Diving in KwaZulu-Natal

Explore 52 dive sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in KwaZulu-Natal

The warmest water temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal occur in January, averaging 27.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • February: 27.0°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • April: 27.0°C (air: 21.7°C)
  • May: 27.0°C (air: 20.1°C)
  • June: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
  • July: 27.0°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • August: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
  • September: 27.0°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • October: 27.0°C (air: 20.3°C)
  • November: 27.0°C (air: 21.8°C)
  • December: 27.0°C (air: 23.2°C)

Marine Life in KwaZulu-Natal

Home to 495 recorded species including 400 reef fish, 41 sharks & rays, 19 hard corals, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Dive Site Difficulty in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal has 1 intermediate, 1 advanced, 1 expert dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Recommended Packing List for KwaZulu-Natal

Based on average water temperature of 27.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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

Marine Protected Areas in KwaZulu-Natal

  • Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Pondoland Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Trafalgar Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Trafalgar Marine Reserve - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Protea Banks Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • uThukela Marine Protected Area - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to KwaZulu-Natal - Nearest Airports

  • Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), Pietermaritzburg - 44 km away, approx 63 min travel time
  • King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban - 80 km away, approx 102 min travel time
  • Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), Maseru(Mazenod) - 288 km away, approx 329 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres