South Africa
Why
South Africa is a fascinating destination, a place to see nature at its best both on land
and at sea.
A country defined by thousands of kilometers of shorelines, the eastern shoreline
meets up with the Indian Ocean and its western shorelines that adjoin the Atlantic
Ocean. South Africa is considered, without a doubt, one of the leading sites for diving,
it is exciting and adventurous. This site is not for novice divers, but experienced divers
can find great interest under the water.
Every dive here promises encounters with different species of sharks, you can learn and
research the differences between them. The seas here are renowned for their rich marine
life and large sea creatures including whales, dolphins, manta rays and other batoids.
Every dive offers a unique and unforgeable experience!
In addition to the regular dive trips, each year there is a rare and unique natural phenomenon
in the waters found on South Africa's eastern shorelines- the Sardine Run. During the months
of April to July huge schools of sardines swim to the eastern shoreline. The sardines are easy
prey for all the sea dwellers here, such as dolphins, schools of tuna, sharks, seals and even
sea birds that dive into the water looking to catch their next meal.
South Africa offers one of nature's most wild experiences allowing you to swim, snorkel,
and dive next to all the huge and fascinating marine creatures. Combining a land trip in
South Africa's most wonderful nature reserves is highly recommended where you have
the opportunity to be acquainted with the simplicity of nature and spectacular animals.
When
It is possible to dive in South Africa almost all year round. Divers must have at least
an advanced diver qualification and at least 50 dives recorded in their log book.
June and July are the recommended months to see the famous Sardine Run.
For shark enthusiasts, we offer a range of tours where you can see a wide variety of sharks.
During January to March you can also see tiger sharks that swim into the Aliwal Shoal area.
How
We operate both private and guided groups diving trips that combine days of diving
and days with field trips to nature reserves to watch the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino,
buffalo and leopard). Diving take place in the Aliwal Shoal area, and include lodging
accommodation, breakfast and dives from the dive boats.
Every morning we drive to the river estuary, take the boats down to the water and set
sail for two guided dives, returning to our lodge at the end of the day.
During the Sardine Run the schedule is similar, whilst dives leave Port St. Johns
area. Here the activity is slightly different, we sail at 8 am and return to shore at 15:00
or depending on the activity and nature show the sardines perform that day! Since this
is nature at its wildest, the experienced and skilled diving team decides how dangerous
it is when all factors are taken into account: sea conditions, wind, currents, waves,
visibility and which marine creatures are under water.
It is not always possible to dive in order to see what awaits us underneath the water's
surface, sometimes it is only possible to snorkel and in some cases you can only observe
activities from the boats, since the conditions do not allow diving.
Big Five Safaris- South Africa diving packages also allow you to add a short but well
worth 3 day trip in one of South Africa's nature reserves. Each day there are guided jeep
tours inside the reserve that lasts a few hours, in order to watch the Big Five in their
natural habitat, enjoy the views and other animals.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Diving Sites in Durban
Diving tours in South Africa usually take place on the eastern shorelines at Sodwana Bay,
Prontea Banks, and Aliway Shoal.
Diving & Feeding Tiger Sharks:
This diving is considered to be one of the best in the region! Before diving, each diver receives
a detailed briefing in order to understand the sharks' behavior and how to conduct themselves
whilst underwater in order to perform the dive in a safe manner. Before the dive, bait is placed
in a closed box to attract the sharks. As they arrive, you can go enter the water and watch the
dozens of wonderful sharks in their natural habitat. Tiger sharks are considered to be shy but
at the same time curious and intelligent, and this is the reason that they are positioned high on
the top of the food chain. Among the tiger sharks, you can also see Blacktip sharks. You can
also watch the sharks from the boat.
MV Produce Wreck
A Norwegian cruise ship that sank in 1974, after colliding with a pinnacle in shallow waters.
The whole crew were rescued and now the 176 meters long giant ship, is a fantastic diving site
and home to many groupers, salmon, king fish, and the rare and endemic Harlequin Goldie fish.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers
Depth: 16-30 meters
SS Nebo Wreck
A huge cruise ship that sank in an unclear manner in 1884 during its maiden voyage
from England to Durban, carrying tons of railroad tracks. Divers only discovered it in
1960. This ship was found wrecked and upside down on the sandy bottom. Today the
ship is classed as home for numerous fish, both small and large, shrimps, nudibranch etc.
