- The Produce Wreck: A sunken Norwegian freighter now home to an array of marine life.
Protea Banks
- Northern Pinnacles: Famous for hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, and reef sharks.
- Southern Pinnacles: Ideal for encounters with tiger sharks and manta rays.
Sodwana Bay
- Two Mile Reef: A coral reef bustling with tropical fish, turtles, and rays.
- Nine Mile Reef: A deeper site offering opportunities to spot whale sharks and pelagics.
South Africa is home to an extraordinary array of marine life, making it a dream destination for divers:
- Sharks: Tiger sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, bronze whalers, oceanic black tips and many more.
- Marine Mammals: Dolphins, humpback whales, bryde’s whales, southern right whales, minke whales and seals.
- Tropical Fish: Angelfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish in Sodwana Bay.
- Unique Species: Frogfish, nudibranchs, and paperfish.
- Seasonal Visitors: Whale sharks, manta rays, and sardines during the Sardine Run.
South African dive operators typically use inflatable RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) for their versatility and speed, essential for launching through surf and navigating strong currents.
All boats are equipped with:
- Safety Gear, Oxygen kits, first aid, and emergency equipment.
- Experienced Crew: Skilled captains and divemasters who know the local waters.
A stainless steel bucket of smelly fish hangs at 8 meters depth. Around it 20 to 30 blacktips, duskys, tiger and bull sharks. Now imagine yourself in between all this sharks, the adrenaline pumping in your veins and the camera, at least for the first few minutes, shaking in your hands. This is what is called a baited dive; would you like to experience it once?
Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, just 1 hour drive south, are the two main location where the baited dives take place.
Discover the beauty and thrill of diving in South Africa with Élite Diving Agency. From coral reefs to shark encounters, our team will guide you to the best dive spots for an unforgettable experience. Contact us now to start planning!
What else to do
Destinations around the world
South Africa’s wonderful climate makes the country a perfect destination for those looking for an action-packed outdoor holiday. Some of the activities you can find include hiking, climbing, sailing, kayaking, white-water rafting, fishing, canopy tours, quad-biking, wildlife safaris (on foot, on a game drive or even from a hot-air balloon) and even elephant-back safaris. If you prefer a little less action and more relaxation, you can laze on a sun-drenched beach, take a tour of the wine route in the Western Cape, play golf, or visit the wonderful penguins at Boulder Beach in False Bay. There is something for everyone here; the restaurants and shopping are world class, and the currency exchange rate means that South Africa is a very inexpensive destination for most international visitors.