Durban Dive Site's

 

WRECKS

The Odd
Description: The vessel is relatively in tact with the boilers, mast, bow and stern all visible from the surface. The wreck lies parallel to the beach in Vetches’ harbour. The sea ward side is well preserved but is submerged in sand. The leeward side is broken up and is home to many juvenile butterfly and angle fish. There are resident lion fish and scorpion fish that predate on the shoals of juvenile fish on this wreck. Depth: 7m Additional Information: This wreck lies at the entrance to Vetches harbour and very close to the new North Pier of the harbour mouth. Most of the skippers that launch their boats from the mini harbour are unaware of the existence of this wreck and therefore special care needs to be taken when diving on this wreck, so as not to be run over by a boat. Always dive with a buoy and do not surface if you hear a ski boat approaching.

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The Ovington Court

Description: This ship was wrecked on the 25th of November 1940. The ship was awaiting a berth in the harbour when a sever storm caused the anchors to drag and the ship ran ashore. The wreck can be reached by boat or by shore when the boilers make themselves visible on the low tide.

Additional Information: The wreck was blown up as it was deemed unsightly to by the beach goers of Durban back in 1940. All that remains of the wreck are the boilers. This wreck sits at the backline and is un-dive able when a big swell is running.

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The Coopers Light Wreck – Depth: 25 to 30m
Description: Coopers, sitting off the bluff at 29 meters, is Durban’s most interesting wreck in the recreational divers range. There has been much speculation over the years as to her true name and the reason she languishes on the seabed. At a length of 77 meters she is not a small vessel and it is strange there are no records of her sinking. Her origins are British and it is likely that she was scuttled after one of the world wars as ships that were commandeered by the navy were often not returned to their pre-war owners. Shell holes in one of her boilers indicate that she didn’t go down quietly. Today she plays matron to a myriad of fish species and although not a easy dive due to the prevailing currents she offers a exiting dive to both fish lovers and historical buffs. This wreck is a photographers dream – the prop, the rudder and the bow present endless wide angle opportunities. In way of fish life – the Harlequin Goldie – a species of goldie that is endemic to KZN steels the show here. Juvenile angel and butterfly fish, scorpion fish, paper fish, lion fish, eels and coral banded shrimps are all here in abundance.

Additional Information: The size of this wreck makes it possible to view the entire wreck in one dive. However air and decompression are your limitations, and should be closely monitored on this dive. The wreck is dived by way of a shot line. The skipper will hook onto the wreck by way of anchor that is attached by line to a buoy (shot line). Divers will descend on the line onto the wreck. At this point you have two options in way of a dive plan. One option is to return back to the shot line at 125bar. Care must be taken to assess the current and visibility, as you don’t want to run out of air before making it back to the shot line. The other option is for the DM to send up a deploy buoy for the members of the group to ascend on. The benefit of using an deploy bouy is that you can ascend from anywhere on the wreck when you reach 50bar. Running out of air, and going into decompression are the major risks to consider on this dive.

 

Fontao – Depth: 15m to 27m
Description: One of three artificial reefs sunk by the Oceanic Research Institute (ORI) on the 8th of August 1991. The Fontao is a disused prawn trawler that is 34.5m long, 8m wide and 13.5m high.

Additional Information: The wreck is situated off Umhlanga rocks and sits upright on a sandy bottom. The ship is mostly intact, except for the wheelhouse, which has broken off and now lies on the sand. It is possible to penetrate this wreck however these penetrations are characteristically very restricted. The wreck swarms with bait fish which can restrict visibility on the wreck. The aspect of penetration, as well as the restricted visibility due to the vast amount of bait fish, should be considered when diving this wreck. This wreck is dived with a shot line. Diving this wreck as a group can be difficult – the penetration aspect and bait fish characteristics of this wreck, make it important to stick to the buddy pair system. Make sure between you and your buddy, that there is deploy buoy in order to ensure that you ascend on a buoy line in the even of you not being able to ascend with the group. DM should note the number of divers on board and divers should note the name of the boat they are on as this wreck can get busy.

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T Barge – Depth: 25m
Description: One of three artificial Reefs sunk by the Oceanic Research Institute (ORI) on 19th December 1990. The barge is 30m x 20m x 3m comprising of 48 compartments of 3m x 3m x 3m. The barge itself is made of concrete and there is a gantry like superstructure of steel located at the T junction. Situated off Virgina this wreck is home to bait fish, bat fish, lion fish and pine apple fish.

