Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in South Africa

Ready to check out the best sites in South Africa for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 47 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in South Africa to suit your needs.
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Windmill Beach

#1 - Windmill Beach

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
(1)
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.
Vetch's Pier

#2 - Vetch's Pier

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

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Vetch's Pier is an artificial reef that was created some 80 years ago. Today it is teaming with corals and fish, espacially plenty of eels & scorpionfish. Take a buoy along since a lot of boat traffic is around. The dive site is best accessed from shore just south of the uShaka Waterfront. Vetch's Pier is also known as Vetchies Pier.
Birthday Ledges

#3 - Birthday Ledges

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

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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.
Thesen's Jetty

#4 - Thesen's Jetty

South Africa, Western Cape, Knysna

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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.
Gansbaai

#5 - Gansbaai

Western Cape, South Africa

Unrated
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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.
Sodwana Bay

#6 - Sodwana Bay

St Lucia, South Africa

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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.
Storms River Mouth

#7 - Storms River Mouth

Eastern Cape, South Africa

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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.
Long Beach

#8 - Long Beach

South Africa, Western Cape

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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.
Protea Banks

#9 - Protea Banks

South Africa

intermediate
(0)
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.
Shark Alley

#10 - Shark Alley

South Africa, Western Cape, Gansbaai

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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.
RMS Athens Wreck

#11 - RMS Athens Wreck

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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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.
Blue Rock Quarry

#12 - Blue Rock Quarry

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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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.
Island Rock

#13 - Island Rock

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Rocktail Bay

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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
Clan Stuart Wreck

#14 - Clan Stuart Wreck

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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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.
Komati Springs

#15 - Komati Springs

South Africa, Mpumalanga

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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.
Miracle Waters

#16 - Miracle Waters

South Africa, Gauteng

beginner
(0)
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.
Wondergat

#17 - Wondergat

South Africa, North-West

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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.
Antipolis Wreck

#18 - Antipolis Wreck

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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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.
Quarter Mile

#19 - Quarter Mile

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

beginner
(0)
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.
Ribbon Reef

#20 - Ribbon Reef

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

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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.
Buffels Bay

#21 - Buffels Bay

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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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.
Shark Point

#22 - Shark Point

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Rocktail Bay

beginner
(0)
Great dive site(s). All kind of tropical fish, and loads of female sand tiger sharks in caves, more then 2m tall! Have to go with the local dive center via boat. Shark Point is also known as Rocktail bay.
Sandy Cove

#23 - Sandy Cove

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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On the north side of the point at north Oudekraal.
Hot Spot

#24 - Hot Spot

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

intermediate
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A 1m to 1.5m ledge in the sea bed, home to many lion fish. Also large gamefish. Can have a strong current, in which case a negative entry may be advisable with experienced divers who are comfortable with the practice, as the main wall is a relatively small spot to find, especially after the 30m descent. Great unusual species to be seen. Also beware the lack of profile results in a deep average depth, nitrox may be worth while to extend MDT. Incidentally this reef was discovered on breath hold.
Dolloses

#25 - Dolloses

South Africa, Western Cape, Mosselbaai

beginner
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Shore entry dive along the harbour wall. Beautiful small sharks appear readily at the scent on squid/chokka bait. Species include pajama sharks, leopard sharks, shy sharks. Take a hoodie for the cold, and preferably open heel fins, not only for the cold but also for grip on the slippery shore entry.
Star walls

#26 - Star walls

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

intermediate
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This is a deep dive and is the longest and tallest wall dive in the area. The wall starts at a maximum depth of 32m and comes up to about 8m. The wall is covered in a variety of sponges, corals, ascidians and invertebrates. Nudibranchs, crabs and small fish makes for good macro photography. During summer months visibility can be quite good, up to 20m, but the water temperature will as cold as 10 C. Access to this site is by boat only, launching from Hout Bay harbour. Most charter companies will dive this site during summer when conditions are best.
A Frame

#27 - A Frame

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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After entering it is a short swim to the exact position indicated on the map. descend there and a short look around will show you a cave like swimthrough with some awesome sea life including various klipfish and nudibranch. To the right of the indicated area is a large rock which you can follow right around, but do take care of the current on the open ocean side. Here you can see many Cape Knifejaw and the elusive Galjoen which is a sought after fish for anglers. On occasion you may even encounter a playful Cape Clawless Otter or two. Do note that this is within the marine protected area and a permit is required to scuba duve here. Drive through Simons Town along the main road towards Boulders Beach. When you get to the turn off to Boulders on your left carry on for another 1km or so. There is parking available alongside the road where you gear up and then if you look on the map there is a pathway visible leading to the shore. Entry here is tricky and best go with someone who is familiar with this divesite as both entry points are over rocks and not easy to identify. Obviously if you are experienced you could try and enter at any other point you may regard safe, but do check the swell before making your decision.
Elandsbaai Reefs

