Diving Locations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The KwaZulu-Natal coast has become a popular destination for diving enthusiasts from around the world with colourful tropical reefs and wrecks and a stunning variety of sea-life to be found. Added attractions are the pleasant all-year-round climate, the warm, clear water and excellent back-up in terms of infrastructure and facilities.
The warm Agulhas current that flows down the KwaZulu-Natal coast allows the world's southern-most tropical reefs to flourish, and the water seldom drops below 20'C, summer or winter.

Most popular of the dive sites is Sodwana Bay situated in the northern reaches of the province. Sodwana, meaning "little one on its own" in Zulu, is easily accessible, only four hours by car from Durban. The reefs at Sodwana are named after their distance from the launch site, starting from 2 Mile going up to 9 Mile. Perhaps the most scenic reef is 7 Mile which on a good day can compare with the best in the world. Over 1200 species of fish have been identified at Sodwana Bay.
Sodwana is diveable all year round with the best conditions being experienced during the warm summer months from November to May.
Although KwaZulu-Natal has a large population of sharks, they pose little threat to scuba divers. No shark attack has ever been recorded on a scuba diver in the province. The migrating ragged-tooth sharks can be observed on Aliwal Shoal from July to November.

After Sodwana Bay Aliwal Shoal is the next most popular dive destination. Divers flock to Aliwal Shoal from around the world and sightings of the ragged tooth shark can almost be guaranteed.
Aliwal Shoal is a 40-minute drive south of Durban and lies off the small coastal town of Umkomaas. The shoal is a fossilised sand dune, and lies 5 kms offshore. It comprises a variety of sponges, some soft and hard corals and a convergence of warm water reef fish and cold water fish. The boat trip to Aliwal is normally preceded by an exciting surf launch.
The wreck of the Produce, a Norwegian freighter that struck Aliwal Shoal in 1974, now rests in 30 metres of water and makes an interesting wreck dive.

For the adventure seeker, Protea Banks, situated 8 kms offshore from Shelly Beach, south of Port Shepstone, is a must. This is a deep dive starting at 25 metres where pelagic fish and the bigger sharks can be seen. The lucky diver may spot the potentially dangerous Zambezi, tiger and hammerhead sharks during the summer months, and ragged tooth sharks during winter.
This site contains a list of dive sites, and is intended to help you plan your dive safari. Please note that the maps show approximate locations of the better known dive sites.

Maputaland Dive Sites

Anton's Reef
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef.
Average depth is 15 m. A fantastic variety of residential tropical fish and dense shoals of big-eyes, goatfish and snappers. Scorpionfish, small moray eels, big potato bass, marbled rays and triggerfish are often sighted. The coral is dense and varied.

Chain Reef
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef
Average depth is 15 m. The flattish reef so-called because of a long ship's anchor chain draped around the scattered coral colonies. Small tropical fish of every description are seen.

Pinnacles
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef
Average depth 10 m. The formation of the corals resembles that of gullies, caves and overhangs. Sandy gullies flanked by over-hangs, walls and swim throughs are found further to the south.

Gullies, Caves and Overhangs
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef
Average depth is 10 m. Resident potato bass are up to 1.5 m long. Sea turtles are often seen here. A wide range of coral and invertebrates occur in this zone because of the shallow depths and good light penetration.

Four Buoy
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef.
Average depth 11 m. The fish life is prolific and varied. The coral covering is profuse and forms lovely gullies, overhangs and pinnacles.

Potholed and Sponge Reef
Sodwana Bay. On Two Mile Reef
Average depth 27 m. The north-eastern section is interspersed with large potholed reef structures, huge sponges and red gorgonian sea fans. The fish life is not as prolific as in most of the other zones. A gentle but deep drift dive can be enjoyed here.

Five Mile
Sodwana Bay 8 kms north of Jesser Point and I km offshore,
An extremely delicate, large and flat reef with an astounding variety of fine coral, and is remarkably intact. Maximum depth is 21 m. The reef is protected by the KZN Nature Conservation Service.

Seven Mile Reef
Sodwana Bay. I I kms north of Jesser Point and 800 m offshore, directly out from the beacon marking the end of the St Lucia Reserve.
Average depth 18 m. Comprises drop offs and mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Turtles and rays are sighted often. A favourite site amongst divers.

North Coast Dive Sites

Sheffield Reefs
Salt Rock. Pass the Salt Rock Hotel, right into Osborne Dr. and right into Hugh Dent Rd. Turn into Sheffield Rd for 4 km. Park and walk to the beach.
Average depth is 9 m. Two reefs running parallel to the shore and each other. Varied and plentiful fish life and crustaceans are found.

Tiffany's Reef
Salt Rock. Located 500 m north of the Salt Rock Hotel and about 200 m offshore.
Average depth is 8 m. Scuba dives from shore are only recommended for experienced divers. A flattish reef with sandy gullies at the outer edge. A popular spot for spearfishing.