Additional Information: This is a popular fishing spot. Whereas the alpha flag displayed by the dive boat dictates that all fishing activities cease whilst the dive is being conducted, it is best to carry a knife in order to assist yourself or buddy in the event of entanglement. Carry a deploy buoy with you and make sure you dive with your buddi – this is not a drift dive and so it becomes difficult to follow a DM on this dive. It is quite safe to explore this wreck in buddi pairs but just ensure that you have a buoy line to ascend on – whether it be your own deploy buoy or that of the DM. This is a popular fishing spot. Whereas the alpha flag displayed by the dive boat dictates that all fishing activities cease whilst the dive is being conducted, it is best to carry a knife in order to assist yourself or buddy in the event of entanglement. Batfish, pineapple fish ,turtles puffer fish and lion fish are some of the interesting fish that are found on this wreck. Of late there have been sightings of brindle bass on this wreck.

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The Kate – Depth: 63m
Description: The Kate was only recently discovered by the diving fraternity as her depth at 63 meters kept her beyond most divers’ limits. Starting life as a dredger along our natal coastline she was converted into a freighter in the employ of CG Smith and used on the Durban/Mauritius run for several years. Her end came in the 1920’s when she was towed to her current location and unceremoniously scuttled. Today, although still intact she has lost all her woodwork and has reverted back to her dredging days looks.

Additional Information: Technical dive for re breather and Trimix divers only

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The Kaidie – Depth: 63m
Description: The wreck called the Kaidie lies very close to the Kate in the same depth of water. Whether this is her real name is under doubt. There are recorded reports of a wreck by this name being depth-charged by the navy in the early 40s as it was interfering with the Royal Navy’s submarine asdic. This vessel has definitely been subjected to depth-charging as she is in several pieces and the evidence of explosions is obvious. She has only been visited twice by divers and it is hoped that in the future a more detailed history will emerge.

Additional Information: Technical dive for re breather and Trimix divers only

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The Reefs:

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The Reefs off Durban are categorised as rocky reef because they have been not been formed by coral growth, but rather by the erosion of sandstone. There are three areas of reef that are dived:

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Vetchie’s Pier – Depth: 1m to 6m
Description: This is the unofficial “house reef” of Durban Undersea Club! The reef is man made pier that was constructed in 1860 and named after Captain James Vetch. The reef is made up of rubble and curves in southerly direction toward the North Pier of the harbour. The Pier is approximately 500 long and 50m wide and is a comfortable shore entry dive. “The Block” is the highest point and marks the end of the reef. Vetchie,s is home to a huge variety of fish and invertebrates, including a number of species of hard corals, huge numbers of juvenile fish from numerous species of wrasse, butterfly, angel, damsel an and surgeon fish. Vetchie’s has one of the highest concentrations and varieties of Morey eels than any reef off Durban – which can be a bit un- nerving for first timers to the reef. Potentially more dangerous are the numerous scorpion fish that stay put even when one is about to touch them inadvertently.

Additional Information: The outside of the reef has got the biggest concentration of fish but is open to breaking waves on the low tide. The best time to dive the reef is on the high tide, as it allows one to cross over the top side of the reef. The curvature of the reef makes an entry on the outside and an exit on the inside the best profile for a dive on this reef. Best conditions on Vetchies are during and after a strong South Westerly wind. The South Wester pushes clean water into the Vetchies Harbour and makes for top to bottom conditions on the reef. The inside of the reef makes a spectacular snorkel dive for the less adventurous, particularly on calm days at spring low tide. The reef shelters the inside which means the visibility is often very good. In spring and early summer, the rubble of the inside of Vetchies serves as a nursery ground for hordes of fishes. If you are snorkelling, make sure you are fit and that you are not diving with a fin with a stiff blade. Swimming on the surface for long distances can result in cramp. If you are doing a scuba dive, make sure you return back to shore upon reaching half your SPG pressure so as not run out of air –it is no fun having to swim back to shore on the surface in full scuba kit. Always carry a snorkel when diving this reef.

