Explore Rocky Bay/Landers

Rocky Bay and Landers Reef, located on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, offer a unique and mesmerizing diving experience. Accessible by a boat ride from the charming town of Park Rynie, this dive spot is renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life. The underwater terrain is nothing short of spectacular, with a dramatic array of pinnacles, boulders, crevices, and gullies. Divers can explore intricate sand patches that intersperse the reefs, providing a beautiful blend of textures and colors beneath the waves.

What sets Landers Reef apart is the sense of discovery it offers. With its deep caves and overhangs, the site invites adventurous exploration and is often regarded as one of South Africa's most picturesque dive locations. Despite its rich natural beauty, the area remains a hidden gem, often undisturbed by the typical crowds of recreational divers. This serenity allows divers to fully immerse themselves in the aquatic splendor, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious novice, Rocky Bay and Landers Reef promise an enchanting journey into the marine wonders of South Africa.

Upcoming Events

    • Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
    May 13, 2026 +148 More
    $389.51
    ZAR 6,400.00
    Scuba Skills Update

    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

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
    May 13, 2026 +165 More
    $146.07
    ZAR 2,400.00
    Scuba Diver

    Scuba Diver

    Using online learning, confined and open water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver program is a perfect foundation to become a confident and safe diver. You will learn all you need to scuba dive in open water up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. In this program, you will complete almost half of the Open Water Diver course training and can upgrade your certification easily. You just need to complete the remaining academic and confined water sessions, plus two open water training dives.

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
    May 15, 2026 +174 More
    $194.76
    ZAR 3,200.00
    Basic Diver

    Basic Diver

    In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
    May 13, 2026 +150 More
    $146.07
    ZAR 2,400.00
    Diver Stress & Rescue

    Diver Stress & Rescue

    The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
    June 4, 2026 +197 More
    $389.51
    ZAR 6,400.00
    Find Courses & Events

    Dive Activity

    Diving in Rocky Bay/Landers

    Rocky Bay and Landers offer some of the most thrilling dive experiences for enthusiasts. Among the top dive sites is the famous wreck dive at the "Emerald Ship", where divers can explore a sunken vessel teeming with marine life. The vibrant coral reefs surrounding the wreck are home to colorful fish and occasional visits from dolphins, making it a must-see for underwater photographers. For those who prefer shore dives, "Turtle Cove" presents an excellent option. Known for its gentle sloping reefs, this site is ideal for observing turtles and tropical fish. The area is also popular for night dives, where divers can witness the mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescent plankton. Both liveaboard and shore dive options are available, providing flexibility for travelers keen to explore the underwater wonders of Rocky Bay and Landers.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Rocky Bay/Landers

    Rocky Bay/Landers is a vibrant marine habitat that attracts divers with its diverse reef life. Common reef fish include parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, which can be seen year-round. The bay's rocky structures provide shelter for these species, making them a frequent sight for divers.

    Seasonal highlights in Rocky Bay/Landers include sightings of graceful sea turtles, predominantly during the warmer months when they come to feed and nest. Reef sharks and rays are also notable visitors; although less common, they are typically encountered during late spring and summer. These larger species enrich the dive experience, offering thrilling encounters for those visiting at the right time of year.

    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.: 200

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    104 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    28
    M
    8
    A
    6
    M
    7
    J
    8
    J
    1
    A
    6
    S
    10
    O
    5
    N
    7
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    iStock/Dimitrios Stefanidis
    Sand Tiger Shark

    Sand Tiger Shark
    74 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    0
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    5
    J
    8
    A
    11
    S
    7
    O
    16
    N
    14
    D
    6
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    56 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    6
    M
    1
    A
    4
    M
    0
    J
    7
    J
    5
    A
    3
    S
    6
    O
    3
    N
    1
    D
    12
    iStock-ShaneGross
    Loggerhead Turtle

    Loggerhead Turtle
    51 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    13
    M
    2
    A
    7
    M
    3
    J
    6
    J
    0
    A
    2
    S
    3
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    11

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

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    45 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    14
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    12
    J
    0
    A
    4
    S
    3
    O
    4
    N
    1
    D
    2
    AdobeStock-Magnus
    Humpback Whale

    Humpback Whale
    25 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    7
    J
    9
    A
    5
    S
    3
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    21 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    7
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    2
    S
    4
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    3
    Tobias Friedrich
    Bottlenose Dolphin

    Bottlenose Dolphin
    17 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    5
    M
    9
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    0
    iStock/HakBak1979
    Bull Shark

    Bull Shark
    13 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    5
    M
    3
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    3

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    iStock/Juliosanjuan
    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray
    10 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    4
    M
    0
    A
    3
    M
    0
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    2
    N
    0
    D
    1
    Show More

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    188 Sightings
    J
    15
    F
    39
    M
    14
    A
    17
    M
    9
    J
    12
    J
    12
    A
    15
    S
    3
    O
    20
    N
    9
    D
    23
    Alamy-Steve Woods Photography
    Oceanic Blacktip Shark

