Sodwana Bay Reefs & Dive Sites
Discover the beauty and diversity of the Sodwana Bay reef systems
Avg Depth: 12m, Max Depth: 32m | Advanced Diver, Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water Diver, Photo Opportunity, Scuba Diver
Where is it?
The much-loved 2 Mile Reef, starts from just outside the main bay and stretches almost 2 km northwards. It runs parallel to the coast and is about 400m wide. The name comes from the distance you’ll travel from shore, to reach the dive sites on this reef. The Agulhas Current flows down the East Coast of South Africa. The warm tropical water creates average sea temperatures from around 21°C to 28°C, with the occasional drop to around 20°C at the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. Prevailing winds blow from North to South, swinging to the South when rain approaches.
What can I expect to see?
It is the largest area of unbroken reef and has a fabulous topography! Large overhangs, gardens of hard and soft corals, and shallow caves make for interesting dives. Dives can flow unbroken from one dive site to another, thus the length of the reef makes it perfect for drift dives. The reef teems with marine life, while there are always many exciting discoveries to be made… White Tip Reef Sharks hide in the caves; various types of rays rest on the white sandy patches and turtles abound. Huge Honeycomb Moray Eels make for exciting encounters and are often seen swimming over this reef while hunting.
The numerous dive sites on 2 Mile, range from 10m to 32m in depth; offering something for everyone. Underwater visibility is normally the best South Africa has to offer, as there are no rivers entering the sea in this area – it averages from 15 – 20m, with it often even better in the summer months.
Antons
Average Depth 13m
Max Depth 16m
This gorgeous dive site is named after Anton Buchel, since he was one of the first divers to explore 2 Mile Reef in the early 1980’s. It forms the very tip of the south end of 2 Mile Reef and its high relief profile, runs perpendicular to the prevailing current, making it a favorite for large schools of fish to hang about on the northern side. You’ll find a stunning array of plate and other corals, as well as interesting critters such as Paperfish, Frogfish, Snow-capped Anemone Shrimps, Carpet Anemones and much more. Best dived with little or no current, or a ‘reverse current’ so that you can continue on the reef as the current pulls you along.
Caves & Overhangs
Average Depth 10m
Max Depth 16m
You will certainly find this dive site to be one of your all time 2 Mile favorites… The incredible profiles created by the erosion of the rocks over time, have left delightful swim-throughs and overhangs for you to explore. Look out for Starry Pufferfish and the schools of Flame Goatfish. You can also find areas rich with Table Corals, as there is a particularly abundant hard coral growth on this part of the reef.
Coral Gardens
Average Depth 10m
Max Depth 13m
As you continue to head north, you will reach another spectacular area of 2 Mile Reef. Accurately named, patches of Staghorn Coral, Plate Coral and Table Corals form an extensively raised fragile platform, filled with fish and other marine life. Numerous Nudibranchs are to be found, especially in the section called ‘Kaleidoscope Alley’. Along with schools of Snappers and anemones, you’ll see Raggie Scorpionfish, Hawksbill Turtles, White-spotted Puffers and many others.
Please Note:
You are able to pre-book the number of dives you would like, but the actual dive site and time of the dive, is only booked the evening before the dive takes place. Please attend the Dive Planning meeting at 6.30pm to see the dive sites and times available. If you are unable to attend, please call in to confirm your dive preference for the next day on: +27 35-571 0290 or +27 790 712612 **NB Proof of certification is required.
This fascinating reef system is quite a bit deeper than 2 Mile Reef , so if you are an Advanced qualified diver or higher, then this diving is for you… Deeper dive sites definitely require divers with further certifications, so why not upgrade your certification level by completing your PADI Advanced Diver or PADI Deep Diver Specialty course with us?
Keep your eyes on the look-out for Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays, Whalesharks and others! Often sighted along the way to 5 Mile Reef… Your opportunity for spotting big and exciting creatures is definitely greater, the longer your boat ride. The 5 Mile Reef system lies to the north of 2 Mile, and while it is a slightly deeper reef and therefore home to more elusive marine species, it is also a great place to explore. There are 4 main dive sites that we visit in this area.
Pothole
Max Depth 22m
The ‘Pothole’, as it is affectionately known, was the first well-known site to be dived regularly on this flattish, squarish area of reef. Often you will discover something curled up inside the 3m deep hole in the reef… maybe a moray eel, or even a Nurse Shark or White Tip on occasion. Staghorn Coral strips interspersed with long sand gullies covers the southern section. Try and spot Squat Shrimp, Pineapplefish or even a Dragon Moray on this dive. A great dive when conditions are a bit ‘surgy’.
Lettuce
Average Depth 25m
Max Depth 31m
Aptly named for the abundance of Lettuce Coral, this dive site is fantastic for spotting unique fish like the Tiger Angelfish. The site also offers an excellent opportunity to see Zambezi Sharks. Keep on the look-out for Spotted Eagle Rays swimming overhead, as well as a possible Manta Ray. If there is a strong current on the dive, consider doing a negative entry from the boat.
