Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Durban, South Africa
1. Aliwal Shoal
A must-visit for divers with its diverse marine life, including ragged-tooth sharks and turtles.
- Marine Life Diversity: Home to over 1200 fish species and a variety of shark species
- Accessibility: Located just off the coast of Umkomaas, easily accessible from Durban
- Experience Level: Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers due to its varied dive sites
2. Protea Banks
Known for its tiger shark encounters and manta ray sightings, a bucket-list destination for experienced divers.
- Tiger Shark Encounters: One of the few places in the world where you can consistently encounter tiger sharks
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to strong currents and depth
- Seasonal Manta Ray Sightings: Manta rays are often seen during the winter months (May to October)
3. Mabibi Reef
Offers a chance to swim with dolphins and manta rays in crystal-clear waters.
- Dolphin Interaction: Regular encounters with bottlenose dolphins
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers due to its shallow waters and gentle currents
- Coral Gardens: Boasts vibrant coral gardens teeming with tropical fish species
4. Umhlanga Rocks
Known for its abundant marine life and easy accessibility from the Umhlanga pier.
- Easy Access: Directly accessible from the Umhlanga pier, no boat ride required
- Marine Life Variety: Home to a wide variety of fish, rays, and even the occasional shark
- Shore Diving: Offers shore diving opportunities for convenience and cost-effectiveness
5. Blue Lagoon
A popular spot for snorkeling with its clear waters and abundant marine life.
- Clear Waters: Known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling
- Easy Snorkel Spot: Ideal for beginners and families due to its shallow waters and gentle currents
- Marine Life Abundance: Hosts a variety of fish, rays, and even the occasional sea turtle
6. Sodwana Bay
Offers world-class diving with its coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Coral Reefs: Boasts some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world
- Diverse Marine Life: Home to a wide variety of marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and sharks
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to its strong currents and depth
7. Flat Rock
Known for its large schools of fish and the chance to see manta rays.
- Large Schools of Fish: Offers a spectacle of large schools of fish
- Manta Ray Sightings: Regular sightings of manta rays, especially during the winter months (May to October)
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to strong currents and depth
8. Natali Shoal
A shallow reef that offers excellent visibility and a variety of marine life.
- Shallow Reef: Ideal for snorkelers due to its shallow waters
- Clear Waters: Offers excellent visibility, ideal for observing marine life
- Marine Life Variety: Hosts a variety of fish species, rays, and even the occasional shark
9. Raggies Point
A popular spot for ragged-tooth shark sightings during the winter months.
- Ragged-Tooth Shark Sightings: Known for its regular ragged-tooth shark sightings during the winter months (July to November)
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to strong currents and depth
- Seasonal Attraction: Not suitable for diving during the summer months (December to June)
10. Shelly Beach
A marine protected area offering a chance to swim with turtles and dolphins.
- Marine Protected Area: Protects a variety of marine life, making it an excellent spot for sightings
- Turtle and Dolphin Sightings: Regularly offers encounters with turtles and dolphins
- Snorkeling Friendly: Ideal for snorkelers due to its shallow waters and gentle currents
11. KwaNongoma Reef
A lesser-known gem offering a chance to swim with rays and diverse marine life.
- Lesser-Known Gem: Less crowded than some of the more popular dive sites
- Ray Sightings: Offers regular encounters with various species of rays
- Marine Life Diversity: Hosts a variety of fish, rays, and even the occasional shark
12. Umdoni Park
A popular shore diving spot with its easy accessibility and abundant marine life.
- Easy Access: Directly accessible from the beach, no boat ride required
- Marine Life Abundance: Boasts a variety of fish, rays, and even the occasional shark
- Shore Diving: Offers shore diving opportunities for convenience and cost-effectiveness
13. Margate Reefs
A series of reefs offering a variety of dive sites with diverse marine life.
- Variety of Dive Sites: Offers a range of dive sites to cater to different skill levels and preferences
- Marine Life Variety: Hosts a variety of fish, rays, and even the occasional shark
- Shore Diving: Some sites offer shore diving opportunities for convenience and cost-effectiveness
14. Port Edward
Offers a chance to dive with manta rays and dolphins in its clear waters.
- Clear Waters: Known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for observing marine life
- Manta Ray and Dolphin Sightings: Regular sightings of manta rays and dolphins
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to strong currents and depth
15. Wild Coast
A remote and rugged coastline offering a chance to dive with sharks and manta rays.
- Remote Location: Offers a secluded diving experience away from the crowds
- Tiger Shark and Manta Ray Sightings: Regular sightings of tiger sharks and manta rays
- Advanced Dive Site: Recommended for experienced divers due to strong currents and depth