Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
1. Midmar Dam
A popular freshwater recreation spot offering snorkeling and scuba diving with crystal clear waters, ideal for beginners.
- Beginner-Friendly: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for novice divers
- Recreational Area: Also offers picnicking, swimming, and boating facilities
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful Midmar Conservancy offering a picturesque setting
2. Howick Falls
Beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery providing great snorkeling opportunities in its pool.
- Natural Beauty: Stunning natural beauty with a picturesque waterfall and pool
- Experience Level: Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers due to calm waters
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential for spotting various bird species and small mammals in the surrounding area
3. Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve
This reserve offers scuba diving with a unique opportunity to explore sunken game farm vehicles.
- Historical Dive Site: Unusual dive site featuring sunken vehicles from a game farm
- Wildlife Encounters: Potential wildlife sightings such as hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species
- Nature Reserve Experience: Offers diverse landscapes including savannah, forests, and wetlands
4. Fish River Canyon
Scuba diving in a canyon with dramatic cliffs and diverse marine life.
- Canyon Dive Site: Unique dive site featuring dramatic cliffs and underwater canyons
- Marine Life: Rich marine life including various fish, sharks, and rays
- Advanced Divers: Suitable for more experienced divers due to strong currents and depths
5. Natal Underwater Centre
A dive center offering courses, equipment rentals, and boat trips for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Dive Center: Provides courses, equipment rentals, and boat trips for diving and snorkeling
- Equipment Availability: Rentals of quality scuba gear for both beginners and experienced divers
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure safe and enjoyable dives
6. Natal Sharks Board
Learn about shark conservation while witnessing these majestic creatures up close.
- Shark Conservation: Educational opportunities to learn about shark conservation
- Close Encounters: Opportunity to get up close with various shark species in a controlled environment
- Safety Measures: stringent safety measures in place to ensure visitor safety
7. Misty Hills Hotel & Conference Centre
Relax after a dive with luxury accommodations and fine dining.
- Luxury Accommodation: High-end hotel offering comfortable rooms and suites
- Fine Dining: On-site restaurant serving a variety of cuisines and wines
- Scenic Location: Set within the picturesque Natal Midlands with beautiful views
8. Karkloof Conservation Centre
Experience wildlife up close while also exploring scuba diving opportunities.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to view various wildlife species in their natural habitat
- Scuba Diving: Offers scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities on its dams
- Educational Programs: Educational programs about conservation efforts and the local ecosystem
9. Woodlands Dairy Farm
A family-friendly farm offering snorkeling in their dam with a picturesque setting.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with children and beginners
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful countryside with rolling hills and greenery
- Farm Activities: Additional farm activities such as cheese tastings and petting zoos
10. Wagendrift Dam
Offers snorkeling opportunities in a peaceful environment with beautiful surroundings.
- Peaceful Setting: A serene and tranquil location for snorkeling
- Clear Waters: Clear waters providing excellent visibility for snorkeling
- Surrounding Nature: Set within the beautiful Midmar Conservancy, offering diverse flora and fauna
11. Tala Game Reserve
Combine game viewing with snorkeling opportunities in their dam.
- Game Viewing: Opportunities to view various wildlife species, including the Big Five
- Snorkeling: Offers snorkeling opportunities in their dam
- Luxury Accommodation: High-end lodges and suites with excellent dining options
12. Karkloof Falls
A stunning waterfall offering a unique snorkeling experience.
- Stunning Landscape: Beautiful landscape featuring cascading waters and lush greenery
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Opportunity for snorkeling in the pool at the base of the waterfall
- Wildlife Sightings: Potential sightings of various bird species and small mammals in the surrounding area
13. Natal Underwater Trail
An underwater trail showcasing the diverse marine life of Pietermaritzburg.
- Underwater Trail: A unique underwater trail featuring various species and coral formations
- Diverse Marine Life: Rich marine life including fish, sharks, rays, and turtles
- Advanced Divers: Suitable for more experienced divers due to deeper waters and stronger currents
14. Umgeni River Bird Park
A bird sanctuary offering opportunities to witness various species and learn about conservation efforts.
- Bird Sanctuary: Houses over 200 different bird species
- Conservation Efforts: Educational programs about conservation efforts and the local ecosystem
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers snorkeling opportunities in their dams for bird viewing from a different perspective
15. Howick Snorkel Park
A snorkeling park featuring a large variety of fish species in crystal-clear waters.
- Snorkel Park: Large, man-made pools filled with various fish species
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Offers crystal-clear waters providing excellent visibility for snorkeling
- Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for beginners due to calm and shallow waters