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Limestone Reef – Depth: 3m on the top to 7m on the bottom
Description: This reef runs parallel to the shore. The reef is transected by the very end of Vetches’ Pier and extends in a North easterly direction. As with most of the reefs off Durban, this is a ledge dive. The top of reef is flat and sits at 3m below the surface. At its mid section the ledge is at about 3m. There are a few holes and crevices that require close inspection – there are often Coral Banded Shrimps, Lion fish, juvenile angel and butterfly fish. In the summer months after the Umgeni has flooded, an observant diver can find golf balls which have been hit into the river from Windsor golf Course.

Additional Information: Limestone can be dived by way of shore entry. Enter on the outside of Vetchie’s until you reach a pole approximately 3m long. Swim across the sand and you will reach Limestone. Always dive this reef with a marker buoy! Limestone is one of the reefs fisherman visit to catch live bait. If you are snorkelling, make sure you are fit and that you are not diving with a fin with a stiff blade. Swimming on the surface for long distances can result in cramp. If you are doing a scuba dive, make sure you return back to shore upon reaching half your SPG pressure so as not run out of air –it is no fun having to swim back to shore on the surface in full scuba kit. Always carry a snorkel when scuba diving on this reef.

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Harlequin Reef – Depth: 30m to 35m
Description: So named because of the Harlequin Goldie that inhabits this reef. The reef could actually be a wreck – potentially an old concrete barge. The reef looks like a bread loaf sitting on the sand. There is a large anchor and chain. This dive can only be attempted in perfect conditions – good visibility and no current are prerequisites. It is one of the few dive sites in the world where you can see the Harlequin Goldie.

Additional Information: A deep dive that should only be attempted by the experienced, trained and adventurous diver. H valves on cylinder, advanced Nitrox qualification and bailout cylinders (focus on redundancy) are recommended qualifications and equipment needed for this dive.
The Harlequin Goldie (Pseudanthias connneli) is endemic to the coast of KZN. This uncommon goldie was thought to only inhabit wrecks off KZN. The fish has however been encountered on reef off the Bluff (Harlequin Reef), NO.1 and a few isolated reefs in Phumula / Rocky Bay area of KZN south Coast.

 

NO.1 AREA

This area of reef derives its name from fisherman who consider this the No.1 fishing spot of Durban. No.1 is situated approximately 5km out to sea. Whereas this reef is extensive, most of the diving takes place to the South of the Bell Buoy that demarcates the shipping lane/entrance to the harbour.

This is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding dive sites on the KZN coast. The depth, the variation in visibility, strong currents and proximity to the shipping lanes make this dive is an advanced, if not technical dive.

Nitrox is highly recommended, along with a deploy buoy. Safety stops at 10m should be conducted in order to assist with decompression and as a preventative measure against in and out going ships. (it is not uncommon to have ships travelling to within 100m of the buoy line!)

In terms of diving conditions, this is the most consistent and most dramatic dive site off Durban with 10m drop offs, immense caves and variety of reef and pelagic fish, corals and marine artefacts.

What can you expect to see: Manta’s, eagle ray’s , electric rays, butterfly rays, sword fish, marlin, king fish, baardman , daga salmon, frog fish, paper fish, tiger angel fish (discovered and named after Dennis King who is a member of the club), zambezi sharks , black Tip , copper sharks , guitar fish , whip gobies , fire gobies, lizard fish are just some of the fish you are bound to encounter on No.1 on any dive.

Black Coral trees – some over 2m tall, whip corals, fan corals, tiger anemones and strawberry anemones colonise the reef and host invertebrates and small fish.

In terms of Marine artefacts, huge ships anchors and chains, rudders and ammunition lie scattered on the reef.

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Artillery Reef – Depth: 25 to 30m
Description: Artillery shells from the dump are sporadically encountered here… look on the sand and inside the cracks and crevices. This is one of the areas of no.1 where you can swim in any direction and lock into some interesting reef.

Additional Information: The ammunition that is found in this area is from the Ammunition dump that is off the Bluff. If you find a shell it is advisable to let it be as most the ammunition that has been dumped is unexploded!

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Raggies – Depth: 22m on the top of the ledge and 30m on the sand
Description: This is large ledge that has been under cut to form two large caves. The caves are often inhabited by Ragged Tooth sharks as they migrate up and down the eastern coastline of SA. There is a anchor chain that runs parallel to the entire ledge.

Additional Information: frog fish, tiger angel fish, lizard fish and whip gobies along with the ragged Tooth sharks s is why you want to dive this reef.

