South Africa offers an almost unlimited number of dive sites and scuba diving opportunities. The coastline of southern Africa is swept by two great ocean currents - the mighty Agulhas, bringing warm water down the east coast and the unrelenting Benguela, driving cold Antarctic water up the west coast. This clash of currents allows the waters of South Africa to support a huge diversity of marine life.

The kelp forests of the west coast and Cape Town dissolve gradually into the stunning soft coral reef of the Garden Route. Blessed by the warm Agulhas, Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu Natal supports the most southerly hard coral reef systems in the world, whilst the Wildcoast marks a fascinating transition from tropical to temperate waters. With around 3000km of coastline boasting over 2000 species of fish, 37 species of whale and dolphin and a long history of shipwrecks and salvage, South Africa can accommodate all your scuba diving desires - although ice diving is a bit of a problem.

Water temperatures vary considerably along the coastline. From an average of over 20 degrees celsius in Sodwana Bay to as low as (and occasionally below) 10 degrees on the Atlantic side of Cape Town - adequate exposure protection is essential for enjoyable diving in South Africa.

As a minimum for diving the Atlantic side of Cape Town, we recommend a multi-layer system with 10mm on the chest, 5mm on legs and arms, 5mm hood with bib, 5mm boots if possible (no holes) and the warmest gloves you can find. You can then lose the gloves along the Garden Route, the hood can go in KwaZulu Natal and you may get away with a shortie in Sodwana Bay. Wetsuits being a very personal item (and to eliminate repeated weight adjustments) we suggest you bring your own - or ask us about having a wetsuit custom made for your arrival.

Conditions: As with anywhere, diving in South Africa can be unpredictable. Our fixed tours are aimed to hit specific areas whilst their conditions are at an optimum. If diving conditions are unfavourable we will try to offer alternative activities. To help you decide on which tours and packages appeal most, please refer to the migration calendar and tour pages.

Boat dives: The majority of our dive sites are accessed by boat - Usually an inflatable 'duck' or 'RIB' - launches can often be as exciting as the dives themselves.

Equipment: Most dive packages include tanks and weights (as stated per package). We recommend that you bring your own mask, fins and wetsuit as a minimum. Additional equipment can be hired along the way at approximately ZAR 50.00 per item per day - see currency converter.

Qualifications: Unless stated otherwise a minimum of open water certification, or equivalent, is required for all standard diving tours and diving packages. If requested further training can be provided on tour. Advanced Open Water credits and Enriched Air courses are offered on selected tours at the additional cost of materials and registration fees only - facilities permitting. Other courses can also be arranged on request.

Safety: Diver safety is our No. 1 priority. When diving offshore reefs all divers are personally issued with a delayed surface marker buoy (safety sausage). Oxygen is always on board and all staff and guides are medically trained. Oceans Africa are also agents for DAN dive travel insurance and can arrange additional dive insurance if required.