South Africa offers the adventurous diver an almost unlimited number of dive sites and diving opportunities. The coastline of South Africa is swept by two great ocean currents. The mighty Agulhas, bringing warm water down the East coast while the relentless Benguela, drives cold water up along the West coast. This powerful convergence of currents allows the waters of South Africa to support a huge diversity of marine life.

• Bull Shark Bull Shark
• Gorgonian Gorgonian
• Turtle Turtle
• Sardine Run Sardine Run
• Scorpion Scorpion
• Kingfish Kingfish
•  

The kelp forests of the west coast and Cape Town disappear gradually as you move East towards the stunning soft coral reefs of the Garden Route. Kissed by the warm Agulhas current, Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu Natal supports the most southerly hard coral reef systems in the world, while 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 almost all your scuba diving desires.

Water temperatures vary considerably along the coastline. From an average of over 20 degrees celsius in Sodwana Bay to as low as 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, boots (no holes) and gloves. 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.

Conditions: As with anywhere, diving in South Africa can be unpredictable. Our tours are aimed to hit specific areas whilst their conditions are at an optimum. If diving conditions are unfavorable 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 our dive 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.

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.

< Prev		Next >