Amphitheatre - KwaZulu-Natal

Amphitheatre really earns its name, not for huge drop-offs or dramatic walls, but for the sheer volume of fish that gather here. We love dropping onto the top at 18 metres and just settling in, letting the show come to us. You’ll be surrounded by schools of Bleeker's Surgeonfish, so dense they sometimes dim the light, and the flashing scales of Silver Javelin. Our favourite is spotting the Blackside Hawkfish perched on corals, completely unfazed by divers, or if you’re lucky, a common seahorse tucked away in the soft corals. It’s an excellent spot for photographers or anyone who enjoys simply observing the natural ballet. Visibility averages 14 metres, which is decent enough to appreciate the scale of the schools, and the maximum depth of 27 metres means plenty of bottom time to take it all in. If you’re looking for a relaxed dive with consistent, impressive fish action, Amphitheatre is a firm favourite of ours.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.257600, 30.828600

Marine Protected Area: Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in KwaZulu-Natal

Nearest Dive Centres to Amphitheatre

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Amphitheatre

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth at the Amphitheatre dive site in Cyprus, and how deep is the main amphitheater formation?
The Amphitheatre dive site is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, not Cyprus. At this magnificent reef, the maximum depth divers can reach is 27m, with the top of the main amphitheater formation situated at 18m.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to see at the Amphitheatre dive site?
Divers exploring the Amphitheatre dive site can expect to encounter magnificent reef structures teeming with vibrant marine life. You'll observe schools of Sea Goldies, Fusiliers, and Batfish, among many other species, delivering a brilliant underwater show. The site's name truly reflects the experience, allowing divers to simply observe the living color.
What is the difficulty level for diving the Amphitheatre site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Amphitheatre dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty level. Due to this rating, it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper supervision or additional experience. Divers should possess the necessary skills and confidence for intermediate-level dives to fully enjoy this site.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Amphitheatre in Cyprus for optimal conditions and visibility?
The Amphitheatre dive site is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, not Cyprus. Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year for diving at this site for optimal conditions and visibility. For general information on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Amphitheatre, and are there any prerequisites like a refresher course?
The provided data for the Amphitheatre dive site does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required or any prerequisites such as a refresher course. Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should ensure they hold a certification level appropriate for such dives. It's always best to check with a local dive operator for specific requirements before planning your dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Amphitheatre dive site, and how challenging is the shore entry?
At the Amphitheatre dive site, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 14m, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and structures. However, the provided data does not include information regarding typical current conditions or the challenging nature of any potential shore entry.