Scuba Diving in South Africa

South Africa is located at the far southern tip of Africa, and while some may not think of diving when they think of Africa, there are truly some spectacular diving opportunities which rank right up there alongside place such as Indonesia and the Caribbean.

Varying marine life off South Africa's East Coast

Photo by Alexander Safonov

South Africa is unique in that is has two contrasting oceans on either side which meet at the southern point. On the west of South Africa you have the cold Southern Atlantic ocean with winter temperatures dropping below 10'C and summer temperatures reaching between 12'C and 20'C depending on the location with the False Bay areas being warmer than the beaches around the Clifton and Llandudno areas, while on the eastern part of the country the coast is situated along the Southern Indian Ocean. In contrast to the Atlantic ocean, the Southern Indian Ocean consists of warm tropical waters which remain fairly warm throughout the year and can reach into the mid twenties in summer. These Southern Indian Ocean temperatures are warmest along the far East Coast of South Africa, primarily the Kwazulu Natal coast, while moderating as you move south to the Eastern Cape and then cooling as you descend to the Western Cape.

These two different ocean conditions allow for very different diving to be experienced in just a few hundred kilometers distance from one another and scuba divers visiting the country will often make sure to try experience a bit of both sides of the coin.

Manta Ray off the Kwazulu Natal Coast

Photo by Paul Hunter

Along the Kwazulu Natal coast line you can expect to experience tropical diving which rivals the best warm water diving out there. With over 100 dive sites along the Kwazulu Natal province you can expect to be amazed. The most popular dive locations within Kwazulu Natal are Aliwal Shoal, Sodwana Bay and Protea Banks. In these areas you can expect excellent visibility sometimes in excess of 25 meters. As far as marine life goes, it's definitely got it all - from turtles, snappers, grouper, rays, big eyes, eels, guitar fish, scorpion fish, parrot fish to ragged tooth and reef sharks, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. If you're an underwater photographer then the north east coast of South Africa will offer you a wealth of opportunity.

Moving to the Eastern Cape, located to the south of Kwazulu Natal, you will find your diving experience starting to change directions. From warm tropical waters, tropical marine life and vast amounts of visibility you will begin to experience a different side of the ocean. Waters here remain fairly warm in the low 20s and visibility can still reach up to 15 meters, but you will definitely see the transition beginning where tropical fish, while still being present are accompanied by more pelagic fish. You can still encounter vast numbers of marine life including various sharks, octopus, groupers, pipe fish, parrotfish and more.

Dolphins off South Africa's East Coast

Photo by Alexander Safonov

Moving to the Western Cape, you will find that the waters are much cooler and that you lose sight of the tropical fish along the East Coast. The Western Cape offers a different experience, though not one that is any less spectacular. The Western Cape is home to Gaansbaai, the world famous shark diving location. The town of Gaansbaai is well known for their Great White Shark cage diving, a popular tourist attraction for those looking to get up close an personal with these majestic creatures. Marine life around the Western Cape is primarily pelagic, with sharks being sighted on many of the dives. Marine life around the Western Cape includes Galjoen, Crayfish, Hottentots, Sardines, Snapper, Grouper, Great White Sharks, Rays, Shy Sharks, Sand Sharks and more.

One better not forget the sardine run which occurs each year between May and July (depending on the year). During the sardine run billions of sardines make their way along the South African coast in a frenzy visible from an aeroplane. This huge activity of sardines brings a number of predators in it's wake including dolphins and sharks. Divers who have managed to experience this event have called it the most memorable diving experience they have had.

South Africa not only offers excellent diving opportunities but also great sight seeing. With the Kruger National Park as well as the Drakensberg and various other national reserves in close proximity to the Kwazulu Natal Coast, it's easy for visitors to plan the ultimate safari and scuba diving adventure holiday.