A South Africa Safaris Diving Holiday

A South Africa Safari holiday does not just have to take place on dry land and the country offers some of the world’s best dive sites. Literally every type of dive is catered to across thousands of miles of coastline which is home to all sorts of aquatic life and shipwrecks. South Africa also has coastline with two different oceans, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. There are some magnificent shelves which can be seen by experienced divers.

Although there is no legal requirement for diving certification in South Africa, most companies will require at least PADI Open water certification unless you are doing a trial dive. Diving in South Africa usually requires a high level of fitness and expertise because the water is cold, the surf is powerful and the currents are strong. The main currents include the cold Benguela current and the warmer Agulhas current. If the conditions are deemed too rough then your dive operator might cancel the dive. If the dive goes ahead but you still do not feel comfortable with the degree of difficulty then it is up to you to voice concerns.

Depending on where you want to dive the water temperature can vary massively and so consider whether to wear a dry suit or a wet suit. In the north east a wetsuit is mostly protective as the water is very warm at 24 degrees Celsius. If you are not a confident diver there are other options which include diving at locations inland and even aquariums.

The South Africa seas are mostly known for being home to large fish and mammals such as sharks and whales, but there are some interesting small fish too. One of the best places to see marine life is the tropical reefs along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

 South Africa Safaris - Diving on the West Coast

Although it does not at first glance look as though there is much to see off the west coast of South Africa there are in fact many colourful invertebrates which prefer the cooler water temperatures here. One of the highlights is the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. False Bay has good temperate water for diving with the chance of seeing sea turtles and plenty of fascinating wrecks. Enjoy the Tafelberg and Klein reefs, Whittle Rock and the MV Aster wreck among many other options. In Hermanus there are many exciting dives such as the Blow Hole, the Boiling Point and the Table Top Whale Rock.

South Africa Safaris - Diving on the East Coast

                   The East Coast of South Africa is an excellent place to see large groups of fish, though watch out for feeding frenzies. Sharks and other predators are attracted to the east coast where there are mass spawnings of Chokka squid and sardines. Many sea birds also hunt for these animals, diving into the water to catch them. On the East Coast many of the best dive sites are by the river mouths as this attracts a great array of marine animals. Recommended spots include the Van Staden's River mouth and the Gamtoos River mouth. These are both near to Jeffrey’s Bay which is mainly known as one of the world’s best surfing spots for its incredibly long breaks and clean waves. In Port Elizabeth there are some good wrecks including the SS Fidela wreck and the Haerlem wreck. If you are on a diving safari in Durban then you should be aware that high winds and strong showers during the rainy season can have a bad effect on visibility.