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South Africa

© AdobeStock/Florian

Explore South Africa

South Africa offers a spectacular diving experience, renowned for its diverse marine life and unique underwater adventures. With over 2735 kilometers (1700 miles) of coastline spanning the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, divers can explore a variety of environments, including vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks. The famed Sardine Run is a must-see event, where millions of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting dolphins, sharks, and seabirds in a breathtaking display of nature's splendor. The country's waters are home to an array of creatures, from the majestic great white sharks to colorful coral reefs teeming with life.

South Africa's diving opportunities are as varied as its landscapes. Most diving is conducted by boat, but there are excellent shore dives as well. For those seeking a thrilling liveaboard experience, the region offers options that allow exploration of remote dive sites. Divers can enjoy year-round diving, with conditions and temperatures varying across regions. In Sodwana Bay, warm waters and vibrant coral reefs provide an ideal setting for open water certification, while the cooler waters of the East Cape cater to those interested in cold water diving and dry suit specialties. With numerous dive centers and resorts offering comprehensive training, South Africa stands out as a premier dive destination, promising adventures for divers of all levels.

Power Plug Type
D, M, N
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DC, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10–15% / Service Staff & Guides / Tipping is expected in restaurants and for tour services; amount may vary based on service quality.
Currency
ZAR
Dial Code
+27
Electricity
230 V / 50 Hz
Time
UTC+2

Places to explore

Courses and Events

Divemaster

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.

May 4, 2026 +188 More
$656.11
ZAR 11,000.00

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in South Africa

South Africa’s vastness makes diving incredibly diverse. From great whites, tiger sharks, whalesharks, mantas, dolphins and turtles, to schooling fish, sardines, colorful reef fish and tiny macro life like nudibranchs, the entire coastline benefits from species that live in the tropical Pacific seas, and species that are found in the Mediterranean.

The east coast of South Africa is warmed by the Mozambique current which nourishes thousands of species of coral, fish and water mammals. The west side is colder, and offers mesmerising kelp forest dives, especially near Cape Town. 

On the Indian Ocean side, divers can spot lots of life, including reef fish, dolphins, sailfish, whale sharks, ragged tooth sharks, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales. Two, Five, Seven and Nine Mile Reefs are great dive sites to encounter these creatures. 

Gansbaai area offers great white shark cage diving, started offering cage diving with the sharks. Mossel Bay, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, also offer cage diving with great whites, and the best time to do so is during winter. 

Cage dive with ancient cow sharks at Seal Island in False Bay. These are the most ancient sharks still alive today and are incredible to dive with. As well as sharks, the waters around the island host numerous whales each winter, including humpbacks, Bryde’s and Southern Right whales, and megapods of common dolphins and two famous orcas Port and Starboard. All of which you can see from dive or whale watching boats, or watch from shore.

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

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

2.9k Sightings
J
347
F
300
M
225
A
282
M
244
J
152
J
165
A
174
S
190
O
186
N
215
D
418

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Sand Tiger Shark

Sand Tiger Shark

2.6k Sightings
J
183
F
43
M
27
A
32
M
174
J
238
J
286
A
283
S
292
O
298
N
350
D
359
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

1.5k Sightings
J
176
F
117
M
144
A
128
M
82
J
99
J
94
A
101
S
75
O
100
N
106
D
229

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

1.3k Sightings
J
177
F
134
M
105
A
119
M
113
J
80
J
83
A
70
S
77
O
125
N
98
D
166
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

1.2k Sightings
J
136
F
148
M
142
A
160
M
67
J
61
J
67
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 approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

1.2k Sightings
J
118
F
114
M
55
A
104
M
153
J
42
J
81
A
81
S
78
O
73
N
99
D
159
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

934 Sightings
J
126
F
99
M
82
A
111
M
43
J
43
J
29
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 approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

825 Sightings
J
99
F
100
M
112
A
50
M
33
J
20
J
47
A
35
S
21
O
68
N
85
D
155
Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

758 Sightings
J
103
F
85
M
99
A
58
M
39
J
23
J
34
A
23
S
39
O
55
N
67
D
133
Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

415 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
0
M
1
J
38
J
73
A
73
S
104
O
96
N
25
D
1
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

320 Sightings
J
35
F
16
M
12
A
14
M
24
J
34
J
36
A
35
S
45
O
31
N
24
D
14
Bull Shark

Bull Shark

317 Sightings
J
30
F
43
M
25
A
21
M
13
J
18
J
17
A
15
S
13
O
16
N
31
D
75

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

3.2k Sightings
J
362
F
350
M
266
A
307
M
255
J
155
J
178
A
181
S
197
O
229
N
243
D
508

