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)

Nearby Dive Sites in KwaZulu-Natal

Nearest Dive Centres to Eelskins

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 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Eelskins dive site?
The Eelskins dive site offers a typical depth range with an average depth of 13m. Divers can explore this fascinating location down to a maximum depth of 19m, making it suitable for various recreational diving profiles.
What kind of marine life, particularly eels, can divers expect to see at Eelskins?
While the name "Eelskins" might suggest otherwise, the provided data for this dive site does not list any specific eel species among its marine life. Divers can expect to encounter fascinating creatures such as False Stone Fish, Peacock mantis shrimp, Pufferfish, and Boxfish. The site also boasts vibrant soft and green corals, nudibranchs, and schools of goldies.
How difficult is the Eelskins dive site, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
The Eelskins dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. Due to this rating and the required negative entry method, it is generally not suitable for absolute beginners and is best enjoyed by divers with some prior experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at Eelskins for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Eelskins for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonality in the KwaZulu-Natal region, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required to dive at Eelskins?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Eelskins. However, given its intermediate difficulty and the negative entry method, divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for such conditions.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Eelskins dive site?
Divers at Eelskins can typically expect an average visibility of 13m, offering clear views of the marine life and the wreck. The provided data does not, however, specify the usual current conditions at this site.