Manta Point Aliwal - KwaZulu-Natal

Pat’s Wall is one of those East End dives where you really feel the scale of the Cayman Trench. We love that it’s just a five-minute boat ride, but it feels a world away once you drop in. The wall itself starts around 18 metres, then just… drops. You’ll find these incredible coral spurs that jut out, creating canyons you can weave through, sometimes so narrow you’re brushing against the sponges. We’ve seen schools of broad shad so thick here they shimmer like a liquid silver curtain, momentarily blocking out the blue. Keep an eye out for yellowtail parrotfish grazing on the reef, and grey snapper hanging out under ledges. We’ve had a few encounters with chain morays peeking out of holes, and the sponges, especially the barrel sponges, are genuinely massive. It’s a great spot for advanced divers who appreciate a good wall and aren't afraid of a bit of depth. The currents here can sometimes pick up a bit, especially on the corners, so stay aware of your positioning.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.239200, 30.842300
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 Manta Point Aliwal

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 Manta Point Aliwal

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 for encountering manta rays at Manta Point Aliwal?
Manta Point Aliwal features a relatively flat reef plateau with small pinnacles and sandy patches, where the reef ranges from 15-25 meters. While the maximum dive depth is typically 18m, giant oceanic mantas are encountered within this accessible depth range at the site. This makes Manta Point Aliwal an excellent spot for divers to witness these magnificent creatures.
What marine life, besides manta rays, can divers expect to see at Manta Point Aliwal?
Beyond the spectacular giant oceanic mantas, Manta Point Aliwal is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Divers can expect awe-inspiring encounters with various large pelagic species that are attracted to this vibrant reef. It truly is a magnet for those seeking diverse marine life.
How difficult is diving at Manta Point Aliwal, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Manta Point Aliwal is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the site's topography, with its flat reef plateau and depths ranging from 15-25 meters, makes it accessible for most divers, it might not be ideal for absolute beginners. Divers should have some experience to comfortably enjoy this thrilling big animal encounter site.
What is the best time of year to dive Manta Point Aliwal for manta ray sightings?
Manta Point Aliwal is renowned for its seasonal visits from giant oceanic mantas. However, the provided data does not specify the exact best time of year for these sightings. We recommend checking local dive operator information or our When to Dive section for the most current seasonal details.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Manta Point Aliwal?
While the data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements, given that Manta Point Aliwal is rated as intermediate difficulty and has a maximum depth of 18m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. However, an Advanced Open Water certification would enhance comfort and skill for navigating this site, which is accessible for most divers.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Manta Point Aliwal?
Divers visiting Manta Point Aliwal can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the incredible biodiversity. However, the provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to consult with local dive operators for up-to-date information on currents before your dive.