Scuba diving in Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

If you know a few scuba diving enthusiasts, you will probably know that one of their favourable pastimes is to argue about the best scuba diving spot in South Africa. While everyone is entitled to their opinion (and probably think you are entitled to it too) Sodwana Bay, just south of the Mozambique border in KwaZulu-Natal, is definitely on the list of best places for scuba diving in the country. Sodwana is about 4 hours drive from Durban.

Situated on the Elephant coast, Sodwana Bay lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and borders Africa’s most southern coral reefs. It is for this reason that Sodwana Bay is favoured by scuba diving enthusiasts, snorkelling lovers and anglers alike. The visibility under water is excellent (seldom less than 15 meters) and the water temperature is fantastic all year round. (Still need some convincing?) Water depth is between 12 and 18 metres, but if you have the right scuba diving qualifications there are also spots where depth goes beyond 30 meters. 

The coral reef at Sodwana National Park has 14 rocky reefs and scuba diving groups will be able to marvel at the extensive selection of tropical fish. Scientists estimate that the reefs are over 4 000 years old. Scuba diving devotees will also be able to enjoy the soft and hard corals. Numerous shark species, whales, turtles and dolphins have been spotted at the reef.

Coral Divers, a PADI 5 star Gold Palm IDC Centre and a National Geographic Dive Centre is conveniently located in Sodwana Bay, should you be in need of any scuba diving equipment, advice or instructions. They will also be able to assist you if you would like to participate in adventure sport activities other than scuba diving.