Eelskins - KwaZulu-Natal

Okay, “Jet Ski” might sound like a bit of a laugh, but this site near Bayahibe is surprisingly good fun. We love it for an easy, colourful dive, perfect for stretching out a surface interval or just enjoying some classic Caribbean reef action without too much fuss. You’ll drop down to around 16m, where two sunken jet skis, deliberately placed, now sit at the base of a coral pinnacle. They’re not massive, historic wrecks, but they’re completely colonised now, acting like miniature artificial reefs. We always see orangespotted filefish flitting around the handlebars, and the metal frames are soft with sponges and the beginnings of hard coral growth. From there, you can navigate between several coral heads, each one home to angelfish, parrotfish, and the occasional hogfish rooting around in the sand. Keep an eye out for yellowline gobies on the sandy patches, and if you’re lucky, a turtle might cruise by. Visibility averages 13m, so it’s not always spectacular, but it’s generally clear enough to enjoy the bright colours. It’s a gentle dive, suited for just about anyone looking for a relaxed exploration with a quirky centrepiece.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -30.270800, 30.820900
Type: wreck

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Eelskins

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

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

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
Oriental Bonito (Sarda orientalis) - Reef Fish
Prodigal Son (Rachycentron canadum) - Reef Fish
Talang queenfish (Scomberoides commersonnianus) - Reef Fish
Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - Sharks & Rays
Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) - Sharks & Rays
Mozambique mouth-breeder (Oreochromis mossambicus) - Reef Fish
Elf (Pomatomus saltatrix) - Reef Fish
dory (Zeus faber) - Reef Fish
Bass (Polyprion americanus) - Reef Fish
Blue And Yellow Grouper (Epinephelus flavocaeruleus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Eelskins

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