Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in South Africa

The top 51 dive and snorkel sites in South Africa, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the South Africa guide

dive sites
51
dive shops
33
reviews
3
49 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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1

Windmill Beach

5.0(1 review)South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

The entry and exit points are both very sheltered, gently sloping sand beaches. This site is almost always sheltered and the entry is probably the easiest on the entire South African coast. Wave action is normally not more than an inch or two and is rarely more than 30cm high. There can be a little surge round the point if there is a big swell. There is a rocky point going out into the sea for about 100m from the middle of a gentle beach. It is a favourite training dive as you can enter from the beach on one side of the rocks, and swim round the point and exit on the other side of the rocks, on the same beach. Plenty of kelp, red and green seaweed, nudibranches, sea cucumbers, urchins, dogfish and pajama sharks can be seen. Just south of Boulders Beach, just below the golf course. Drive out of Simon's Town to the south. Turn left into Bellevue Road and then first right into links road, just past the golf course. Park at the end of the road and walk for about 100m to the beach. Windmill Beach is also known as Windmill.

BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore entry
Sodwana Bay2

Sodwana Bay

4.5(2 reviews)St Lucia, South Africa

Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay is the only tropical scuba diving site in South Africa. The reefs at Sodwana are the southern-most coral reefs in Africa and offer a wide diversity of attractions.

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3

Birthday Ledges

No reviews yetSouth Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

Birthday Ledges is so named due to the high number of surprises hidden in every nook and cranny. The site is the southern most tip of the large Blood reef and therefore should be dived in either no current or in the less common south north current. Sitting further off shore than our other sites, Birthday ledges often has better visibility. As you drop down to the deepest part of the site you'll be at 18m and will find an awesome cave roughly 2m in height. While in front of the cave you'll look up to see a colourful array of pink and orange thistle coral. This cave is an area to explore as one can enter the cave through the side wall and exit at three different points. The cave system has three main areas… The 2m deep passage leading out towards the right is the best of the swim throughs as it is slightly wider than the rest and therefore lessens the chance of you damaging the reef or yourself and your gear. The center passage, directly in front of the cave entrance is approximately 3m deep but has no exit point at the end of it how ever there is a roof exit that is in the center of all these passages. The passage leading north, or to the left, is the narrowest of the lot, as it has more overhead rock handing down. It's great to have a torch along, especially in this area as there are always interesting things hiding in the dark recesses of the cave. The northern passage if followed leads towards the channel like rock structure that you'll follow from here. The channel walls are in between 3-4m high, not always being solid to the ground. You'll come across many cave like gaps along the bottom edge of the wall that often house Blue stingrays. The channel walls camouflage many paperfish and the more commonly overlooked Painted anglerfish. Painted angler fish are known as Frogfish and are on most avid divers' 'to-see list'. The skin patterns blend in well with there surroundings and that can easily be mistaken as a small sponge or coral.

BeginnerBoat entry
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4

Thesen's Jetty

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Knysna

After wading through the garbage, the beautiful delicate sea horses under the jetty make this dive well worth while. Knysna is situated along the Garden Route, almost half way between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. It is famous for the Knysna Lagoon, home to the sea horses in this area.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftShore entry
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5

Gansbaai

No reviews yetWestern Cape, South Africa

Gansbaai is known for its dense population of whales and great white sharks. Divers from all over the world visit Gansbaai for a unique opportunity of diving with great white sharks.

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6

Storms River Mouth

No reviews yetEastern Cape, South Africa

The beauty of the Storms River mouth extends further than picturesque scenery. Situated in the Tsitsikamma National Park, the dive site offers gorgeous reefs, big fish and some of the most attractive diving in South Africa.

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7

Long Beach

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape

This is possibly the most popular site with regard to dive training as most centres conduct their OW training dives here. The easy access and calm waters make it ideal. You also have a wreck, named the "BATA", about 50 metres from shore which is home to quite a few specias of fish including the elusive Double sash Butterflyfish. Many Pufadder shysharks frequent this site as well as some large rays. As you enter Simons Town you turn left and follow a road to a small parking area. There are facilities such as bathrooms and shower. prior to diving here permission needs to be obtained from the SA Navy as they periodically conduct exercises in area. Long Beach is also known as BATA Wreck.

BeginnerMax depth 6.6 ftShore entry
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8

