Scuba Diving in South Africa

Explore 267 dive sites and 45 dive centres in South Africa. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

South Africa Diving at a Glance

3 dive regions, 267 dive sites, 45 dive centres, 751 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for South Africa

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

US State Department: Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution.

Best Time to Dive in South Africa

The best months to dive in South Africa are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 24.6°C
  • February: Great, water 24.6°C
  • March: Great, water 24.6°C
  • April: Great, water 24.6°C
  • May: Great, water 24.6°C
  • June: Great, water 24.6°C
  • July: Great, water 24.6°C
  • August: Great, water 24.6°C
  • September: Great, water 24.6°C
  • October: Great, water 24.6°C
  • November: Great, water 24.6°C
  • December: Great, water 24.6°C

Recommended Packing List for South Africa

Based on average water temperature of 24.6°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Dive Regions