#28 - Elandsbaai Reefs

South Africa, Western Cape

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Elandsbaai Reefs is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in South Africa, Western Cape which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
The Maori Wreck

#29 - The Maori Wreck

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

intermediate
(0)
The Maori (British cargo ship) wrecked on 05th August 1909 in fog after colliding with a rock. Kelp and crayfish are in abundance and the wreck is in fairly good condition. Railway lines still lie in her aft. China and porcelain have been found on the wreck. The wreck is accessed from Hout Bay. Hout Bay is reached along the Penninsula Drive, departing Cape Town towards Sea Point, Stand and passing Llandudno.
Klein Tafelberg Reef

#30 - Klein Tafelberg Reef

South Africa, Western Cape

intermediate
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The dive site Klein Tafelberg Reef is an offshore rocky reef in the outer Hout Bay area on the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula, near Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa Maximum about is about 35m, and the top of the pinnacle about 14m The site is a huge granite outcrop with big boulders and a sand bottom in the deeper areas. The relief is very rugged and fairly spectacular in good visibility. There are the remains of a small yacht on a ledge part way doewn the north side of the pinnacle, and below that there are other outcrops to the north. It is cold and relatively deep, and a dry suit is recommended. This is a dive site where the use of Nitrox can be worthwhile to extend no-stop time The site is only accessible by boat. It is about 4.5km from Hout Bay Harbour and basically in the the mouth of the bay. A sonar is required to locate the exact spot. The site is exposed to south westerly swells, which can cause a strong surge. Klein Tafelberg Reef is also known as Salad Bowl, Yacht Reef.
The Aster

#31 - The Aster

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

intermediate
(0)
Flat sand bottom at about 27m. The ship stands almost level imbedded in the bottom as if floating in sand. The bow points towards approximately 330° magnetic (northwest). Deep scouring at bow and stern, usually to about 28m maximum, depending on the tide. The vessel is is essentially intact and still looks much like when it was afloat. The hull is intact with a few holes cut in it, and the superstructure except for the wheelhouse, and tripod mast are also intact. There is a fairly large rectangular hatch just forward of the superstructure. The gunwale is at about 24m depth, and the boat is about 36m long. Top of the mast is at about 9m depth The Aster is marked on the charts at the same position as the Katsu Maru, but is about 30m to the northeast of the other wreck, and both can be visited on the same dive. Access is possible by boat only. The site is about a 2.2km ride from the harbour jetty. The wreck is in the harbour approaches, and there may be significant boat traffic Use sonar &side scanner for locating wreck
Two Oceans Aquarium

#32 - Two Oceans Aquarium

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
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Great experiance... a lot of useful informations. Aquarium with just one non dangerous shark More from the aquarium website: http://www.aquarium.co.za Cape Town Aquarium
Strawberry Rocks

#33 - Strawberry Rocks

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
(0)
This is an interesting dive site and should only taken on by divers who are up to a lengthy surface swim. It is best to dive here when the south easter blows and always keep this in mind as if a south wester blows it could make the surface swim back a difficult task.As with the other dive sites here you will experience very cold water so be prepared. The beauty here is still the kelp forests and I am sure it will be enjoyed by all and you are also more than likely to encounter a seal or more as they love basking in the sun and can often be seen on the large rock. Park in the exact same area as when diving at Justins or sandy Cove. Entry points are also the same although the swim there is a bit further.
Seal Island

#34 - Seal Island

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
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Known place for Shark Cage Diving. A Boat from the Harbour. Seal Island is also known as Shark Cage Experience.
Millers Point

#35 - Millers Point

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
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This is not a very popular shore dive in my opinion as most activity is that of the spear fishermen and you will seldom find scuba divers doing a shore dive. Yet, it is worth a try as you can encounter some large fish species here. Always take a buoy as boat traffic does frequent near this area. Millers Point is where most launches are done as it has a slipway which can be quite busy at times. Many, if not all, dive organisations do their launches from here when diving the Smitswinkel wrecks. Although better known for its slipway this makes for a nice shore dive as well with an easy access and pathway leading to the waters edge from the huge parking area. Always keep your vehicles doors closed as baboons have climbed into unattended cars before.
Outer Castle