Big Bream Reef
Ballito. About 500 m south of Thompson's Bay tidal pool and about 50 m offshore.
Average depth is 7 m. This small reef has become a popular spearfishing spot.

Lemonfish Reef
Ballito. Entrance to the beach is from the alley between La Mystique and the bay developments. Approximately 150 m offshore.
Average depth 4 m. Small but densely populated reef with colourful fish life. An excellent crayfishing spot. A boat dive may be easier as the entry and exit through a gap in the rocks is quite tricky.

La Mercy
La Mercy About 200-300 m south of the Sea Belle Restaurant and approx. 600 m offshore.
Average depth is 12 m. The reef runs parallel to the shore and teems with fish and marine life. The shore dive is only recommended for very experienced and fit divers.

Dolphin Reef
Umdloti. Approximately 300 m off Umdloti Tidal Pool.
Average depth is 15 m. Dolphin Reef is covered in soft corals, mushroom corals and sponges. Should be dived early in the morning before the north-easterly picks up. Shore dive only recommended for fit and experienced divers.

Lighthouse Reef
Umhlanga Rocks. 200 m offshore, just south of the Umhlanga lighthouse.
Average depth is 10 m. Should be dived early in the morning before the north-easterly picks up. Shore dive only recommended for fit and experienced divers.

The Trawler (Fontao)
Umhianga Rocks. 2 kms offshore and 500 m south of Umhianga lighthouse.
Average depth is 18 m. This old Mozambique trawler was sunk in 1990 to create an artificial reef, and is still largely intact. An easy launch by boat from Grannies Pool.

T-Barge
Umhlanga Rocks. Approximately 3 kms off Virginia Beach.
Average depth is 20 m. The barge was sunk to create an artificial reef which has attracted an abundance of fish. An easy launch into a channel by boat is from Grannies Pool.

Durban Dive Sites

Outer Anchorage (no.1 reef)
Durban. In a direct line due east of the anchorage beacon.
Average depth is 25 m. Best dived in winter. The reef has many boulders and long pieces of anchor chain wrapped around the rock pinnacles. This is a feeding ground for sharks, so keep a lookout, especially in murky water.

Ovington Court (1940)
Durban. In front of Addington Hospital, approximately 50 m offshore.
Average depth is 5 m. The wreck swarms with fish life and huge crayfish can be seen, but no crayfishing is allowed. The site is best dived in winter.

Vetch's Pier
Durban. Located 800 m north of the harbour entrance.
Average depth is 3 m. Characteristic of this reef are the large crayfish that are found in the holes, but no crayfishing is allowed. There are also eels, octopuses and small tropical reef fish. The site is best dived in winter when the water is generally cleaner. Surge can be heavy because of the shallow depth.

Limestone Reef
Durban. Approximately 400 m swim in a north-easterly direction from Vetch's Pier, parallel to the coastline.
Average depth is 3 m. A good reef for the learner diver as it is shallow and protected. It consists of a limestone formation with many tropical fish about.

The Caves
Durban. On Blood Reef.
Maximum depth is 9 m. Weathered sandstone formations have collapsed to form caves, holes and gullies. The boiling effect of the many blowholes makes them easy to spot just behind the breakline.

The Pinnacles
Located on Blood Reef, off the Bluff.
Maximum depth is 18 m. The Pinnacles derives its name from the rising limestone formations of the reef, and is located at the northern end of the fault line. There is a lot of marine variety and is a good dive for the more experienced diver. Take a torch.

Faultline (Deep Blood)
Durban. Opposite the water tower to the south of Blood Reef.
Average depth is 18 m. The natural fault line in the sea bed has formed two huge caves that offer marvellous viewing of a variety of fish. A number of small reefs lie a little deeper behind the fault line.

Cooperlight Wreck
South-east of the Cooper Lighthouse between Brighton Beach and the Umlaas Cutting.
Average depth is 22 m. This wreck is best dived during the winter months. Many tropical fish and rays are likely to be encountered. It houses a thriving population of stinging hydroids which can give an unwary diver a nasty experience.

South Coast Dive Sites

Hammer Reef
Umkomaas.
Deep reef 6 kms off Scottburgh. Shark dive if the visibility is good.

The Produce (1974)
Umkomaas. North and shorewards of Aliwal Shoal, a little further south and east of the Nebo.
Maximum depth is 33 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. Big game fish, such as daga salmon and kingfish are present, as are most of the usual small tropical fish and many resident brindle bass.

The Nebo (1884)
Umkomaas. North and shorewards of Aliwal Shoal.
Maximum depth is 30 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. The wreck lies bottom up and is still fairly intact.