 

Nev’s Ledge – Depth: 20m to 30m
Description: The ledge begins with a 8m drop off and opens up into a mini amphitheatre. The mini amphitheatre has an old Dan forth anchor and a rudder. There is a number of caves and swim through’s along the ledge.

Additional Information: raggie scorpion fish, pipe fish, razor fish and flap nose hound sharks along with incredible topography of this reef are the reason you want to do this dive.

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Eskom – Depth: 20 to 27m
Description: a shallow reef that is dominated by a large pinnacle that stands to attention on a relatively flat reef. There are coils and coils of cable that are scattered all over the reef which inspired the name Eskom. Additional Information: Swim in any direction on this reef and you will be rewarded with an interesting section.

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Bat Reef – Depth: 22m on the top and 27m on the sand
Description: This reef is a pinnacle that extends like a large finger from 27m. Wrapped around the pinnacle is an anchor chain with the anchor out on the sand. The pinnacle is surrounded by gullies and caves that host a large variety of butterfly, wrasse, goldies, angelfish and clown trigger fish. There is also a large population of bat fish here –hence the name sake. Lookout for whip gobies, long nose hawk fish and crabs in the Black Coral trees.

Additional Information: Best dived in calm conditions – whereas a drift dive on No.1 is always exciting, a strong current will not allow you to get where you want to be

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Dave’s Cave – Depth: 27m on the sand
Description: An isolated reef that juts out of the sand. The isolated nature of this reef makes for intense concentration of pelagic and tropical fish. This is one of the southern most sections of reef dived on No.1. There is an isolated cave that is home to daga salmon and baardman which sift through the sand in search of invertebrates.

Additional Information: Not an easy dive in a strong current due to the isolate nature of the reef. This reef is very popular with the fisherman due to the daga and baardman that are found here. Look on the sand for rays and paper fish.

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BLOOD REEF

This area of reef derives its name from the large amount of blood and offal that clouded the water during the days of the whaling off Durban. The reefs lie close to shore on the Bluff in relatively shallow water. The dive sites are in areas of the reef structure where the sandstone bedrock has been eroded in order to form ledges and caves.
What is there to see:
The reef boasts a variety of corals and fish life with some of the more interesting finds being the leafy scorpion fish, the pine apple fish, banded pipefish, and frog fish. Under the ledges one often finds the flap nose hound shark, moray’s and turtles. From July through to the September, divers can encounter Ragged Tooth Sharks as they follow their annual migration through to the warmer northern reefs of Sodwana and its surrounds.

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Birthday Ledges – Depth: 14m to 18m
Description: A sandstone ledge that faces out to sea. It is approximately 14m on the top of the ledge and 18m at its deepest. The Bday Ledges is situated off “the fence” off the Bluff. The dive starts with a cave. Swimming north, with the ledge on the divers left shoulder; divers will encounter gullies and little holes. This is the premier dive spot on the Bluff and was discovered by one of the local divers on his birthday in 2002 –hence the name sake! Frog fish, paper fish, raggie scorpion fish, broad barred lionfish, moorish idols, turtles, pipe fish, emperor angel fish, semi circle angel fish, potato bass, pineapple fish. The top of the reef is covered by red thistle coral and there are various hard corals and tube worms.

Additional Information: Take your time on this reef! The more time you spend on the reef the more you will see.

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Big Cave – Depth:15m to 18m
Description: A ledge that runs perpendicular to the shore in 18m of water of the Water Tower on the Bluff. There are two caves in the area – one is large with an opening at in the roof is the one that is of interest as it is home to Raggies as they migrate up and down the coast. There are gullies and holes that are home to Flap nose hound sharks, frog fish, paper fish, moray eels, cleaner shrimp, razor fish and pipefish.

Additional Information: Interesting section of reef that can be reached by swimming from Bday ledges. If you see stripped grunter, be sure to look under the ledges in the area as there is sure to be a hound shark resting there.

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Coral Gardens – Depth: 15m to 18m
Description: This reef was discovered by one of the pioneers of diving off Durban – Rikki Schick, this area has the biggest variety of corals, both hard and soft and sponges on the Bluff. The reef does not have dramatic topography – but the whip corals, coral trees, vase sponges, hard corals and thistle corals are the highlight of this reef. Weedy scorpion fish, razor fish, paper fish and the flap nose hound shark are some of the interesting finds on this reef.

Additional Information: Get your buoyancy right, get a powerful torch and get ready to scratch around!

