Discover the Best Diving in South Africa

Rocktail beach couple snorkelling.
Did you know that South Africa has one of the top 10 dive sites in the world? For those who've always wanted to scuba dive, a visit to KwaZulu-Natal is all it takes, so what are you waiting for? Discover the best diving in South Africa at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.iSimangaliso is a World Heritage Site and it stretches along the entire Elephant Coast from St Lucia to Kosi Bay. The park is a national treasure and a superb holiday destination in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Going on a diving holiday is easily arranged and you can do all your training on-site.

What is Involved ?

Most dive resorts offer a range of certificate courses for beginners to advanced levels as well as refreshers for those who haven't dived for some time. There are also taster courses or an introduction to scuba diving for those who are not sure if they want to qualify. You may also find fun and experiential courses which show you and your children how to snorkel properly.Dive resorts are great places to learn to dive - even if you take your family along, they will be happily occupied with a range of activities while you get on with the course. There are a lot of exciting things to see and do in iSimangaliso including game viewing, cruising, birding, canoeing, beaching, fishing, hiking, horse riding and walking safaris. In the evenings you can have dinner and relax together.If you are going to qualify for your Openwater Dive Certificate this takes about 5 days. The basic training is completed in the lodge pool and then you progress to the sea. All equipment can be rented through the dive centre and you will be notified in advance of what extras you may need. PADI is an international dive qualification and there are many affiliated and graded training centres around the world.

Top Dive Spots in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Sodwana Bay


This is an exciting dive destination and rated as one of the ten best in the world. With stunning water clarity and year round diving, you cannot afford to miss out. Sodwana Bay is situated in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Popular dive sites at Sodwana Bay include 2 Mile, 5 Mile, 7 Mile and 9 Mile Reefs - night dives are also offered when possible.You'll find gorgeous coral gardens and prolific marine species to really write home about - an underwater camera is a must. Seasonal specialities include Whale Sharks from November through to April. You can also see Mantas on occasion between September and April. Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales migrate up and down this coast from the middle through to the end of the year.Dive Resort: Sodwana Bay Lodge

Qualified divers must bring their dive cards and log books

This is a 5-star PADI Dive Centre offering a full range of courses from beginners to advanced as well as speciality options and snorkelling adventures

Rocktail Bay


Enjoy exclusive diving at Rocktail Bay on remote, unspoilt reefs. You won't find boat loads of divers in this region, just blissful opportunities to explore a pristine coral landscape teeming with fish. The dive sites fall within a reserve and form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Diving is excellent all year round and there are also seasonal variations to keep things interesting such as diving with pregnant, docile Ragged-tooth Sharks in the summer months.Dive Centre: Rocktail Beach Camp

Qualified divers must bring their dive cards and log books

The dive centre offers PADI scuba diving courses from beginners to advanced and snorkelling adventures at Lala Neck.

Kosi Bay


Kosi Bay offers beautiful and virtually unchartered reefs in the far north of iSimangaliso, very close to the Mozambique border. A number of the sites are fairly shallow so beginners are also catered for. You can explore Pineapple Reef (with cleaning stations), Gogo's (known for Angelfish) and Slinger's Cove (with lots of crevices and hidey holes). Diving is possible all year round and you can also swim with Whale Sharks towards the end of October through to March.Dive Centre: Rocktail Beach Camp

Qualified divers must bring their dive cards and log books

The dive centre offers PADI scuba diving courses from beginners to advanced and snorkelling adventures at Lala Neck

Sodwana Bay Lodge

Sodwana Bay Lodge, carefully designed to match the rustic eco-orientated nature of the region. It is set in the heart of Maputaland...more

Thonga Beach Lodge

Thonga Beach Lodge in is located on the shores of the Maputaland Coast, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where water activities are pl...more

Creators of Unforgettable Memories in Africa.
©2024 Siyabona Africa (Pty)Ltd - All inclusive Holiday