Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth offers a number of beautiful reefs and breathtaking wrecks to dive in this region.
© Shutterstock-PhotoSky
Explore Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape region of South Africa has a range of coastal dive sites, from tropical coral reefs in the north to the rock-based kelp forests of the south. There are many different places you can dive in Eastern Cape as there are dive centres spread down the coastline, more concentrated in large cities like Johannesburg and East London.
There are a few wrecks which you can explore, spread up the coast. Many are known to have sunk in the area but have exact locations still unknown - maybe you’ll find the next one! Inland, there is a selection of lakes at altitude if you wish to further push your diving skill set. These dives are popular for training and technical dives, with some lakes featuring a cave or tunnel too.
The diving around South Africa’s coast is not usually suited to the inexperienced diver. The conditions can be physically challenging with large swells, cold water, strong currents and entries into surf. Weirdly enough, if you want a more beginner friendly dive, you can dive at two aquariums!
Typically the north has a tropical climate, with water temperatures ranging from 28°C in the summer to 24°C in the winter. The southern areas of the province range from 22°C to around 16°C.
Top Regions to Explore
Top Eastern Cape Dive Sites
1. Sardine Run
The Eastern Cape hosts the world-famous Sardine Run, featuring vast schools of sardines migrating north, attracting predators like dolphins, sharks, and seabirds. This phenomenon offers a thrilling, dynamic experience for advanced divers. It's predominantly a scuba diving event, showcasing a breathtaking natural spectacle.
2. Three Sisters, East London
Known for its stunning pinnacles, bright corals, and diverse marine life, Three Sisters is ideal for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts. The site is moderately challenging, offering encounters with ragged-tooth sharks and macro life, making it a popular summer dive spot.
3. Orange Walls, Port Elizabeth
Featuring a large pinnacle and colorful Spirastrella sponges, Orange Walls is perfect for scuba divers of moderate skill. The site’s vibrant swim-throughs teem with marine life, providing an exhilarating adventure. It's a unique site with significant ecological interest.
4. Chokka Spawning Grounds, Eastern Cape
The elusive chokka squid spawning event is a visual spectacle, drawing predators in unique underwater interactions. It offers a challenging dive for those seeking an offbeat adventure. Primarily for scuba divers, timing is crucial to witness this rare occurrence.
5. Aliwal Shoal (nearby KwaZulu-Natal)
While not in the Eastern Cape, its proximity makes Aliwal Shoal noteworthy. It's a marine protected area famous for wrecks and reef structures, ideal for advanced scuba divers. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s a prestigious dive site with thrilling underwater landscapes.
The best Months to Dive in Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers diverse diving conditions that can be enjoyed year-round, though some seasons are more favorable than others. Water temperatures range from 16°C in winter to around 24°C in summer, so a thicker wetsuit is recommended in the cooler months. Visibility varies, generally between 5 to 15 meters, but can be reduced by winter rains and river run-offs.
While diving is possible throughout the year, summer months often provide the best conditions, with calmer seas and warmer waters. However, the region can be affected by strong winds, particularly from the southwest, which can stir up currents and reduce visibility. Winter months bring cooler temperatures and rougher seas, making conditions less ideal for diving. Planning is key to making the most of a diving trip to the Eastern Cape.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape, with its diverse marine ecosystems, offers a rich tapestry of marine life. Divers exploring its waters can expect to encounter a variety of reef fish, including the Southern Atlantic pomfret and the Cape knifejaw, which are commonly sighted around rocky reefs year-round. These vibrant communities provide fascinating insights into the aquatic biodiversity of the region.
In addition to these resident species, seasonal visitors like ragged-tooth sharks are often seen between May and November, providing thrilling encounters for divers. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles also grace these waters, particularly during the nesting season from November to March. Rays, such as the blue stingray, are frequently spotted gliding gracefully above the sandy seabed, especially in the warmer months. Each dive in the Eastern Cape promises a chance to witness the dynamic interplay of marine life dependent on the time of year and specific dive sites.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 9
AdobeStock-Dmitry Kokh
Fur Seal
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