Umhlanga Scuba - KwaZulu-Natal

The team at Umhlanga Scuba feels like family. They’re PADI 5-star, sure, but what we really love is their dedication to making you feel comfortable, whether you're taking your first fin strokes or you're a seasoned diver looking for local insights. We’d suggest them for anyone wanting a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to learn or simply to explore the KwaZulu-Natal coastline without any fuss. They’re particularly good for newer divers or those who appreciate a smaller, more personal operation. We’ve had some memorable trips with them out to the reefs just off Umhlanga, especially on those calm mornings when the water is flat and you can smell the damp earth mixing with salt in the air. Their boats are quick, getting you out to the sites like the Umhlanga Artificial Reef or Lighthouse Reef before the crowds. Our favourite dives with them often involve spotting ragged-tooth sharks cruising through the gullies in winter, or just enjoying the clouds of fusiliers swirling over the healthy soft corals. They’re super honest about conditions, which we appreciate – no pointless trips out if the surge is too strong. Definitely ask them about the best time to catch the seasonal sardine run action, it's chaotic and incredible.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -29.866959, 31.046333
Phone: +27 82 469 4699
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.umhlangascuba.co.za
Certification Agencies: ["PADI"]
Courses: PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:25683]
Address: Ushaka Marine World, Shop No 1, 1 Bell Street, Durban, South Africa

Diving Capabilities - Umhlanga Scuba

Freediving

Dive Sites Near Umhlanga Scuba

Umhlanga Scuba provides access to 15 dive sites in KwaZulu-Natal.

Aliwal Shoal - 5-30m (reef)
Aliwal Shoal (reef)
Aliwal Shoal (reef)
Aliwal Shoal (cenote)
Amanzi Harbour (reef)
Amanzi Harbour (cenote)
Amanzi Rock Face (cenote)
Amanzi Rock Face (wreck)
Amphitheatre
Amphitheatre (cenote)
Birthday Ledges
Butchers (reef)
Butchers (reef)
Canyons (cave)
Castle (reef)

Other Dive Centres in KwaZulu-Natal

Aliwal Shoal Adventures - Ocean Warriors - ["PADI"]
Blue Ocean Dive Resort - ["PADI"]
MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS
ScubaXcursion - SSI
South Coast Diving Co - ["PADI"]
Underwater World

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.

Notable Marine Life

Soldier (Cheimerius nufar) - Reef Fish
African Weakfish (Atractoscion aequidens) - Reef Fish
Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) - Reef Fish
Allison's Tuna (Thunnus albacares) - Reef Fish
Dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) - Reef Fish
California Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) - Reef Fish
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - Reef Fish
Kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) - Reef Fish
Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) - Reef Fish
Stripy (Katsuwonus pelamis) - Reef Fish

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