Explore Durban

Diving in Durban and Umhlanga Rocks offers an exhilarating experience for divers of all levels, thanks to its unique combination of marine life and dive sites. Situated on South Africa's east coast, this region is renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems, featuring colorful reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. While the region may not have liveaboard options due to ocean conditions, the variety and accessibility of dive sites make it a worthwhile destination to explore. From boat trips launched in Umhlanga, divers can encounter pelagic fish, including tuna and barracuda, against a backdrop of stunning reefs. One of the most captivating features of diving here is the annual Sardine Run, occurring between May and July. During this event, vast schools of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting a host of predators, including several species of sharks. This spectacle provides a rare and thrilling experience for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the region's waters maintain comfortable temperatures of 20–25°C/68–77°F in summer and 15–20°C/59–68°F in winter, making it a year-round diving haven. Dive centers in Durban also offer courses for all levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the underwater wonders of this vibrant area.

Places to Explore

Rocky Bay/Landers

7 Divesites 2 Centers

The Rocky Bay area is truly one of the best-kept secrets in the world of South African diving.

Umkomaas

Umkomaas is a quiet town on the tropical coastline of KwaZulu-Natal in eastern South Africa. The reason that this town is known to divers is the fantastic Aliwal Shoal that’s located a few kilometres offshore. The reef is volcanic in formation and boasts many varieties of fish and shark species. 

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Aliwal Shoal

Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized Sand Dune with interesting and unique mountain like reef structures that holds many swim throughs, gullies and crevices to explore. The reef is only accessible by boat, there is no shore entries. The surf launch is part of the adventure. Boats are 8.5m Rubber Ducks/Ribb

3,991
Logs
854
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Amphitheatre

Amphitheatre’s name says it all, divers can just observe the living color. Schools of marine life deliver the most brilliant show. Maximum depth is 27m with the top of amphitheatre at 18m.

164
Logs
142
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Canyons

Canyons is an advanced dive site with a maximum depth reaching 34m and average depth around 27m. One of the main and most spectacular features of Canyons is a large mushroom rock with a big green coral tree that seems like it was delicately placed there decorated with sea goldies.

92
Logs
67
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Castle

This site is named Castle because of its pinnacles and castle like structures with swim throughs, gullies, and overhangs to explore. Maximum depth is 25m and the top of the reef is 12m deep.

965
Logs
438
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ South Sands

South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.

1,837
Logs
760
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Landers

Landers has multiple dive locations that each form a dive of its own. You can dive Landers reef numerous times and each dive will be different from the one before. This site is best described as an underwater playground; unlimited crevices, holes, and gullies each filled with marine treasures.

717
Logs
317
Divers
30.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cathedral

Cathedral is one of the most popular and impressive dive sites to visit on Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 27m with 18m on top of Cathedral. Both big and small aquatic beauties decorate this unique reef structure.

1,797
Logs
789
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Chunnel

This is a dive site for everyone, it has three main features – a pinnacle that spirals rapidly up towards the surface, an overhang that provides a sheltered hiding place for many of the shoal’s shier residents, and the famous Chunnel Cave.

1,711
Logs
718
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pinnacles

Pinnacles forms a cluster of mountain like rock formations with many crevices, gullies, and ledges to explore. This dive site is a must for the list of sites to visit when diving Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 18m with the shallowest pinnacles at 5m .

755
Logs
477
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Butchers

Butchers is a unique reef structure made up of large boulders. This mountain like landscape is full of gullies and crevices to explore. Maximum depth is 27m with the reef top at about 19m.

60
Logs
52
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Raggies Cave

Raggies Cave is a large overhang with a swim-through and is renowned for the sand tiger sharks that congregate here during winter and spring. The maximum depth is 18m, with an average depth of 11m.

2,979
Logs
1,151
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ MV Produce, wreck

The Most recent of the ships to fall victom to the pinnacles of Aliwal Shoal is the MV Produce that sank on the 11th of August in 1974. The maximum depth 32m on the sand. This Norwegian bulk carrier had an original length of 168 meters and was carrying a full cargo of Molasses when it sunk.

750
Logs
422
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ North Sands

North Sands is a large sand patch surrounded by rock formations. Enjoy stunning displays from various Rays, Sand Sharks, and Sand Tigers during the winter months from April to October.

1,966
Logs
806
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal

This dive site has a minimum diving qualification of Advanced Open Water diver as the maximum depth is 27m and is only accessible by boat. Due to its depth, it is not suitable for beginner divers.

496
Logs
269
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Nebo Wreck, Aliwal Shoal

The SS Nebo wreck was a British steamboat which sank in 1884 and one of Aliwal Shoals many victims. It had departed from England and was en route to Durban, when it sank close to the coast it had 4500 tonnes of metal cargo that was planned for building a new railway.

207
Logs
143
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Durban

There are a mixture of dive sites found in Durban - many dives cannot be planned ahead due to the unpredictable weather, so you never know what you’ll get! There are reefs to suit all certification levels at varying depths and difficulties. Some of the most famous diving in the world is found nearby at the famous Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. 

The best Months to Dive in Durban

Diving in Durban is possible year-round; the conditions vary depending on the season. The warmest months, between November and February, have the hottest air and ocean temperatures – both in the high 20s°C/high 80s°F. There is also increased rainfall during these months, which can affect the visibility on the sites closer to shore as river runoff can muddy the waters. 

During the drier, cooler winters, the waters are usually clearer. The daily air temperatures have an average of around 21°C/70°F. The ocean temperature at this time can get down as low as 16°C/61°F, which would necessitate at least a full 7mm wetsuit, if not a drysuit. 

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Underwater World

42 Ashley Ave, Glen Ashley, Durban, 4016 Durban, ZAF

MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS

129 Galway Street, 4180 Scottburgh, ZAF

ScubaXcursion

Green Lane, 4180 Scottburgh, ZAF