Plongée à Sodwana Bay — South Africa

Sodwana Bay hosts the southernmost coral reefs in Africa and is one of the few places on Earth where coelacanths — living fossils dating back 400 million years — have been found in accessible depths. Ragged-tooth sharks aggregate in the caves during winter months, and the boat launches through the surf add an adventure element before you even get wet. It's raw, authentic African diving at its finest.

Score
68.4
Visibilité
9–30m
Température
20–27°C
Meilleurs mois
November, December, January
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World Class
Intermediate
Sodwana Bay
South AfricaAfrica
68.4

SCORE

-27.5300°N

32.6800°E

Sodwana Bay hosts the southernmost coral reefs in Africa and is one of the few places on Earth where coelacanths — living fossils dating back 400 million years — have been found in accessible depths. Ragged-tooth sharks aggregate in the caves during winter months, and the boat launches through the surf add an adventure element before you even get wet. It's raw, authentic African diving at its finest.

Africa's Shark and Coelacanth Frontier

Visibility9–30 m
Temperature20–27°C
Max Depth104 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$65
Best MonthsNovember, December, January, February
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML80.0CH70.0VIS60.0SV58.0TMP65.0DA75.0OP72.0TS55.0GT52.0VAL85.0CRD82.0SP65.0

Marine Life

80.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
75
Megafauna Encounters
85
Reef Fish Abundance
72
Macro Life
68
Endemic Species
82
Marine Life Diversity
80.0
Coral & Reef Health
70.0
Visibility & Conditions
60.0
Dive Site Variety
58.0
Water Temperature
65.0
Depth & Access
75.0
Operator Quality
72.0
Topside Experience
55.0
Getting There
52.0
Value & Cost
85.0
Crowding
82.0
Social Proof
65.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO) game drivesturtle nesting tours (Nov-Feb)Lake St Lucia boat safarifishing4x4 beach driving

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO)
  • Zulu cultural village visits

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber400 km — St. Augustine's Hospital Chamber, Durban
Nearest Hospital50 km

Basic clinic locally; hospital in Mtubatuba (50 km); chamber in Durban (5 hr drive); helicopter medevac available

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Sodwana Bay Lodge Dive Centre

PADI

4.3
280 reviews

Coral Divers

NAUI

4.5
195 reviewsNITROX

Triton Dive Lodge

PADI

4.4
220 reviews