South Africa has a coastline that is 3000 kilometers long in length. There are hundreds of diving sites here.  The warm Mozambique current creates thousands of thriving species of coral, fish and water mammals.

There are many places to stay along the entire coastline and both sides of the Cape have many luxury resort hotels. Many hotels offer certification and training courses right on site.  Some also offer shark and cage diving adventures.

Many resorts also offer package-deals that offer safaris into the nearby mountains and deserts to view African wildlife. There are also many wineries in the area that offer tours and tasting of the best South African wines.

The airport in Johannasburg is served by most major airlines from most international airports in the world. South Africans are exceptionally friendly and helpful and can recommend the best ways to get to different dive sites on the coast

The best time to dive in the area is from March to April when area waters reach 30 degrees Celsius although the water temperature is not that cold at 20 degrees in the winter months.  If you want to see Great White Shark go between May and October.  You are most likely to see killer whales if you go from August to October.  February is the best time of year to watch turtles wade out of the sea onto the beach and lay their eggs.

The top dive sites in the area include –

Cape Town – See Cape Fur Seals and Broadnose Sevengill Sharks

Gansbaai – Descend in a cage and engage with Great White Sharks

The Eastern Shore – See many ancient and modern wrecks overgrown with coral

Durban and Umkomaas –Coralreefs in this area grow on fossilized limestone and the area also boasts a huge fossilized sand dune with many wrecks

Sodwana – See plate coral, long branches and clusters of  mushroom coral

Yet another distinct feature of the diving waters near the cape is the brilliant collared anemones that range in color from electric blue to neon green to bright pink to indigo. Sponges in the area tend to be a vivid pink, orange or sulphur yellow colour.

All dives in the area are drift dives so be aware that you can end up miles away from where you first started diving!

If you want a spectacular night diving experience than the Bay of Sodwana offers evening excursions that really show the neon colors of coral and exotic fish.