Top Scuba Spots in South Africa

South Africa boasts some remarkable scuba diving destinations, offering diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and fascinating underwater landscapes.

Here are some of the top spots:

Aliwal Shoal: Located off the coast of Umkomaas, Aliwal Shoal is renowned for its diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles. The shoal is famous for its shark diving, particularly encounters with ragged-tooth sharks. Search Umkomaas here.

Sodwana Bay: Situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay offers pristine coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore a variety of dive sites, each with its own unique features, including colourful coral gardens and the possibility of seeing whale sharks and manta rays.

Mbotyi: This offshore reef system near Shelly Beach attracts experienced divers with its sightings of hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and other pelagic species. The strong currents and depth of the reef make it suitable for advanced divers. Search Mbotyi here.

False Bay: Just a short drive from Cape Town, False Bay offers diverse diving experiences, from exploring kelp forests to encountering seals and seven-gill cow sharks. The bay is also known for its wreck dives, including the famous SAS Pietermaritzburg.

The Garden Route: Along South Africa’s southern coast, the Garden Route offers several excellent dive sites, such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Divers can explore colourful reefs, encounter marine life like nudibranchs and octopuses, and even dive with seals. Search Garden Route here.

Cape Peninsula: Around the Cape Peninsula, divers can explore various sites such as the kelp forests of Hout Bay, the wrecks of the Atlantic seaboard, and the diverse marine life around Simon’s Town, including visits from the playful Cape fur seals.

Remember to dive responsibly, respect the marine environment, and choose dive operators with a commitment to sustainable diving practices. Additionally, always check the weather and dive conditions before heading out.

Search Diving here.