19 Fathom Reef
Umkomaas.
8 kms off Scottburgh. Top of the reef is 31 m deep.

Aliwal Shoal
Umkomaas. 5 kms from the beach.
This dive site is one of the most well-known dive sites on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. It is easily accessible from Umkomaas. The ragged tooth sharks being the main attraction. The best area to spot them is at Cathedral, which is a 4 m arch of rock. A diverse range of marine life and similar topography as Protea Banks can be found at this site.

The Pinnacles
Umkomaas. Northern tip of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 12 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. It is best dived when there is little or no surge or current. Many caves, gullies and overhangs can be explored on this reef, and there are huge shoals of fish everywhere.

North Sands
Umkomaas. North-west of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 12 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. There is a large overhang on the south east side of this sandy patch where groups of raggies often congregate in winter.

Manta Point
Umkomaas. North-east of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 18 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. This site should be avoided or dived very carefully in a strong surge, as there is a blowhole on the northern edge of the reef. There is a good chance of spotting a round ribbontail ray.

Raggie Cave and Shark alley
Umkomaas. On the eastern edge of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 14 m. Best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter. Although they are not overtly aggressive, they should never be approached too closely. This site must be dived very carefully when surgy.

Cathedral
Umkomaas. On the eastern edge of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 27 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. This is a spectacular hole in the reef and is home to many large stingrays, moray eels and raggedtooth sharks. Great care should be taken not to create undue disturbance.

Lionfish Hole
Umkomaas. On the northern side of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 12 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. This is a crater in the pinnacle which almost always has a resident lionfish. The invertebrate life and small tropical fish are particularly beautiful.

South Sands
Umkomaas. On the south-eastern side of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 15 m. Boats are launched from Umkomaas River mouth. This site is home to a great number of rays, skates, sand-sharks and guitar fish.

Tiger Cove
Umkomaas. About midway along the western edge of Aliwal Shoal.
Average depth is 14 m. This area has lots of caves and overhangs and was named after the large colony of tiger cowries that were once found here.

Cowrie Reef
Park Rynie.
Some spectacular plant life and there are numerous caves, gullies and swim throughs. Small marine life, reef fish, Zambezi sharks, dolphins and game fish can be seen. Depth starts at +- 16 m and goes down to 26 m on the sand. Visibility is generally very good although it is only 2 kms from the beach, it can also be very poor. The boat ride is +-4.5 kms from the launch site.

Eel Skin Reef
Umkomaas.
Independent small reef off the inside edge of Aliwal Shoal. Also known as Schiky's.

Landers Reef
Park Rynie.
This is the perfect reef for nitrox diving, advanced deep diving and deep diving specialties. It starts at a depth of +-20 m and goes down to 36 m on the sand. There is both an abundance of plant life and reef fish. Large shoals of game fish can be seen, rays, potato bass and sharks. There are many caves and gullies on the reef. Visibility almost always +-15 m and a 6 km ride from the launch site.

Deep Landers
Park Rynie.
Excellent conditions for nitrox diving, advanced diving and deep diving specialities. There is an abundance of plant life and reef fish. Large shoals of game fish can be expected to be seen during this dive. It starts at a depth of 20 m and goes down to 36 m on the sand.

Adda Reef
Approximately 1.5 m offshore from Shelley Beach.
Average depth is 18 m. The reef runs for about 500 m in a north-south direction. There are some deep caves with soft corals, anemones and many tropical reef fish.

Bo Boyi Reef
5 minute boat ride off Shelly Beach.
Average depth is 15 m. This reef can be murky in surgy conditions or if the rivers are in flood. Many caves and overhangs and large colonies of soft coral. Prolific fish life.

Potato Reef
5 minute boat ride off Shelly Beach.
Average depth is 20 m. This reef can be murky in surgy conditions or if the rivers are in flood. Many soft corals and prolific fish life.

Deep Salmon
Approximately 1.5 kms offshore from Shelly Beach.
Average depth is 24 m. This reef can be murky in surgy conditions. It consists of a large ridge with interesting caves, huge coral trees and colourful tropical reef fish.

PROTEA BANKS
8 kms offshore between Margate and Shelley Beach.
This is one huge dive site full of caves, pinnacles, ridges and amphitheatres. The chief attraction of this site is the certainty of encountering sharks. A number of ragged tooth sharks can be found here, there is also a wide variety of marine life and reef fishes. Divers must be qualified to dive to 30 m.

Arena
Located on Protea Banks, about 8 kms off Shelley Beach.
Average depth is 28 m. Access is controlled by the Margate TLC or the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club. Ragged-tooth sharks, hammerhead sharks, Zambezi sharks, copper sharks or bronze whalers, threshers and even the great white shark have been identified in this area.

The Caves
On Protea Banks, about 8 kms offshore.
Average depth is 28 m. A big cave with a variety of fish. Your chances of seeing sharks, especially raggies, is excellent.