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Caves – Depth: 13 to 10 m
Description: One of the oldest dive spots on the Bluff. The Caves is situated off the two pillars of the old Bluff whaling station. The cave entrance opens up into a large vault. The vault then opens up into a tunnel which opens up into another smaller vault. The tunnel has been roped by the DuC divers which has no light penetrating the roof. There are eel cat fish, sweepers, cray fish, Natal Sea Catfish and the odd lion fish and turtle that in habit the cave.

Additional Information: This dive is not for ever diver… If you have wanted to do cave diving, the Caves will give you an idea if you are claustrophobic or not. It is not advisable to dive this reef if there is a large swell running as the surge in the caves can find divers getting knocked about in the cave. Get your buoyancy right, have a powerful torch and take recognise of the fact that there is a roof stopping you from doing an emergency ascent. Divers can exit the system at the end of the tunnel where there are two exits. One is an easy exit through the hole the roof, the other requires a bit of a crawl and shouldn’t be attempted unless trained in diving in overhead environments. The dive master will generally tie a marker buoy up at the entrance to the cave and retrieve it at the end of the dive. Be sure to take your deploy buoy as should you exit at the other end of the system, in case you are unable to navigate back to the marker buoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Umkomaas

Aliwal Shoal

In 1849, a 3 mast vessel called the ‘Aliwal’ almost collided with the shoal, giving the shoal its now famous name. The ‘Aliwal’ was under the command of

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Captain James Anderson, and he wrote a report of his experience;

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“ From the great interest you appear to take in this place and the coast in general, I think you would like to know that about 30 miles to the southwest from Natal, and distant from the land about two miles, I observed a very large and dangerous rock, or shoal, with heavy breakers. 
“I do not find this rock placed upon any chart or alluded to in any directory. I hope therefore, you will speak to the captains of coasting vessels, and inform them of it when opportunity offers.”

Captain James Anderson, In the 'Natal Witness', 14 Jan 1850  

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Diving at Aliwal Shoal is an exciting experience. Rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, it has a great reputation to live up to. Aliwal Shoal should not be confused with resort diving, as conditions are demanding - sometimes bumpy launches, swells and currents. This adds to the sense of adventure. The shoal lies 3 - 5 kms out to sea, so all divers are transported to the shoal on boats.

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Umkomaas is the sleepy sea side / riverside town which serves as the gateway to the Aliwal Shoal. The Zulu name is Umkomanzi, which was given by King Shaka Zulu himself in 1928 on one of his royal processions with his ‘Impi’ (warriors). During a hunting sojourn, he saw a number of cow whales and calves which were basking in the shallows a short distance out to sea from the river mouth. The name Umkomanzi, literally translated means ‘The watering place of the whales’.

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Umkomaas is the sea side town which provides the launch site for the shoal under the Umkomaas bridge on the river (Mkomanzi) mouth. Lying 3 – 5 kms off shore, Aliwal Shoal is on the inner edge of the Mozambiquan current, and the warm waters often provide for excellent visibility.

The Shoal runs in a north to south direction and is a little less than 5 kilometers long. It is home to a large variety of fish, coral, and mammalian life forms. The reefs location is on the inner edge of the warm Mozambique current which allows for often excellent visibility.

Annually the Ragged Tooth shark migrates to the shoal for its "resting season" and congregate at a well know area on the reef fondly known by all locals as "Raggies Cave". This migratory visit lasts from early July to late September during which divers can experience these awesome and scary looking creatures in their home environment. Apart from the excitement of "Raggie Season" the shoal has a resident population of Turtles, Rays, Manta's, Butterfly fish, and Angel fish. Also seen on many days on and around the shoal are schools of Dolphin. An encounter with these beautiful creatures is surely, for a scuba diver at least, like an encounter with an angel.

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Raggie Cave:

This is the area most often occupied by the ragged tooth shark during the shark season. The actual cave is not very large, but is part of a long overhang which forms the outer rim of what is sometimes called the "amphitheatre". This area is characterised by many boulder-like rock outcrops and has a large sandy patch on the bottom, which provides and ideal place for instructors to do their skills with their students. The maximum depth in this area is 18 meters and hence also within the diving range of most open water divers. Due to the protective haven that the "amphitheatre" provides, it is home to many local fish species, and is a welcome place to spend some time when the current on the shoal is a little harsh.