Protea Banks

No reviews yetSouth Africa

Situated off the shore of Shelly Beach, Protea Banks is one of the world's top shark diving destinations. This unique reef system with exquisite topography along the KwaZulu-Natal coast offers diving experiences second to none. Protea Banks During the summer months the Bull Shark (Zambezi) makes PROTEA BANKS its home. Hammerhead sharks are often seen overhead and not just one or two, we are talking hundreds .... yes hundreds. Guitar Sharks, Dusky and Oceanic Blacktip sharks frequent this reef with a select few getting the privilege of seeing the elusive Tiger Shark in the Tiger sharks season. In the winter months the Ragged-Tooth Sharks congregate on PROTEA BANKS to mate. Aside from sharks PROTEA BANKS, also boasts a vast number of gamefish such as Barracuda, Snappers, Cape Yellowtail, Kingfish, Tropical Amberjack, Bonita, Prodical Son to name but a few. Friendly Potato Bass are often encountered and sometimes we are privileged to see Brindle Bass. A variety of Rays are also a common sighting - Round Ribbontail Rays, Eagle Rays and occasionally Manta's. And with pristine reef, the reef is alive with a wide variety of reef fish. These are unfortunately often overlooked as once the sharks are sighted, the reef is often forgotten ...lol. And then of course with PROTEA BANKS just about anything can happen. We have had rare sightings of Marlin, Sunfish, Humpback Whales, Dolphins, the odd Great White Shark and even a very curious Blue Shark. So if you are looking for adventure and a dive site where just about anything can happen, PROTEA BANKS is the place to be. I have personally been diving PROTEA BANKS for 15 years, and still get excited each and every time I go on a dive!!! and very jealous when I am not on the dive! PROTEA BANKS - SOUTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 26 to 40m Dived mainly in the summer months, this site is home to the notorious Bull Shark (Zambezi) which brings a great deal of notoriety to this world-renowned dive location. Other sharks frequenting PROTEA BANKS include Hammerheads, Oceanic Blacktips, Dusky, Guitar Sharks and a variety of Rays. For a fortunate few there is even the possibility of sighting the Tiger Shark. PROTEA BANKS - NORTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 28 to 38m This site, normally dived in winter months during the Ragged-Tooth mating season, allows divers to view "Raggies" in close proximity on their annual migration route. The area consists of two cave systems in which the "Raggies" congregate. At times it is impossible to see the mouth of the caves as it is completely obscured by masses of sharks! Access to Protea Banks is from Shelly Beach - about 100 km South of Durban.PROTEA BANKS offers an exceptionally exciting specialty SHARK dive. Situated 7,5km off Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu Natal's South Coast, PROTEA BANKS allows ADVANCED divers the opportunity to experience a shark dive that is completely unique.

IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
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9

Shark Alley

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Gansbaai

Great White Sharks dive in shark cage. South of Gans Bay, close to the seal colony. Between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. Shark Alley is also known as Ilha da Fera, Island of wild creatures.

BeginnerMax depth 3.3 ftBoat entry
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10

RMS Athens Wreck

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

The RMS Athens was mercilessly thrown against the rocks near Mouille Point in the famous Cape Town Great Gale on the 17th May 1865. All 30 crew members tragically lost their lives in the gale storm. Along with this wreck, 14 other ships either ran aground or suffered damage, although no other lives were lost. The wreck can be accessed from Green Point which is half way between the Cape Town CBD and Sea Point.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftShore entry
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11

Blue Rock Quarry

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

This is a great dive when training for deeper dives. It is also great for underwater navigation exercises, but care should be taken. There are basically 2 spots that are dived and both are marked by buoys which are actually empty containers. When looking towards them from the entry point the spot on the right is the shallower dive which goes to about 25 meters. The spot to the left of that goes to about 40 meters although unconfirmed reports of even deeper dives have been heard of. This site is located just off the N2 highway below Sir Lowrys Pass. When driving on the N2 towards the pass turn left into Sir Lowry Road and follow the road for a few hundred meters before you turn left again. There are signs as well to assist. After this left turn follow the gravel road until you reach the buildings where there are facilities including fast foods and cloak rooms. You will have to pay about R120 should you wish to dive here.

BeginnerMax depth 65.6 ftShore entry
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12

Island Rock

No reviews yetSouth Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Rocktail Bay

Long drift dive along (soft) coral and rocky outcrops with pinnacles on the south side. Occasionally shark encounter with blacktip reef sharks, tiger shark and spotted eagle rays. Whale shaks may be seen in the channel. During summer (late December to March each year), you can meet pregnant female ragged tooth sharks (within the cave). 1.1 kilometres south of Rocktail Bay

BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
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13

Clan Stuart Wreck

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

The Clan Stuart was a Brittish Terret steamer that ran aground on the 21st of November 1914 and although attempts were made to re-float her over a period of 4 months it was unsuccessful. Today you can still see the engine block breaking the surface which makes it very easy to spot from the road. Depth here is between 7 and 9 meters and you can see many large rays and puffadder shy sharks, not to mention various fish species. This is also a beautiful night dive but do ensure to have enough lighting as you need to cross the train tracks to get to the point of entry.Furthermore it is also well protected against the south westerly swell and in my opinion i have enjoyed the best dives here during autumn and winter. Visibility varies between 2 to 8 meters depending on weather conditions, but some have had the privilege of enjoying even better visibility, but this is rare.The risk factor is minimal, but larger sharks have been spotted here. Some boats also venture quite close at times so ensure a buoy be visible to indicate divers in the water. A permit is required to dive here which can be obtained from any post office. This site is situated on the way to Long Beach and is an easy accessible shore dive with enough parking. A short walk across the train tracks and you are at the point of entry. Sometimes swell can be tricky so take care when entering. Once in the water the wreck is about 50 meters from shore.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftShore entry
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14

