Chunnel - KwaZulu-Natal

Grand Mal Wall is a site we’ve always enjoyed for its sheer variety, especially considering its fairly shallow max depth of 19m. The top of the reef starts just shy of 2m, then drops off into a proper wall, laced with overhangs and ledges. We love drifting along here, poking into the holes where lobsters often tuck themselves away, sometimes sharing space with a lionfish or two. The real draw for us, though, is the chance to spot those huge tarpon that cruise the deeper edges. We’ve had a few incredible encounters with 2m+ silver kings here; it’s not guaranteed, but definitely adds an extra buzz to the dive. Even without them, you’ll find plenty to hold your attention. Look out for slipperies and barber fish darting through the corals. We’d suggest keeping an eye on your depth here; it’s easy to get absorbed in the shallower parts, hunting for cowfish or spotting a well-camouflaged frogfish if you’re lucky. Visibility averages around 14m, which is decent enough for the wall structure. It’s a good spot for divers who appreciate a mix of macro and the occasional larger pelagic, without needing to go particularly deep.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.261600, 30.826600
Type
wall

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 Chunnel

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 Chunnel

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