    Oceanic Blacktip Shark
    165 Sightings
    J
    21
    F
    23
    M
    25
    A
    21
    M
    9
    J
    4
    J
    13
    A
    14
    S
    5
    O
    4
    N
    12
    D
    14

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

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    129 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    34
    M
    11
    A
    11
    M
    7
    J
    11
    J
    9
    A
    5
    S
    4
    O
    11
    N
    6
    D
    10

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    114 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    29
    M
    11
    A
    8
    M
    6
    J
    11
    J
    6
    A
    4
    S
    5
    O
    15
    N
    4
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    104 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    25
    M
    10
    A
    7
    M
    4
    J
    14
    J
    10
    A
    8
    S
    2
    O
    13
    N
    3
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    96 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    27
    M
    11
    A
    4
    M
    1
    J
    9
    J
    7
    A
    9
    S
    3
    O
    5
    N
    1
    D
    8

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    93 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    22
    M
    11
    A
    12
    M
    2
    J
    8
    J
    4
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    5
    N
    3
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    78 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    25
    M
    2
    A
    4
    M
    7
    J
    4
    J
    8
    A
    4
    S
    4
    O
    5
    N
    4
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    70 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    29
    M
    9
    A
    10
    M
    2
    J
    10
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    6
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    66 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    10
    M
    12
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    5
    S
    4
    O
    0
    N
    7
    D
    20

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    64 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    23
    M
    12
    A
    3
    M
    3
    J
    9
    J
    0
    A
    5
    S
    3
    O
    4
    N
    0
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    61 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    19
    M
    3
    A
    3
    M
    1
    J
    10
    J
    0
    A
    6
    S
    3
    O
    4
    N
    1
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    58 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    14
    M
    8
    A
    1
    M
    5
    J
    7
    J
    6
    A
    6
    S
    3
    O
    7
    N
    0
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    54 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    12
    M
    6
    A
    0
    M
    7
    J
    10
    J
    5
    A
    9
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    51 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    11
    M
    0
    A
    9
    M
    1
    J
    5
    J
    4
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    4
    N
    4
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    47 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    21
    M
    1
    A
    1
    M
    2
    J
    7
    J
    4
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    6
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    35 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    21
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    2
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    29 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    6
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    6
    J
    1
    A
    4
    S
    3
    O
    1
    N
    1
    D
    2

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

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    26 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    10
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    7
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    5
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    24 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    8
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    6
    J
    0
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    24 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    10
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    3
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    2
    D
    1
    AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
    Blacktip Reef Shark

    Blacktip Reef Shark
    21 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    5
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    4
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    1
    N
    0
    D
    1

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    20 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    0
    M
    8
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    1
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    2
    O
    2
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    17 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    11
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Spiny Lobster

    Spiny Lobster
    13 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    9
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    2
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    1
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
    Cornetfish

    Cornetfish
    10 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    7
    M
    0
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    0
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    2
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    The best Months to dive in Rocky Bay/Landers

    Rocky Bay/Landers offers year-round diving opportunities, with each season bringing unique conditions. Water temperatures range from 18°C–24°C/64°F–75°F in the summer, cooling to 12°C–16°C/54°F–61°F in the winter, providing a comfortable environment for divers with suitable gear. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, though it can be reduced during stormy weather.

    While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are typically found from late spring to early autumn. During this time, calm seas and mild currents enhance the diving experience. Winter months may bring stronger winds and currents, making some sites less accessible. Overall, careful planning and monitoring of local weather forecasts are recommended for optimal diving experiences in Rocky Bay/Landers.

    Dive Centers

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal

    ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal

    Green Lane, 4180 Scottburgh, South Africa
    MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS

    MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS

    129 Galway Street, 4180 Scottburgh, South Africa

    Dive Sites

    ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh
    Canyons <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Canyons (★4.3)

    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.
    ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh
    Castle <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Castle (★4.2)

    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.
    ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh
    Landers <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Landers (★4.3)

    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.
    ScubaXcursion, 4180 Scottburgh
    Butchers <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Butchers (★4.4)

    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.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Cowrie <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Cowrie (★4.2)

    Cowrie forms part of the southern reefs of Aliwal Shoal with a maximum depth of 27 meters and the top of the reef at 20 meters. The distance from the southern to northern pinnacles is around 120m. This reef is perfect for macro photography.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Msea Hammer <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Msea Hammer (★4.7)

    Maximum Depth 40 meters. Average Depth 22. Swim Throughs , Caves, Gullies and Crevices. Regular sightings of Scalloped hammerhead Sharks, Oceanic black tip sharks , large grouper and reef structure decorated with a great variety of colourful Nudibranch.
    Mares
    Eelskins <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

    Eelskins (★4.1)

    This dive site is an average depth of 13m and a maximum depth of 19m and is only accessible by boat. The entry into the water once at the dive site is a negative entry method.