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

Courses and Events

Divemaster

Why Doing Your Dive Master with ScubaXcursion Will Make You the Best Dive Master PossibleBecoming a Dive Master is more than earning a title — it’s about mastering the skills, confidence, and leadership to guide others safely and inspire their love of the underwater world. With ScubaXcursion, your Dive Master journey is built on world-class dive sites, expert instructors, and real-world ocean experience.Based at the beachfront Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel and diving the legendary Aliwal Shoal, ScubaXcursion gives you the tools, mentorship, and environment to become a confident, skilled, and sought-after Dive Master.1️⃣ Real Ocean Experience in a Premier Dive PlaygroundAliwal Shoal isn’t just beautiful — it’s diverse, challenging, and dynamic:Reef pinnacles, drop-offs, and swim-throughs for advanced navigationDaily encounters with ragged-tooth sharks, turtles, rays, and pelagic speciesSeasonal opportunities to lead dives during the Sardine Run and shark migrationsTraining here ensures you gain real leadership experience in a wide variety of dive conditions, preparing you for any environment worldwide.2️⃣ Mentorship from Experienced, Safety-Focused InstructorsScubaXcursion instructors are passionate professionals who focus on:Developing your safety awareness and decision-making skillsTeaching effective diver supervision and group managementSharing local knowledge about currents, reefs, and marine lifeProviding hands-on guidance in both training dives and real-world situationsSmall group mentorship ensures you receive the attention and feedback necessary to excel.3️⃣ Comprehensive Training Across All Key Dive Master SkillsThe Dive Master program covers:Advanced dive planning and managementRescue skills and emergency responseLeading certified divers and assisting instructorsEnvironmental awareness and marine stewardshipSpecialty skills like deep, drift, and night divingWith ScubaXcursion, you practice these skills in a real-world ocean environment — not just a classroom.4️⃣ Launches from Beachfront ComfortLearning to manage dives and supervise groups requires seamless logistics. With ScubaXcursion:Launch straight from the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark HotelAccess multiple Aliwal Shoal sites dailyFocus on training rather than travel stressEverything you need is right where you need it. 5️⃣ Become a Dive Master Who Inspires ConfidenceGraduates from ScubaXcursion leave with more than a certification:✔ Strong leadership and supervision skills ✔ Exceptional dive knowledge in real conditions ✔ Confidence guiding divers of all levels ✔ Experience in one of the world’s top reefs and unique marine eventsBy training in this professional, ocean-focused environment, you’ll emerge as a Dive Master capable of leading dives anywhere in the world — confident, competent, and respected.

30 March +193 More
€557.69
ZAR 11,000.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

Aliwal Shoal – The Ultimate Destination for Your Advanced Open Water Diver CourseIf you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, there’s no better classroom than Aliwal Shoal. Located off South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, this world-renowned reef system offers the perfect combination of adventure, skill development, and unforgettable marine encounters — making it an exceptional place to complete your Advanced Open Water Diver Course. Why Aliwal Shoal is Perfect for Advanced Training Depth & Topography for Real ProgressionAdvanced training requires varied depth profiles, navigation challenges, and diverse underwater environments — and Aliwal Shoal delivers it all.Dramatic reef pinnacles and drop-offsSand channels ideal for navigation exercisesWreck dives such as the MV ProduceDepth ranges perfect for deep dive trainingInstead of practising skills in a simple reef setting, you’ll apply them in dynamic, real-world dive conditions. Incredible Marine Life EncountersTraining here doesn’t feel like “just a course.” It feels like an expedition.Depending on the season, you may encounter:Ragged-tooth sharks (Raggies)Blacktip sharksRays and turtlesLarge game fishSeasonal pelagic activityLearning advanced buoyancy, navigation, and situational awareness while surrounded by big marine life builds true confidence and composure underwater. Ideal Conditions for Skill DevelopmentAliwal Shoal offers:Warm Indian Ocean temperaturesGood visibility throughout much of the yearLaunch access from the South CoastA mix of sheltered and exposed sitesThese conditions allow instructors to tailor dives to your comfort level while progressively challenging your abilities. More Than Certification – Real ExperienceAn Advanced Open Water course at Aliwal Shoal typically includes:Deep DiveUnderwater NavigationPeak Performance BuoyancyDrift or Shark DiveWreck or Photography specialty diveHere, you’re not just ticking off skills — you’re building experience in one of the most exciting dive environments in the world. A Destination That Feels Like an Adventure HolidayCompleting your Advanced Open Water at Aliwal Shoal means:Diving one of the world’s top reef systemsGaining confidence in bigger water conditionsExperiencing pelagic marine lifeTraining in a marine protected areaIt’s the difference between completing a course… and completing it somewhere extraordinary.

