South Africa Information
About South Africa diving
From the unspoiled tropical reefs of Sodwana to the cold waters of the Cape, South Africa's coastline offers an extraordinary variety of diving experiences that firmly place it among the top dive destinations worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, the region's rich marine biodiversity and diverse underwater landscapes promise unforgettable adventures. Regaldive provides thrilling diving experiences along South Africa's east coast and extends into the vibrant waters of Mozambique, offering something for every type of underwater enthusiast.
Aliwal Shoal, a renowned dive site near Durban, is perfect for those seeking thrilling shark encounters, fascinating wreck dives, and vibrant coral reef explorations. The shoal is home to an array of marine life, including ragged-tooth sharks (or "raggies") during their annual migration, and it offers diving opportunities that cater to all skill levels. Further north, the dive sites of Ponta Do Ouro, Ponta Malongane, and Ponta Mamoli in Mozambique are a paradise for shark lovers, featuring magnificent bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, and an impressive variety of shark species in crystal-clear waters.
For a truly unique experience, the Sardine Run stands out as a "bucket list" event that every marine life enthusiast must witness. This breathtaking phenomenon showcases the awe-inspiring migration of millions of sardines along the East Coast of Africa, typically occurring between May and July. The massive shoals of sardines attract a wide range of larger predators, including dolphins, sharks, and even whales, creating a dramatic feeding frenzy that captivates divers and snorkellers alike. This is not only a feast for the predators but also for the senses, as the ocean comes alive in a spectacular display of nature's raw power and beauty. The Sardine Run is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a true testament to the incredible marine diversity of South African waters.
There is an incredible range of sharks around Aliwal Shoal in South Africa and Ponta Do Ouro in Mozambique. Ragged Tooth Sharks, Oceanic Blacktip Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks and Giant Guitar Sharks are just some of the encounters you will experience.
With access year round, the best way to take in the full breadth of South Africa's East coast and Mozambique is to join a small group of like-minded qualified divers.
Regaldive offer 7 day/6 night Shark Week itineraries with 12 dives in both South Africa and Mozambique, allowing you to experience the best marine life this area has to offer. These can be combined to create an extended 14 day/13 night adventure (22 dives) with plenty of shark encounters and more. It is possible to combine either trip with a 4 day/3 night topside safari experience at a game reserve.
The Sardine Run is widely recognised as one of the largest movements of marine life on the planet. As huge shoals of Sardines move north up the South East African coast, feeding on phytoplankton and zooplankton, they in turn attract an incredible number of predators. Huge pods of Common Dolphin work in teams to force the Sardine shoals into ‘bait-balls’, as sardines react to threat by contracting to a defensive mass of swirling sardines often several thousand strong.
These ‘bait-balls’, once formed, act as a magnet for the sharks, other dolphins, game fish and Cape Gannets that follow the Sardines on their North bound journey. The three main predators that feed on the Sardines are the Copper Shark, the Common Dolphin and the Cape Gannet. The run is so important to these last two species that they have even married their breeding cycle in to the super abundance of food provided by the sardines.
This incredible marine event is not only unique in its magnitude but is also, undoubtedly, one of the most spectacular events any diver will witness in their diving career.
Regaldive, working in conjunction with an expert South African dive operator that specializes in the Sardine Run, offer trips in June and early July that maximise the chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.
Tailormade Holidays & Twin Centres
We offer tailormade holidays for the majority of the destinations we feature. If you wish to amend the tours shown, please do not hesitate to contact the Regaldive team 01353 659999.
Please enquire about the possibilities for a given destination so you can enjoy more than one area during your holiday, experience contrasting diving as well as varying above water attractions.