Komati Springs

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Mpumalanga

Komati Springs was once a mine, closed in 1972. The mining process left a large hole and a joining cave system, which has subsequently flooded, giving excellent conditions for all forms of diving. In the open water it reaches 53 meters and the caves have been explored to 186 meters. The surface area of the open hole is approximately 110 meters long and 50meters wide. Please see map. Most of the sides are sheer drops so your buoyancy should be good if you want to dive here. Maximum depth is 55m, depending on rainfall and the water table. The open hole is good for recreational diving, while the adjoining caves are great for exploring or cave training. Diving is good all year round. In summer (Oct - Mar) Komati Springs is about 25°C on the surface, and 20°C at about 30 meters. On the bottom it is 17°C. Visibility is about 10 to 15 meters. In winter (Apr - Aug) the temperature is a constant 17 to 18°C from top to bottom. The visibility can be up to 40 meters. The cave system is much larger, and with 8 interconnecting levels, starting from 9 meters to 186 meters. This is unique to Komati Springs, and an explorers dream! It must be emphasized that under no circumstance should divers enter the caverns or caves unless trained to do so. No site map will be provided until you are not cave qualified. This in order to prevent non-cave divers entering the system. There are Bass and Barbel in the hole. Beware that some of the Barbel like to sleep in the cave, and are quite motionless. Should you prod it to see if it is alive, you will both get the fright of your life as the fish will suddenly shoot off. So we suggest you assume it is in fact alive for both your sakes. Gas Fills can be done locally thru dive shop nearby. Nitrox, Trimix and Argon available. Rebreather friendly, so Sodasorb and pure Oxygen also available. Accommodation is in the form of shady campsites, with electrical outlets available in the ablution block. For students on course there are rooms in the Dive Centre, with full kitchen facilities available. Other activities are possible in the area: Swimming, freediving and bird watching (300+ different species of birds) and an abundance of beautiful flora and fauna. Nestling at the foot of the mountains in beautiful Mpumalanga you will find one of South Africa's little gems – Komati Springs! It is situated 915m above sea level, between Badplaas and Barberton in the beautiful countryside of Mpumalanga. Located about 3 hours from Johannesburg, Komati Springs offers a peaceful weekend or day visit away from the hubbub of modern day life. Its close proximity to the Kruger National Park and various other tourist locations makes it an ideal base for those wishing to explore the area. Entrance to the hole is in the form of steps and a ladder at the bottom. There are platforms at 5 and 10 meters with shotlines for your use. Divers should be aware that there are cave entrances, and the best way to avoid entering one, is toy dive with a buoy line. There are no currents or tides.

BeginnerMax depth 59.1 ftShore entry
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15

Miracle Waters

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Gauteng

Miracle Waters is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in South Africa, Gauteng which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftShore entry
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16

Wondergat

No reviews yetSouth Africa, North-West

Wondergat is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in South Africa, North-West which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 65.6 ftShore entry
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17

Antipolis Wreck

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

The Antipolis and Romelia was under tow by the tug, Kiyo Maru 2,when the tow cable snagged on the sea bed resulting in the cables breaking. The Antipolis was blown towards shore by strong winds and rough seas where it ran aground near Oudekraal. This is a tough dive with regards to the entry and the fact that there are steel plating with ragged and sharp edges. The water is also very cold. This site is situated very close to Sandy Cove, Oudekraal and Justins Cave. Park alongside the road opposite the Twelve Apostles Hotel on the yellow line as there is no other parking and you will note everyone parks there. After gearing up it is short walk along a narrow path followed by a tricky climb over large rocks and boulders.

BeginnerMax depth 13.1 ftShore entry
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18

Quarter Mile

No reviews yetSouth Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

This dive is generally open during the Dec-Jan Holiday season as the spotted ragged tooth sharks are in the area. Close encounters during this season are pretty certain. Access to this site is restricted and divers must be accompanied by an KZN Wildlife accredited divemaster. As with most of the sites in Sodwana this reef is named by the distance from the launching area at Jesser Point. Quarter Mile is also known as Raggie Reef.

BeginnerMax depth 29.5 ftBoat or Shore entry
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19

Ribbon Reef

No reviews yetSouth Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

This is a stunning small reef for those interested in small creatures. It is also home to Ribbon Eels. Access this divesite is by boat only. Boats launch from Jesser point. Ribbon Reef is also known as Ribbon Reef.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftBoat entry
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20

Buffels Bay

No reviews yetSouth Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

Buffels Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

BeginnerMax depth 19.7 ftShore entry
Numbers match the ranked list of South Africa dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Top dive shops in South Africa

All 33
Phoenix Divers
4.9 (155) · Pretoria
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Scubaversity
4.9 (124) · Johannesburg
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Garden Route Scuba
4.9 (121) · Mossel Bay
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Pisces Divers
4.8 (136) · Cape Town
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South Africa diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in South Africa for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 51 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

Are there dive shops in South Africa?

Zentacle lists 33 dive shops in South Africa. The top-rated are Phoenix Divers (4.9 from 155 reviews) and Scubaversity (4.9 from 124 reviews).