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Shark Alley:

This section of Aliwal Shoal, leads from the outer edge of the shoal at a depth of 24 meters up to the opening to "Raggies Cave" which is at 18 meters. Due to the huge depth change there is a very nice steep rock face to dive which forms the walls of the gully known as "Shark Alley". The bottom is mostly sandy with a few rocky formations jutting out here and there. There are a number of caves going into the rock face and are home to a number of resident Potato Bass. There is also an amazing sea fern to be seen hanging off the face of the southern wall.

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Cathedral:

A second home to the ragged tooth sharks, and now available for viewing on the NET via the SHARK CAM, during the raggie season, "Cathedral" is an advance dive. Called such because of the grande entrance from the outer edge to this round cavern which sits on the ocean bed at 26 meters and rises up to a pothole opening at 18 meters, this is one of the most popular dive sites on the shoal. "Cathedral" is also home to many resident rays which use the sandy bed as a sleeping place when the divers are not sneaking in to see if the Frog Fish is home.

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South Sands:

Also very popular with instructors because of the shallow depth of only 16-17 meters, "South Sands" is home to many Guitarfish, rays, and sandsharks. It has a ledge which runs the length of it and is home to many small fish and crustaceans. A great place to start when the current is a little strong and a drift dive is the order of the day. Futher south of this area is a fantastic spot called "Eelskins", but is not often dived owing to the turn-around time of the dives. It is a long way from shore and is the furtherest southern section on the Aliwal Shoal that is dived.

 

Pinnacles:

This section is a long "spine" of mountain-like rock formations that provide a haven for thousands of species of fish and is an amazing place to dive when you want to do a long, slow dive. The depth here averages between 5 meters and 18 meters, depending where you are on the ridges. There are some incredible deep potholes with caves that hide at the base of them. This provides a home for many rays and turtles. On the one side the "Pinnacles" slope down toward the "Raggie Cave" and "Manta Point" area and on the shore-side they gently slope down to the "North Sands" area. The sea-facing ledges are a lot steeper than the ones which tapes gently off to the "North Sands" basin.

The pinnacles where the reason that the "Produce Wreck" is now available for divers to explore just off the north point of the Aliwal Shoal. There are a few metal shards still lying on the reef believed to have come from the "Produce".

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Umkomaas Shipwrecks:

 

The NEBO Wreck - Maximum Depth: 26m

The NEBO, a 2000 ton steamship sank on the 24 May 1884, on her maiden voyage, just north of the Aliwal Shoal. She was carrying of a cargo of railway material which is now the home to numerous fish. No lives were lost.

The NEBO wreck is best dived in the winter months when there is less rain.

The PRODUCE Wreck - Maximum Depth: 30m

The PRODUCE, a Norwegian bulk carrier struck Aliwal Shoal on the 11th August 1974 and sank. There were no fatalities. The rusted framework now provides an established residence for a variety of fish species and very good diving. The elusive Brindle Bass is a great attraction and an awesome sight underwater.

The PRODUCE wreck is best dived in the winter months when there is less rain.

PLEASE NOTE: All wrecks are reserved for ADVANCED divers only.

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Sodwana Bay - Reefs

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Northern 2 Mile

Wayne’s World – A slightly deeper dive on 2 Mile at 16m.   It is relatively flat in comparison to the other sites on this section of the reef. A large variety of soft coral can be found on this reef.

 

Pinnacles –

Just south of the actual pinnacles lies a sand patch with a fixed buoy line at 12m of depth.  There is a small cave on the western side of the sand patch that sometimes houses White Tip Reef Sharks. Up to three have been seen in the cave together.

 

4 Buoy –

Large gullies are found from Pinnacles leading to 4 Buoy were they open up into a sand patch.  All around this sand patch you will find groups of fish hiding under overhangs and in swim-throughs.  Honeycomb Morey Eels are commonly found around the 4 Buoy area where they find security in the many small caves.

 

Cat Reef –

This reef is similar to that of Wayne’s World but is slightly deeper at 18m.  Game fish are commonly seen coming through from the seaward side. The diversity of hard and soft corals provide shelter for small fish like Chocolate Dips, Goldie’s and Juvenile Butterfly fish to name just a few.

 

Central 2 Mile

 

Coral Gardens –

Coral Gardens is known for the variety of hard and soft coral that carpets the reef.  It is rather flat with a maximum depth of 12m.  Brightly coloured nudibranchs are plentiful and sighted rather easily by observant divers.