Big & Little Ribbon
Average Depth 16m
Max Depth 19m
Very like the similarly named Big & Little Stringer, this dive site is made up of two prominent rocky outcrops on a sandy floor. The dive starts on Little Ribbon, with its lovely Moray Eels and large shoals of fish. These often attract larger predators like Barracuda, Kingfish and Sharks. Keep an eye open for the well camouflaged octopus and colourful Emperor Angelfish.
It is not ideal to dive here in a strong current or big swells. Ribbon gets its name from the gorgeous Ribbon Eels that make their home here… but they are extremely elusive.
Please Note:
You are able to pre-book the number of dives you would like, but the actual dive site and time of the dive, is only booked the evening before the dive takes place. Please attend the Dive Planning meeting at 6.30pm to see the dive sites and times available. If you are unable to attend, please call in to confirm your dive preference for the next day on: +27 35-571 0290 or +27 790 712612 **NB Proof of certification is required.
Avg. Depth: 16-24m, Max Depth: 24m | Advanced Diver, Deep Adventure Dive, Deep Specialty, Photo Opportunity
7 Mile Reef is a simply stunning dive. Often requested, availability depends greatly on the weather conditions of the day. Since it is the most sought after reef by visitors to Sodwana Bay, it is generally planned the evening before. However, it can only get the go-ahead on the actual day.
All of the dives here are for Advanced qualified divers or higher. This reef is listed as one of the world’s top dive sites and it is truly worth doing!
Northern Wall
Max Depth 24m
Generally dived from north to south due to the prevailing current of the day, it is also possible to dive it from the Amphitheatre northwards (if there is a reverse or no current on the day). Look for the little Ribbon Eel at Northern Wall, or try spotting some of the numerous Paperfish. This site has incredible profile with the largest ‘wall’ in Sodwana Bay.
Mushroom Rocks
Max Depth 24m
Start your dive at the well known ‘Amphitheatre’ (or start at Mushroom Rocks if there is a reverse current on the day). It sometimes does happen that there is a strong enough current to dive the entire reef at one time, taking in the Northern Wall at the start and ending your dive at Mushroom Rocks, but the current would need to be very strong as it is a lovely long reef. The reef profile is fantastic and the chance to see any of the Marine Big 5 certainly a good one!
Please Note:
You are able to pre-book the number of dives you would like, but the actual dive site and time of the dive, is only booked the evening before the dive takes place. Please attend the Dive Planning meeting at 6.30pm to see the dive sites and times available. If you are unable to attend, please call in to confirm your dive preference for the next day on: +27 35-571 0290 or +27 790 712612 **NB Proof of certification is required.
Avg. Depth: 18m, Max Depth: 24m | Advanced Diver, Deep Adventure Dive, Deep Specialty, Photo Opportunity
Where is it?
This reef is the furthermost dive site accessible from Sodwana Bay. This is a great place for a multi-level dive and the huge Green Tree Coral (aka The Christmas Tree) is a well-known landmark feature here.
What can I expect to see?
Done on calm seas, the boat ride is quite a bit longer than to the other dive sites in Sodwana Bay. You may encounter Dolphins, Manta Rays and Whalesharks on your way to, or back from the dive site. It is a beautiful ride out to 9 Mile – the pristine sand dunes form as stunning backdrop to the ocean as you enjoy the sight of dolphins playing along the way. 9 Mile Reef dives require an Advanced Diver qualification or higher, due to the depth and topography. Great for swim-throughs, overhangs and caves. The crevices play home to Moray Eels and Tube Anemones – Look for hidden surprises such as Frogfish and Scorpionfish.
Breaking Waters
Max Depth 8m
‘Breaking Waters’ with its interesting caves, is the southernmost section of 9 Mile Reef. Breaking Waters is shallow and very close to the shore, hence the name. It can only be dived in very calm conditions.
Green Tree
Max Depth 22m
The ‘the Green Tree’ is one of the most iconic dive sites in Sodwana Bay… The Green Tree Coral is a spectacularly large example of this species and stands about 2,5m above the sandy bottom, surrounded by a cloud of Sea Goldies. Potato Bass and Brindle Bass frequently stop by to investigate divers, and are often also found resting under the overhangs. The ‘tree’ itself is a massive and covered in fish-life. Just to the side, there are enormous rock boulders, overhangs and swim-throughs, filled with corals and marine life – simply stunning topography!
Please Note:
You are able to pre-book the number of dives you would like, but the actual dive site and time of the dive, is only booked the evening before the dive takes place. Please attend the Dive Planning meeting at 6.30pm to see the dive sites and times available. If you are unable to attend, please call in to confirm your dive preference for the next day on: +27 35-571 0290 or +27 790 712612 **NB Proof of certification is required.