#36 - Outer Castle

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

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Outer Castle.This is the boat dive in line with the shore dive Castle Rock hence named outer Castle. About a 15-20min boat trip form Millers.The dive starts around a large rock a couple of meters below the surface.Average depth about 20 meters.You can swim around the Rock or swim off along one of the rock gully's that run off shoreward and seaward.Large Gorgonian sea fans line the ridges and attached them the magnificent Basket stars.Fish follow the divers waiting for a snack,some divers feed them. The rock is bell shaped and a small air filled cavity exists,just big enough for two heads. Always fun to pop in with a buddy and have a chat. All Divers meet and join there Dive boats from Miller's Point.These boat dives can be booked from any of the dozens of Dive shops in and around Cape Town.To reach Millers point you take the coastal road through Simonstown.The turnoff is signposted to the left.and immediately visible is the large tarred parking area.Here you kit up and proceed down to the slipway.All the dive boats leave from here to get one of the dozen or so frequented boat dive sites.
Boulder's Rock

#37 - Boulder's Rock

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
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Boulder's Rock 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.
Aliwal Shoal

#38 - Aliwal Shoal

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Hibiscus Coast

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Aliwal Shoal has become internationally renowned as one of the best scuba diving sites in the world. The shoal, a rocky reef situated 5 kilometres off the KZN coast, is inhabited by many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. Aliwal Shoal is situated about 3 km off the coast and 7km from the launch site. A great dive all year round offering different marine species per season. Sharks are all year round. Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Oceanic Black Tips, White Tip reef sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Greater Hammerhead Sharks and even the occassional Great White. Stunning reefs offer plenty of fish, turtles, rays, eels and too many more species for macro divers. Conditions are diverse, making Aliwal an exciting dive experience. Dive site is being accessed from either Umkomaas or Scottburgh by boat. The Channel drop point (inside edge, south of pinnacle ridge) is at S30 15.381 E30 49.791
Marico Oog

#39 - Marico Oog

South Africa, North-West

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God must indeed have been in a good mood when He created Marico Oog. Visibility is often in excess of 20 meters and averages at about 10 meters. Although the water is relatively cold, it seldom drops below 18 degrees, even in winter. In summer it can go up to 24 degrees. Lush plant life covers most of the pool. Various species of fish can be found, including various types of bass and kurper. If you are lucky you may even see one of the six fresh water eels. The water is crystal clear but can turn to zero viz if the bottom 1 meter is disturbed. Buoyancy control is a must to enjoy the dive. Because of the small circumference of Die Oog, it is advised that no more than 8 divers are allowed in the pool at any time! Oog is a small but beautiful natural pool situated in the Zeerust/Lichtenburg area. Entry is via a narrow passage cut between the reeds and water entry is via a ladder to ensure minimum contact with the bottom.
9 Mile Reef

#40 - 9 Mile Reef

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

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The top of the reef is at 4m on the southern edge, dropping to 21m on the north-eastern edge. The highlight of this dive is a green tree that towers about 2.5m. Just south of the green tree is a spectacular system of swim troughs, overhangs and caves. Huge green coral tree. The major draw to this reef is a massive green coral tree with millions (well, maybe hundreds) of sea goldies. As this is a deeper reef and more remote the local fish life is extensive. Look around every now and then and you may see some larger fish in the blue. Access to this reef is by boat only. The boats launch from Jesser point and it is a 9 mile journey that can take up to one and a half hours in rough conditions. Save it for a good day.
7 Mile Reef

#41 - 7 Mile Reef

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

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The drop-offs and mushroom shaped pinnacles, characteristic of this wonderful reef with its great diversity of marine life make it quiet popular among divers. Turtles and rays are often seen and shoals of brightly coloured goldies and other reef fish visit the coral often. 7 mile has been rated by many divers as one of the most beautiful reefs in the world and is frequently rated in the top 15 throughout Africa. As it is less frequently dived the fish life is spectacular. Also it is a high reef, the depth from top to bottom is significant, giving the divers a real feeling for exploring. Access to this site is by boat only. Although the distance to shore is only a few hundred meters, it is a 7 mile boat trip to the reef.
Stringer

#42 - Stringer

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

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Stringer is a bit closer to Jesser Point than the main portion of 2 Mile Reef. It's is home to many different species and is a fantastic place to practice photography. Many Tomato Rock Cod, cleaning stations and paper fish can be found here as well as ghost pipefish. Access to this reef is by boat only through one of the many charters in the area. Boats launch from Jesser Point Stringer is also known as Stringer reef.
Castle Rocks

