7 Best Dive Sites in South Africa: From Shark Diving to Wondergat

1. Aliwal Shoal

Having been internationally recognized as one of the top diving sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal is a top contender for the best places to go diving in South Africa. If you have always wanted to go diving with sharks, then look no further. Between June and November, divers are likely to encounter Ragged Tooth Sharks, while Hammerhead and Tiger sharks are more common in the summer months. And to make things even more exciting, you can go shark cage diving without a cage, swimming among these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay offers tons of diving experiences for all types of divers. If you are not as experienced and want something less risky, try checking out the Uniforms dive site. For more experienced divers, Hotspot offers sharks, caves, and a variety of breathtaking underwater sights. It’s an essential stop for anyone interested in scuba diving in the region.

3. Wondergat

Being one of the top places to go diving in South Africa, Wondergat is usually reserved for more advanced divers. It is one of the deepest natural holes in South Africa and is located 1,440 meters above sea level. There is not much aquatic life in Wondergat, but the Wondergat depth and wondrous caves it offers make this site unlike any other. It is a premier destination for those interested in cave diving in South Africa.

4. Cape Peninsula

This diving site in South Africa offers access to two separate oceans, which creates some breathtaking opportunities for divers. It has some of the most diverse assortments of wildlife and offers tons of scenic views. It has over 100 dive sites, which can range from enchanting kelp forests to reef and wreck dives.

5. Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth has been regarded as one of the most magical places for diving, and for good reason. It offers wreck dives where you can explore the HMS Harlem, which sank in 1987. Or you can do a more relaxing dive and explore some of the colorful reefs nearby. It’s a highlight for anyone exploring adventure travel in the Eastern Cape.

6. Mossel Bay

If you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, then Mossel Bay should be on your list of places to go South Africa diving. It is known for its shark cage diving where you can swim amongst Great White Sharks as they feed. But even if you are into more mellow dives, Mossel Bay offers tons of dives with great coral reefs and beautiful fish. Regardless of your experience level, you must try night-diving in Mossel Bay—it is supposed to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

7. Protea Banks

This dive site in South Africa is most popular in June and July when the Sardine Run is flocked with schools of sardines making their way down the coast. This experience has been called simply indescribable. And even if sardines are not enough to pique your interest, dolphins, sharks, and tons of other fish flock to the Sardine Run to catch in on the action.

No matter what level of diving experience you have, there is a place for you in South Africa. It offers tons of dive sites that are guaranteed to be an incredible experience. What did you think of these places to go diving in South Africa? Have you ever been diving in South Africa? What do you think makes a good dive spot?