This site is superb for underwater photography.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers
Depth: 20 - 27 meters
Cathedral
A rocky reef dive that is actually a 20 meter cave, with a large stone bridge on the side.
This reef is part of a nature reserve. Among the purple fan coral you can see many species
of reef fish, snappers, mantis shrimps, small and large nudibranch such as Spanish dancers,
Morey eels and more. Another great site for underwater photographers.
Level:Suitable for experienced divers
Depth: 24 - 30 meters
Diving in Cape Town
The southern part of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet.
Cage Diving in Gansbaai
Extreme diving, done in a professional and safe manner. Gansbaai is a small fisherman's
village in the area. Before the cruise, all divers undergo a safety briefing and a biological
explanation of the sharks. The diving itself is done in the form of a reverse zoo, the divers
descend in a safety cage and the amazing sharks swim around them in their natural habitat.
Important!!
The sharks are not interested in the divers and are not able to break the safety cages.
Bait is placed in the water to attract the sharks. During the voyage, if you are lucky,
you can see the seas 'Big Five': sharks, dolphins, whales, seals and penguins.
International Time
GMT + 2
Entry Visa
On arrival you are granted a free three-month visa, for most nationalities
for more information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
On flights passing through other African countries, you will need to have
proof of a valid vaccination against hepatitis. We recommend keeping
updated with your Ministry of Health website, regarding vaccines.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
Credit cards are accepted in some places.
Cash: The local currency is the Rand. US dollars are also common.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are
accustomed to using, especially a mask, snorkel and a dive computer.
This as an intensive week and a computer is essential.
Check your diving equipment prior to your departure.
Rented scuba diving equipment must be booked in advance.
Payment for the equipment will be directly to the boat.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring the equipment you are used to diving with, especially
a snorkel mask and a dive computer. Check your diving equipment prior to your
departure. Rented scuba diving equipment may be booked in advance and paid
for on arrival. The thickness of your wetsuit should be according to the regions
you are planning to dive in and your own personal comfort. In South Africa the
water is cold, between 20-24C degrees, so it is recommended to take a full 5-7 mm
suit including a hood, booties and thick gloves.
Important items to bring along: An inflatable buoy to mark your location attached to a
roller and rope, anchor reef against strong currents and a whistle attached to your BCD.
Photography
This is definitely a place you will want to photo and document. You do not have to
be an expert photographer in order to take superb photos to capture some amazing,
unique and unforgettable moments. Diving packages are available for most kinds
of cameras, for photography above and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras
are also a popular choice. In third world countries, it is important to ask for prior
permission to take a photo and ask if it entails a price in order to avoid any
unpleasantness, especially photos of people and animals.
Clothing
You should pack according to the season you are planning to visit, whilst taking into
account that the seasons are reversed in South Africa. The peak of summer on most
countries is the peak of winter in some destinations in South Africa. Saying that,
winters are not extreme but if you are travelling in winter, ensure to pack long
clothing, a jacket or raincoat and closed walking shoes, sometimes it there are
interval rainy showers during the day so it is always a good idea to have a small
umbrella and raincoat in your bag. We recommend you wear warm clothing for
the flight, a comfortable tracksuit and socks. Towels and bedding are provided by
your accommodation, but we recommend you pack an extra towel for diving.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining specific
drugs is impossible. It is highly recommended to bring mosquito repellant with you.
Do not forget to stock up on seasickness pills - this is highly recommended for South
Africa. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged exposure to tropical
weather. If you have booked a direct flight, there is no need for any vaccinations, however
if you are arriving from other places in Africa, such as Ethiopia, you will need to have
certain vaccinations and we advise you check the exact details with your local Ministry
of Health.
Flights
After arriving to Johannesburg, you can catch a domestic flight to Durban. There are
direct flights to Durban from Istanbul and other destinations and airlines. When you
receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled exactly as in your
passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on your suitcase shows the final
destination as JNB, the flight lands in Johannesburg and from there it is usually mandatory
to collect your luggage before you proceed to your domestic flight to Durban. You must
arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. The number of bags and their weight
should comply with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
On landing in Durban, our representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to
the lodge with the dive club car which is approximately 2 hours' drive away.