#43 - Castle Rocks

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
(0)
Castle Rocks cleans up with a North westerly and South Westerly wind,and on good days the viz is more than 20meters.Next to the Castle Rocks are some smaller rocks that curve out to sea creating a sheltered bay.The sheltered Bay varies in depth from 3-7meters and is ideal for snorkelling and Training dives.Once you leave the Bay and drop down the rocky reefs you can get about 18meters.The outside of the sheltered bay can become surgy so care should be taken with novice divers on the change of the tide.This area has been a marine reserve for years so all the Delights of False bay can all be seen in one dive.There are quite a few different fish species the obvious are the Red Roman,John Brown,the Cape Knife jaw,Zebra's,Streepies and of course the National fish the Galjoen.Three species of shy shark,Gully shark and Soupfin are regularly spotted the juvenile Dusky's put in a rare appearance. Large orange wall sponges jut out along the walls and thousands of micro organisms create stunning colours along the dive.Gas flame Nudibranchs and the cape dorid are some of the numerous nudibranchs to be seen. Castle rocks is one of the best shore dives on the Peninsula. Castle Rocks is situated just before the Cape Point Nature Reserve.Travelling from Cape town you will pass through Fishhoek and Simons town.The Coastal drive in itself is a tourist attraction.After the Millers Point turn off you will see a large outcrop of rocks.Not to hard to see why they are called Castle Rocks.Parking is on the side of the Road,about 15 meters above sea level,so you kit up here and walk down to the entry spot Castle Rocks is also known as Castle.
Pyramid Rocks

#44 - Pyramid Rocks

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

intermediate
(0)
The area around Pyramid Rocks cleans up with a North westerly and South Westerly wind,and on good days the viz is more than 20meters.The Top of the Pyramid shaped rock can be seen breaking the surface in the distance,this is a long snorkel out to the rocks. This area has been a marine reserve for years so all the Delights of False bay can all be seen in one dive.There are quite a few different fish species the obvious are the Red Roman,John Brown,the Cape Knife jaw,Zebra's,Streepies and of course the National fish the Galjoen.Three species of shy shark,Pyjama,Gully shark and Soupfin are regularly spotted the juvenile Dusky's put in a rare appearance.The Attraction of this dive sight are the Seven gill spotted cow sharks,These slow swimming prehistoric looking sharks cruise lazily around the area between the shore and the Pyramid.Broad snouted they can get up to 3 meters in length.they have the unnerving habit of swimming straight at divers .the divers always give way.Potentially dangerous there have been no incidents of attack or aggression at this dive site. Large orange wall sponges jut out along the walls and thousands of micro organisms create stunning colours along the dive.Gas flame Nudibranchs and the cape dorid are some of the numerous nudibranchs to be seen. On one occasion we had to stop and wait for a whale to swim passed on our swim out,Also spotted here is the Cape Clawless otter. Pyramid Rocks is situated just before Castle rocks on the road to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Travelling from Cape town you will pass through Fishhoek and Simons town.After the Millers Point turn off the road dips and then climbs again,at the bottom off the dip is a pull off area for about 2 vehicles.This is the Parking, you kit up here and walk down the path to the right to the dive entry spot. Pyramid Rocks is also known as The pinnicle.
Justins Caves

#45 - Justins Caves

South Africa, Western Cape, Cape Town

beginner
(0)
Justin's caves is a circular collection of giant boulders which lie on top of one another creating overhangs,tunnels and some small caves.The largest roughly the size of a double garage.The centre of the dive site is relatively shallow about 5 meters but around the back of the rocks it drops down to 17metwrs.The prize of the dive is a little coral filled cavern which have a beautiful display of pink and purple Noble corrals.On a calm day this is a relatively easy dive but with a change of tide and wind the caves can get very surgy.water collects in the centre of the Bowl and flushes out through the caves gullies and tunnels.A thrilling ride for experienced divers but a frightening one for novices. The Atlantic can get a little chilly and on good vis days over 20 meters expect the temperature to be below 10 degrees Celsius. There are quite a few species of Nudibranchs here and large schools of fish.Breeding ground for rock lobster they can be from a couple of centimetres to some enormous grand daddies. Travelling from the city centre along the coast through Camps Bay Towards Hout bay,this Dive site sits slightly to the right in front of the beautiful white Apostles Hotel.This is the only building there. Justins Caves is also known as Justins.
Bass lake

#46 - Bass lake

South Africa, Gauteng

beginner
(0)
this dive site is mainly for new divers but offers a wide variety of activities other than the diving such as: 4x4 trails, quad bicking and many more. there is an option of over nighting. there is a small tuck shop aswell. there are a number of diffrent things to see under water such as an old bus, a car an aero-plane and a few more interisting things. bass lake is sittuated forty minutes from Johannesburg towards Verrinaging. it is an altitude dive in water filled quarry.
2 Mile Reef

#47 - 2 Mile Reef

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Sodwana Bay

beginner
(0)
The reef is about 1.7 km long and up to 900 m wide. It is one of the most popular reefs to dive at, since it is only a few minutes away from the launch area. Many different corals, reef and mid-water fish can be found here, with eels and other creatures hiding in the many caves and holes. Two Mile Reef is where most new divers in South Africa do their qualifying dive.