29 March +217 More
€324.48
ZAR 6,400.00

Scuba Skills Update

Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion – Refresh, Rebuild, RediscoverGet back in the water with confidence through the Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion, perfectly based at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel on the stunning KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.Whether you haven’t dived in a while or simply want to fine-tune your buoyancy and core techniques, this structured refresher program is designed to rebuild your comfort, safety awareness, and enjoyment underwater — before heading out to one of South Africa’s most iconic dive sites, Aliwal Shoal. 1. Classroom Session – Reconnect with the FundamentalsYour experience begins with a guided theory session led by a professional instructor. This interactive classroom component covers:Dive safety principles and equipment setupDive planning and buddy proceduresAir management and emergency protocolsUpdates on best practices and local diving conditionsIt’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, refresh knowledge, and mentally prepare for your return to the ocean. 2. Pool Session – Regain Confidence in a Controlled EnvironmentBefore heading into open water, you’ll enter the pool to practise essential scuba skills in a relaxed, supervised setting.You’ll review:Buoyancy control and weightingMask clearing and regulator recoveryControlled ascents and descentsBasic underwater communicationThis session rebuilds muscle memory and ensures you feel completely comfortable before your ocean dive. 3. Ocean Dive – Explore the Magic of Aliwal ShoalThe highlight of your Skills Update is a guided ocean dive on Aliwal Shoal — one of the world’s premier reef systems.Expect:Dramatic reef topography and swim-throughsVibrant marine life including reef fish, rays, turtles, and seasonal shark sightingsProfessional supervision with small dive groupsA safe, enjoyable reintroduction to open-water divingThis final dive brings everything together — theory, practice, and adventure — in one unforgettable experience. Why Choose ScubaXcursion?Beachfront convenience at Cutty SarkExperienced, safety-focused instructorsIdeal location just minutes from launch to Aliwal ShoalA welcoming environment for both returning and travelling divers

30 March +183 More
€121.68
ZAR 2,400.00

Dive Activity

Diving in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, a diver's paradise, offers diverse underwater experiences. Aliwal Shoal, renowned for its vibrant marine life, features the wreck of the "Produce," an oil tanker providing thrilling exploration opportunities. Protea Banks is another highlight, offering exhilarating shark diving encounters, making it a magnet for adrenaline seekers.

For those who prefer shore diving, Sodwana Bay is a top choice, known for its coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystems. Night dives in this area reveal a different underwater world, with nocturnal creatures and bioluminescence. The region balances shore dives with liveaboard options, offering flexibility for divers to explore multiple sites with ease.

Top Wildlife Sightings in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, especially along its coral reefs. Divers here frequently encounter common reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, which are abundant year-round. The Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana Bay are popular diving spots, teeming with vibrant marine life and boasting diverse coral structures.

Seasonal highlights include the annual sardine run, attracting large predators like sharks and dolphins between June and July. During this time, divers can witness ragged-tooth sharks, known locally as "raggies," and various ray species. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles are also a common sight, especially during their nesting seasons from November to January. These encounters not only provide thrilling experiences but also offer insights into the dynamic marine ecosystem of KwaZulu-Natal.

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: 200

Moray Eel

2.8k Sightings
J
338
F
294
M
216
A
237
M
243
J
151
J
162
A
171
S
189
O
186
N
213
D
413

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Sand Tiger Shark

2.5k Sightings
J
179
F
42
M
23
A
27
M
173
J
238
J
284
A
278
S
292
O
293
N
350
D
356

Green Turtle

1.4k Sightings
J
168
F
116
M
133
A
105
M
81
J
97
J
91
A
97
S
74
O
96
N
105
D
226

Loggerhead Turtle

1.2k Sightings
J
136
F
148
M
134
A
137
M
66
J
61
J
68
A
83
S
47
O
52
N
36
D
199

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

Wrasse

1.1k Sightings
J
117
F
114
M
44
A
95
M
153
J
42
J
80
A
79
S
78
O
73
N
97
D
158

Hawksbill Turtle

916 Sightings
J
125
F
99
M
82
A
95
M
43
J
43
J
28
A
42
S
48
O
61
N
89
D
161

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

Eagle Ray

800 Sightings
J
95
F
100
M
106
A
43
M
32
J
20
J
47
A
32
S
20
O
68
N
83
D
154

Bottlenose Dolphin

751 Sightings
J
102
F
85
M
98
A
52
M
39
J
23
J
35
A
23
S
39
O
55
N
67
D
133

Humpback Whale

407 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
1
J
38
J
72
A
72
S
104
O
94
N
24
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Octopus

401 Sightings
J
67
F
41
M
37
A
22
M
45
J
30
J
9
A
22
S
16
O
28
N
26
D
58

Bull Shark

308 Sightings
J
30
F
43
M
23
A
17
M
13
J
18
J
17
A
15
S
11
O
16
N
31
D
74

Reef Manta Ray

307 Sightings
J
35
F
16
M
11
A
6
M
24
J
34
J
35
A
35
S
44
O
31
N
23
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

