SSI Open Water Diver
3 Day Open Water Diver course
ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
June 29, 2026
+79 More
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.
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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.
Dive Centers
Dive Sites
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.
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
105 Sightings
J
16
F
28
M
8
A
6
M
7
J
9
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
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.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
5 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0