Arches –

This site consists of sand patches with boulders that form arches in a variety of shapes and sizes.  One arch in particular is large and quite spectacular. The maximum depth on this dive is 13m on the sand.

Deep Sponge –

Deep Sponge lies parallel with 2 Mile but 500m further out to sea.  The depth ranges from 20m - 35m.   A lovely deep dive, offering diver’s massive vase shaped sponges and interesting marine life.  Game fish are common over and around this area.  A good option when a strong surge is present on 2 Mile, however it only open to more advanced divers.

 

Southern 2 Mile

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Caves & Overhangs –

Caves and Overhangs offers incredible coral formations consisting mostly of Plate and Stag Horn Corals, which together with the rocky substrate form numerous small caves.  The fish life is abundant making this site a very colourful dive.

Chains –

This reef attributes its name to a ships anchor chain that lies across it.   This chain has become part of the reef and is now difficult to spot.  This reef has a vast number of Carpet Anemones as well as the elusive Razor Wrasse around its edges.

Zambi Alley –

Zambi Alley is a sand channel that separates Anton's from Chain. This channel owes its name to spear fishermen who observed Zambezi sharks there in the past.  It has a maximum depth of 16m.

Anton's –

This is a very well built up reef that is popular with divers.  There is a larger amount of coral life on the out-to-sea side. This is where you will find great numbers of schooling fish and bait balls of many species. Turtles are commonly seen around the whole southern region of 2 Mile. The maximum depth is that of 16m.

 

5 Mile

This reef lies at a depth of 18m – 22m.  If it is coral life that you want to see then 5 Mile is for you.  This reef has the most diverse coral communities at Sodwana making it the most fragile dived site.  The extensive beds of Stag Horn, Mushroom and Plate corals are staggering as are the tiny colourful creatures living in them. Leopard sharks, White Tipped and Black Tipped Reef sharks are occasionally seen.  The flat bed of coral is dotted with a few craters and potholes.  One pothole in particular contains a variety of interesting marine life.

 

Ribbon

A very interesting dive offering great opportunities for photographers.

 

7 Mile

This is the most popular of the further reefs and lies at 24m at the bottom and 15m on the top.  Most dives will be lead at a depth no deeper than 20m to ensure a longer bottom time.  What makes this reef so popular is its ability to produce the biggest variety of fish species including Black Tipped Reef sharks, schools of pelagic fish, huge Moray eels and plenty of turtles.  With the amount of fish species, spectacular drop offs and coral formations, abundant soft coral life and the chance to sight some incredibly large fish make 7 Mile reef listed on the worlds top dive sites.

 

Ramsey

This pristine reef is named after Dr. Ramsey who conducted research regarding coral growth on the Maputuland reef complex. Diving on this reef has only recently been re-opened and not many people know of its whereabouts. It sits at a depth of 20m, relatively close to the shoreline. Large rays, Devil-fire fish, an array of Nudibranchs, spectacular coral formations and Morey Eels make this a fantastic dive when the conditions are good. Another reef that offers great photographic opportunities.

 

9 Mile

From the drop off there is a gradual slope to “Breaking Waters” which is at a depth of around 6m.

 

Hotspot

Here the flat reef at 25m drops off shear to 30m, making a spectacular ledge to dive on.  The diver’s chance of seeing big game fish is increased as these fish prefer to patrol along a ledge such as this in search of prey.  Not a well-known dive site but popular among anglers who know the sights well.

 

Marine Life

Seasonal Sightings -

Whale Sharks (Nov to April), Ragged-Tooth Sharks (Dec to Mar), Humpbacks & Southern Right Whales (May to Nov), Turtles – Nesting: (Oct to Mar at Night), Hatching: (Dec to Apr at Night)

Common Sightings -

Honeycomb and Guinea fowl Moray Eels, Many Species of Butterfly Fish, Blue spotted ribbon tail Rays Trigger Fish, Anemone Fish, Dolphins, Ghost Pipe Fish, Chocolate Dips, Goldies, Juvenile Butterfly Fish, Nudibranchs, Devil-Fire Fish

Not so Common Sightings -

Frog Fish, Paper Fish, Manta Ray (In Summer Months – Sep to Apr), White Tip and Black Tip Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Barracuda, King Fish.

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