Parrotfish

3.1k Sightings
J
354
F
346
M
254
A
255
M
254
J
153
J
174
A
178
S
196
O
228
N
241
D
503

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Angelfish

3.1k Sightings
J
329
F
329
M
264
A
252
M
249
J
161
J
180
A
169
S
216
O
242
N
238
D
477

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Butterfly Fish

2.9k Sightings
J
302
F
294
M
221
A
229
M
266
J
130
J
188
A
200
S
188
O
250
N
234
D
421

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

Stingrays

2.6k Sightings
J
374
F
252
M
217
A
125
M
116
J
107
J
115
A
117
S
131
O
185
N
230
D
595

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Grouper/Basslets

2.5k Sightings
J
297
F
279
M
186
A
205
M
231
J
110
J
141
A
176
S
118
O
170
N
192
D
441

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Clownfish

2.5k Sightings
J
268
F
217
M
184
A
207
M
221
J
102
J
158
A
161
S
160
O
213
N
223
D
386

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

Triggerfish

2.1k Sightings
J
234
F
254
M
149
A
178
M
201
J
105
J
116
A
146
S
129
O
148
N
159
D
316

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

Surgeonfish

1.8k Sightings
J
183
F
206
M
92
A
150
M
191
J
65
J
114
A
110
S
119
O
161
N
137
D
268

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Bannerfish

1.8k Sightings
J
177
F
175
M
92
A
108
M
191
J
99
J
126
A
143
S
114
O
139
N
154
D
261

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Trumpetfish

1.6k Sightings
J
192
F
197
M
121
A
121
M
107
J
89
J
85
A
86
S
105
O
114
N
148
D
245

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

Boxfish

1.6k Sightings
J
187
F
198
M
125
A
129
M
126
J
82
J
94
A
88
S
87
O
124
N
133
D
233

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Pufferfish

1.6k Sightings
J
202
F
177
M
85
A
93
M
132
J
81
J
82
A
75
S
77
O
125
N
150
D
282

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

Nudibranch

1.3k Sightings
J
193
F
111
M
58
A
53
M
129
J
58
J
86
A
104
S
79
O
68
N
111
D
234

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Scorpionfish

1.3k Sightings
J
169
F
138
M
93
A
71
M
108
J
84
J
37
A
68
S
67
O
130
N
121
D
169

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Goatfish

1k Sightings
J
93
F
74
M
73
A
73
M
155
J
58
J
66
A
81
S
51
O
63
N
115
D
120

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

Snapper

1k Sightings
J
78
F
86
M
45
A
55
M
140
J
36
J
47
A
75
S
70
O
95
N
104
D
182

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

973 Sightings
J
101
F
126
M
60
A
66
M
130
J
58
J
65
A
90
S
36
O
62
N
47
D
132

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

Soldierfish

935 Sightings
J
82
F
129
M
42
A
54
M
142
J
31
J
33
A
101
S
48
O
66
N
83
D
124

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Damselfish

836 Sightings
J
70
F
101
M
32
A
63
M
123
J
35
J
53
A
60
S
39
O
90
N
73
D
97

Whitetip Reef Shark

723 Sightings
J
93
F
129
M
86
A
60
M
29
J
11
J
21
A
52
S
36
O
31
N
61
D
114

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

Lionfish

548 Sightings
J
43
F
52
M
50
A
59
M
53
J
49
J
24
A
36
S
32
O
60
N
40
D
50

Oceanic Blacktip Shark

469 Sightings
J
65
F
76
M
40
A
27
M
29
J
10
J
33
A
36
S
6
O
12
N
38
D
97

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

Emperor

384 Sightings
J
21
F
45
M
4
A
12
M
78
J
8
J
17
A
27
S
12
O
46
N
48
D
66

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

Squirrelfish

295 Sightings
J
21
F
22
M
11
A
21
M
73
J
7
J
13
A
21
S
11
O
44
N
28
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

Jackfish

241 Sightings
J
10
F
16
M
15
A
5
M
71
J
13
J
11
A
31
S
5
O
9
N
25
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shrimp

189 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
2
A
8
M
24
J
31
J
6
A
19
S
11
O
8
N
18
D
54

The best Months to Dive in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal offers year-round diving opportunities with its sub-tropical climate. Water temperatures range from 22°C in winter to 28°C in summer, providing comfortable conditions for divers. Visibility often exceeds 10 meters but can vary based on local weather and sea conditions.

Diving is possible throughout the year, though summer months (November to March) may bring stronger winds and currents, occasionally affecting dive plans. Winter generally offers calmer seas and clearer waters, making it an ideal time for diving enthusiasts.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites