Explore the best places to dive in South Africa. 10 dive sites with real reviews and ratings from divers.
Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal
The most emblematic site at Aliwal Shoal, known for the ragged-tooth shark (raggie) cave between July and November. Maximum depth around 27m, with rocky outcrops and hard and soft corals. An advanced dive due to occasional currents.
Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Advanced reef in Sodwana Bay with ledges from 18 to 22m, famous for manta and eagle ray cleaning stations. Ghost pipefish, scorpionfish and nudibranchs inhabit the reef recesses; nitrox is recommended for longer bottom times.
Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Ribbon-style reef in the 2 Mile complex of Sodwana Bay, with a linear structure and ledges in the 18 to 21m range. Ribbon eels, batfish and colourful reef fish move along the substrate edges; a gentle north-south drift is the typical way to explore.
Simon's Town, Western Cape
Lighthouse-topped rock in Simon's Bay (False Bay), an offshore reef with corestone-type pinnacles. Roman Rock North and Spider Crab Reef drop to 11-21m on sand, with schools of red roman, hottentot and occasional great whites. Visibility of 10m is...
Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal
Sand patch south of the main reef at Aliwal Shoal, depth up to about 16m. Habitat for sand sharks, octopus, boxfish and pufferfish, with occasional dolphins resting on the sand. A good spot for students to practice skills.
Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Small shallow reef (11-16m) in the 2 Mile complex of Sodwana Bay, formed by two sections separated by sand. Ray cleaning stations, schools of snapper, goatfish and potato bass are the highlights; an excellent site for macro and underwater photogra...
Simon's Town, Western Cape
Southeastern sector of the Smits/Birthday/Horseshoe reef (Smitswinkel Bay), with a cluster of boulders forming a maze of swim-throughs, overhangs and caves. Boat access only inside the Castle Rocks MPA; the complex topography demands good buoyancy...
Hout Bay, Western Cape
Offshore rocky reef in the Karbonkelberg area on the Cape Atlantic, around 6.6 km from Hout Bay harbour. Stacked granite boulders form tunnels, overhangs, caves and vertical walls more than 10m high. Maximum depth around 25m, inside the Table Moun...
Cape Town, Western Cape
Coastal reef at North Oudekraal on the Cape Atlantic, named for the strawberry anemones (Corynactis) that cover the rocks. Two granite boulder groups form swim-throughs, caves and an A-shaped chimney from 10-15m. Cape fur seals occasionally appear...
Gordon's Bay, Western Cape
Coastal reef in Gordon's Bay on the eastern side of False Bay, with layers of black mussels where Cerianthidae (tube anemones) are abundant. Depth 6-12m, maximum on the sand further offshore. Afrikaans name 'Bird Stone' - the exposed rock is a per...
