PETINGO - KwaZulu-Natal

Petingo isn't just a big piece of metal on the seabed, it’s a proper expedition dive. This bulk carrier, all 246 metres of it, went down off Richards Bay back in 1990 after taking a beating in heavy weather. We often find ourselves just staring at the sheer scale of the thing as we descend. It’s a dangerous wreck, no doubt, but that just adds to its allure if you’re a confident diver with good buoyancy. We love picking our way through the more open holds, where the light filters down, illuminating schools of snapper and fusiliers that hang in the gloom. Our favourite part is navigating the upper deck structures, now completely encrusted with soft corals and sponges, making it a home for everything from juvenile kingfish to the occasional potato bass. Look out for the resident lionfish tucked into crevices; they’re often camouflaged until you’re right on them. This site really suits divers who appreciate history, a bit of an adventure, and aren't afraid of a deep, dark wreck dive.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -28.965000, 32.038055
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 23m

Marine Protected Area: Richards Bay Game Reserve

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 PETINGO

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 PETINGO

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