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

3.2k Sightings
J
335
F
331
M
275
A
290
M
250
J
162
J
183
A
172
S
217
O
242
N
240
D
480

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

3k Sightings
J
306
F
296
M
232
A
271
M
267
J
131
J
191
A
203
S
188
O
250
N
237
D
422

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

2.8k Sightings
J
411
F
301
M
244
A
179
M
131
J
109
J
117
A
121
S
135
O
195
N
239
D
622

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

2.6k Sightings
J
308
F
279
M
201
A
228
M
232
J
110
J
145
A
181
S
121
O
173
N
194
D
444

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

2.5k Sightings
J
274
F
221
M
191
A
226
M
223
J
102
J
160
A
164
S
160
O
213
N
225
D
387

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

2.2k Sightings
J
239
F
255
M
158
A
204
M
202
J
107
J
119
A
148
S
129
O
148
N
161
D
318

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

Total number of species approx.: 19

Bass

Bass

1.9k Sightings
J
199
F
243
M
345
A
135
M
58
J
39
J
33
A
12
S
97
O
174
N
275
D
263

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

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

1.8k Sightings
J
183
F
178
M
97
A
153
M
191
J
99
J
130
A
145
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 approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

1.8k Sightings
J
189
F
206
M
97
A
164
M
191
J
65
J
115
A
112
S
119
O
161
N
139
D
270

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

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

1.8k Sightings
J
263
F
146
M
114
A
104
M
178
J
95
J
152
A
134
S
116
O
91
N
141
D
281

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

1.7k Sightings
J
198
F
200
M
125
A
161
M
107
J
89
J
87
A
88
S
106
O
115
N
150
D
247

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

1.6k Sightings
J
192
F
198
M
129
A
136
M
126
J
82
J
98
A
90
S
87
O
125
N
134
D
234

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

1.6k Sightings
J
206
F
191
M
91
A
110
M
135
J
81
J
86
A
76
S
78
O
126
N
151
D
286

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

1.3k Sightings
J
171
F
140
M
99
A
76
M
108
J
84
J
38
A
69
S
67
O
130
N
123
D
170

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

1.1k Sightings
J
83
F
86
M
56
A
70
M
141
J
37
J
49
A
78
S
71
O
95
N
106
D
184

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

1k Sightings
J
99
F
74
M
76
A
70
M
155
J
59
J
66
A
83
S
51
O
63
N
117
D
121

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

995 Sightings
J
108
F
126
M
63
A
71
M
130
J
58
J
66
A
92
S
36
O
62
N
49
D
134

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

966 Sightings
J
87
F
130
M
55
A
59
M
142
J
32
J
34
A
103
S
48
O
66
N
85
D
125

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

857 Sightings
J
72
F
102
M
33
A
74
M
123
J
35
J
54
A
61
S
40
O
90
N
75
D
98
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

761 Sightings
J
93
F
130
M
97
A
82
M
29
J
11
J
21
A
52
S
38
O
31
N
61
D
116

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Carp

Carp

700 Sightings
J
95
F
95
M
150
A
37
M
22
J
12
J
20
A
11
S
26
O
48
N
106
D
78

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

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

572 Sightings
J
49
F
55
M
52
A
63
M
54
J
50
J
27
A
38
S
32
O
60
N
41
D
51

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

506 Sightings
J
54
F
37
M
25
A
19
M
42
J
42
J
51
A
26
S
60
O
62
N
40
D
48
Oceanic Blacktip Shark

Oceanic Blacktip Shark

497 Sightings
J
65
F
76
M
50
A
44
M
29
J
10
J
33
A
36
S
6
O
12
N
38
D
98

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

392 Sightings
J
22
F
45
M
4
A
15
M
78
J
9
J
18
A
28
S
12
O
46
N
48
D
67

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

302 Sightings
J
22
F
23
M
11
A
21
M
73
J
9
J
15
A
21
S
11
O
44
N
28
D
24

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

249 Sightings
J
10
F
16
M
15
A
7
M
71
J
14
J
12
A
33
S
6
O
9
N
26
D
30

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

244 Sightings
J
24
F
28
M
7
A
14
M
39
J
39
J
6
A
10
S
17
O
9
N
19
D
32

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

Total number of species approx.: 9

Fur Seal

Fur Seal

244 Sightings
J
28
F
18
M
25
A
27
M
31
J
11
J
19
A
7
S
10
O
27
N
23
D
18

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

202 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
3
A
6
M
24
J
31
J
8
A
19
S
13
O
8
N
19
D
58
Blue Tilapia

Blue Tilapia

201 Sightings
J
42
F
18
M
37
A
14
M
0
J
8
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
25
N
28
D
29