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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Point Aliwal

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 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