Scuba diving in South Africa offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating underwater experiences in the world. From warm Indian Ocean reefs teeming with marine life to the dramatic kelp forests and shark-filled waters of the Atlantic, there’s something for every diver.

Top Dive Sites in South Africa

Aliwal Shoal (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Known for shark diving, including ragged-tooth sharks (sand tigers) and oceanic blacktips.
• Rich marine biodiversity with turtles, rays, and seasonal humpback whale sightings.
• Wreck dives include the Produce and Nebraska.

Protea Banks (KwaZulu-Natal)
• Famous for big shark encounters, including tiger, bull, hammerhead, and Zambezi sharks.
• Advanced diving due to strong currents and deep-water conditions.

Sodwana Bay (KwaZulu-Natal)
• One of the best coral reef diving destinations in the world.
• Over 1,200 fish species, whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins.
• Warm waters year-round, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced divers.

Cape Town (Western Cape)
• Kelp forests: Dive with sevengill cow sharks, shysharks, and a range of cold-water marine life.
• Wreck diving: The SS Lusitania and MV Aster offer excellent wreck exploration.
• Seal dives: Playful Cape fur seals can be seen at Duiker Island near Hout Bay.

Gansbaai & Mossel Bay (Western Cape)
• Great white shark cage diving (best in winter months).
• Excellent for macro diving and kelp forests.

Ponta do Ouro (Mozambique Border)
• Technically not South Africa, but a short trip from KZN.
• Manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins make it a bucket-list dive destination.

Best Time to Dive
• KwaZulu-Natal: Year-round, with best visibility in winter (May–September).
• Western Cape: Best in summer (November–April), but kelp forests are accessible year-round.
• Shark Diving: Peak season for ragged-tooth sharks is June–November.

Dive Certification and Safety
• PADI and SSI courses available at most locations.
• Strong currents at sites like Protea Banks require Advanced Open Water certification.
• Cold-water diving in Cape Town requires appropriate gear (7mm wetsuit or drysuit).