Communication
Internet access is available in some locations. You can purchase a
communication package from your home country or purchase a local SIM.
Weather
Weather conditions are comfortable most of the year and the eastern coastline
has high temperatures during the summer months. The more north you travel
the hotter and humid it gets. The hot season is between November and March,
however this is also the rainy season and average temperatures range from 25c
to 35c degrees in different areas. The cold season is between April and October,
the climate becomes cold and dry, and average temperatures during these months
range from 10-25c degrees in different areas.
Sea Conditions
The sea conditions in South Africa are not suitable for all divers. Most days,
even when the sea is comfortable, there is a high swell, which creates a feeling
of discomfort, not to mention seasickness. Even those who are less likely to suffer
from seasickness will most probably need to take medication against seasickness.
The pills should be taken straight after breakfast before departing for the dives. It
is recommended to eat a light breakfast, drink hot and not dive on a full stomach.
A large meal will end up as food for the fish...
Below the water's surface you sometimes encounter strong currents or a noticeable
swell, and during some of the dives, sharks are attracted by pulling bait. Jumping
into the water and diving with sharks is fascinating and not dangerous. Follow
instructions by the team and the instructors carefully. Those suffering from seasickness
are advised to bring tablets from home to avoid suffering on short trips.
Electrical Supply
230V, we recommend to bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
There are different types of sockets and you should prepare for this in advance.
Money
The local currency is the South African Rand. We highly recommended to convert
most of the money to Rand at the airport since there are almost no other places to
exchange money during the trip. Credit cards are rarely accepted.
Tips
Tips are commonly paid on to tourist operators and also at restaurants.
Any trip that involves a few days of activities, money should be collected
from all participants and the tip should be given to the local team in an open
manner when they assemble to greet you goodbye.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chambers
Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
Is a diving vacation in South Africa recommended?
Yes! it most certainly is! South Africa is considered a great destination for shark
enthusiasts but it is also a destination recommended for everyone. Prepare yourself
for very cold waters, difficult sea conditions and bumpy voyages that are especially
suitable for people who are not sensitive to the sea.
How are dives performed?
Diving is performed in the Aliwal Shoal region. Every morning we drive to point
where the river joins the sea and take a dinghy to participate in two guided dives,
returning to the lodge at the end of the day.
During the Sardine Run the agenda is similar and we depart for the dives from
Port St Johns.
In Gansby, Cape Town you can dive in cages with great white sharks.
Is it permitted to dive without instructors?
You cannot dive without local instructors.
Is a holiday in South Africa suitable for non-divers?
If you are not a diver, South Africa is a magical destination mainly for its
superb, breathtaking nature reserves.
What are the weather conditions in South Africa?
Most of the year weather conditions are comfortable. The eastern coastal areas
are characterized by hot summer weather. The hot season is between November
and March, but it is also the rainy season and the average temperature ranges
between 25-35c degrees. The cold season is between April and October and the
climate becomes cold and dry, and the average temperature ranges between 10-25c
degrees.
What water temperature and which suit to bring?
In South Africa, the water is cold, between 20-24c degrees, so we recommended
you bring a 5-7 mm full suit including a hood, booties and thick gloves.
Is this destination suitable for novice divers? Do I need nitrox certification?
South African sea conditions are not suitable for all divers. Most days, even when the sea
is comfortable, there is a high swell, which creates a feeling of discomfort, not to mention
seasickness. Even those less likely to suffer from seasickness will look for seasickness
tablets. We recommend you bring a supply of seasickness tablets with you from home.
The tablets should be taken in the morning at breakfast before departing for the dives,
and we recommend to go for dives on a "light" stomach.
Below the water's surface you sometimes encounter strong currents or a noticeable swell.
On some dives sharks are attracted by bait. Jumping into the water and diving with sharks
is fascinating and not dangerous. You must carefully follow instructions given by the team
of instructors.
How can I maximize my trip?
It is possible and highly recommended to combine a guided safari excursion in one of
South Africa's national wildlife parks, for exciting encounters with wild animals such
as lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras and more.
Do I need special equipment?
There is no need for special equipment, it is recommended to bring a buoy to mark your
location on the water surface.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical
statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in
your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive
answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If you are over 45, a medical
certificate is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba equipment.
We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer. We would be
happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
