Explore KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal province is the most north-easterly province of South Africa and enjoys warm, tropical temperatures - both in and out of the water. The region’s biggest city is Durban and it boasts several towns which are renowned for their diving - these include Sodwana Bay and Umkomaas.

The marine biodiversity here is some of the highest in the world with over 1,200 species of fish found in these waters. The region has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

The ocean life here has huge variety - from tiny macro species to migrating humpback whales and whale sharks, there is something for everyone. Critically endangered species like loggerhead and leatherback turtles are frequent visitors and manta rays are not uncommonly found.

One of the most famous marine phenomenons in the world is the African Sardine Run. The annual migration of millions of fish up the eastern African coast draws in huge numbers of predators who whip the fish into tight bait balls. This is a bucket list dive for most divers and hanging in the blue watching the feeding frenzy is unforgettable.

The most popular areas for diving are Aliwal Shoal, Durban, Umkomaas and Sodwana Bay. Within these locations, you can find any dive you desire. There are large pelagic encounters to enjoy as well as drift dives, muck dives and wreck dives.

Places to Explore

Durban/Umhlanga Rocks

19 Divesites 3 Centers

Diving in Durban is packed with variety, meaning it suits both beginner and more advanced divers.

Sodwana Bay

2 Divesites

Sodwana Bay is located in the KwaZulu Natal region on the northeast coast of South Africa. Sodwana Bay refers to the surrounding National Park as well as the bay itself. It is renowned as one of the best dive sites in the world with over 35,000 divers visiting every year.

Protea Banks

1 Divesite

Protea Banks, in the KwaZulu-Natal Region of South Africa, is found 7.5km out from Shelly Beach. Lying at a depth between 27 and 40m, and with sometimes extremely strong currents, none of the dives here are suited to inexperienced divers. In fact, many dive centres here will only take divers with an advanced certification and at least 20 dives. There are several dive resorts and centres here but no liveaboards as the sea can be tumultuous. You cannot do a diving course on the site itself.

Aliwal Shoal

Aliwal Shoal lies off the coast of the town of Umkomaas which lies within KwaZulu-Natal province. The reef itself lies around 4km off the coast and is around 1.5km wide by 5km long. The shoal was once, long ago, a sand dune that has since fossilised. The uneven structure is scattered with gullies, overhangs and swim throughs, which now supports an abundance of species.

Upcoming Events

Professional Level Programs / Courses

SeaXplore Dive Center

مدرب المياه المفتوحة (دورة تدريب المدربين ITC)

17 Nov 2025 + 1 more

ابدأ اليوم - يجب أن تكون Divemaster أو ما يعادله للانضمام إلى نهج تدريب المدربين المكون من 3 خطوات من SSI. تبدأ عملية التدريب بالانضمام إلى مجموعة دورة تدريب المدرب المساعد / المدرب المصحوبة بالتعلم الرقمي. بعد إكمال دورة تدريب المدرب (ITC) بنجاح، ستسجل في تقييم المدرب (IE) للتأهل كمدرب مياه مفتوحة من SSI. يمنحك برنامج التدريب هذا الذي مدته 10 أيام الحق في تدريس برامج SSI الرئيسية المختلفة بشكل مستقل مثل غواص السكوبا وغواص المياه المفتوحة وغاز النيتروكس المخصب وإنقاذ الغواصين ودليل الغوص. بالنسبة لأولئك الذين يرغبون في قضاء المزيد من الوقت في التعلم واكتساب خبرة تدريسية قيمة بين برامج التدريب، يمكن أيضًا اتخاذ الأجزاء الثلاثة كخطوات فردية - مساعد المدرب ودورة تدريب المدرب (ITC) وتقييم المدرب (IE) واحدة تلو الأخرى بالسرعة التي تناسبك وبجدول زمني مرن.