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Country: South Africa Area: South Africa
Water Temp: 20 - 29°C (68 - 84°F)
Visibility: 10 - 30m (33 - 98 ft)
Depth Range: 10 - 110m (33 - 361 ft)
Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles Nesting November to January
Pregnant Ragged Tooth Sharks Dec to Feb on 1/4 mile Reef
Sodwana Bay has beautiful reefs on planet with huge diversity of marine life with good all year round diving.
Located on the north east coastline of South Africa, Sodwana Bay has a rich natural biodiversity both on land and in the ocean. It is the only place within the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park where scuba diving is permitted, and draws in roughly 35 000 divers annually. The coastal regions are fantastic areas for African wildlife viewing. Isimangaliso is home to a large population of elephant, rhino, leopards, impala and zebra, in addition to numerous bird species. The Bay exists in the northern part of Zululand, which adds interesting cultural interactions to a trip to the area. While the town itself is not the most beautiful, the stunning coastline, impressive marine life and the surrounding nature certainly make up for it.
With a 50km reef that is home to over 90 species of corals and sponges, in addition to over 1200 fish species, this is South Africa’s best diving location. Tropical currents run north, leading to favourable temperatures and generally good visibility. These waters are home to 80% of South Africa’s fish species, with big fish including the Potato Bass, Crayfish and varieties of tropical reef fish. Humpback whales, whale sharks, ragged-tooth sharks and black marlin also migrate through the waters seasonally.
Fish on top, Credit
From 2-mile to 9-mile reef, there is a high diversity in dive sites that offer fun and excitement for all levels of divers. All dives here are drift dives in a strong current that flows from north to south. Divemasters will assess the current strength and ensure all dives are conducted in a region matched to the skill level.
Skilled divers may wish to descend 110m into Jesser Canyon, which has a small population of Coelecanth. This rare fish was previously thought to be extinct, until it was rediscovered in these waters in 2000.
Potato rockcod, Credit
Sodwana Bay has a sub-tropical climate, with hot and humid summers (November – April) and mild winters (June – August). In summer, temperatures range between 26 – 30 degrees Celsius, while winter drops between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Water temperatures sit at an average of 26 degrees Celsius in the summer, and drop to 17 degrees Celsius in the winter. Visibility ranges from 8m to 40m, with an annual average of 12m.
Underwater resident, Credit
Sodwana Bay exists within the Maputaland Marine Park and the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Marine Reserves exist to the north and south of Sodwana Bay, extended coverage well along the eastern coastline. Protected since the 1950s, this area received considerable attention in November 2000 when scientists rediscovered the ancient coelacanth.
South Africa National Parks has placed considerable limitations on activity within the park in order to preserve the marine life. Bottom fishing is strictly prohibited, and all boat launches and dives are highly regulated. There are several parameters around the thriving fishing industry, with all anglers practicing ‘catch care’.
Anemone shrimp, Credit
Frog fish, cuer 300 reef fish in a 50m swim, 32 different species in a 50m swim. Also there's leopard+ guitar sharks, paper fish, pipefish, potato bass, brindle bass, palaegic fishes.
Red rockcod, Credit
Information kindly provided by: Triton Dive Lodge
Images photographed by Eve Marshall - Triton Dive Lodge
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
All dives from Sodwana are boat dives.
Joining the school,Credit
A favourite reef, Stringer, is located a quarter mile from shore and has a maximum depth of 14m. Here you are likely to see snapper, goat fish, potato bass, longnosed emperors, cleaner shrimp, variegated paperfish, Durban dancing shrimps and a Ray cleaning station. Large rays are often seen here, and Sergeant Majors protect their eggs in these waters during the summer months.
Starfish, Credit
The Bikini Reef System has some of the best macro life, including Frogfish, Paperfish, Scorpionfish, Garden Eels, Starry and Dragon Morays, Ghost Pipefish and a few varieties of cleaner, partner and anemone shrimp. This is also the best location to spot a Manta.
The massive Two Mile Reef has over 30 dive sites, each with a variety of routes. Unsurprisingly, this is the most dived site in Sodwana. Highlights throughout this reef include the Anton’s massif, gullies at Wayne’s World, shark caves (and plenty of shark teeth), trumpetfish, snappers, seahorses, large pelagic fish, the marbled leopardgrouper, the tiger angelfish, and the yellowtail goldie. Ragged tooth sharks often swim through here in the summer as well. Anton’s is the most popular dive site on the reef, with its numerous caves and swim throughs.
Manta,Credit
Sodwana Bay is not a liveaboard destination, given the rough character of the surrounding Indian Ocean.
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
The nearest airports to Sodwana Bay are located in Richard’s Bay (domestic flights only) and Durban (international flights). From either location, you will need to hire a car to drive into Sodwana Bay itself. The town is well signed off the N2 and is approximately 350km from Durban. It is also possible to drive from Johannesburg.
A drive to the beach, Credit
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
There are a number of restaurants throughout Sodwana Bay, that serve a healthy dose of Fish and Chips and standard international fare. Most of the restaurants are run out of the lodges themselves.
Having a break! Credit
Throughout the year, Sodwana Bay is has a fairly relaxed nightlife, with a handful of bars and pubs open for a post-dive drink. However, when South African schools break for one of their annual holidays, the city comes alive with vacationing families. Jan maak n Jol is a popular restaurant and bar.
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
For non-divers, it is possible to explore the shallower reefs with simply a snorkel. Otherwise, ocean safaris are always an option and are especially impressive when the humpbacks are migrating through. Kite boarding has become increasingly popular on windy days, with a few operators offering lessons for beginners. Sodwana Bay is hugely popular amongst deep sea anglers and surf fly-fishing.
A river in Sodwana Bay, Credit
From Sodwana Bay, you are located very close to numerous wildlife reserves. The iSimangaliso Nature Reserve and Hluhluwe-Imflozi National Parks are both well worth a visit, but will require an additional couple of days. Tours to both reserves can be organized out of the town of St. Lucia.
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
Most diving enthusiast that come to Sodwana stays 3nights + 5 dives. Longer stays are welcome!
While Sodwana Bay is generally quite safe, the occasional theft is reported from the camping facilities. Be sure to take appropriate precautions if staying here.
Ember parrotfish, Credit
Medical facilities are limited here, with the closest hyperbaric chamber located in Richard’s Bay, nearly 200km away. A small clinic exists just outside Sodwana Bay for minor medical incidents.
It is generally best to avoid Sodwana Bay during the school holidays, since the quiet town transforms with mobs of families. While it is certainly more lively, the crowds tend to overwhelm the otherwise quite place.
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