Pinnacles
Protected Area
Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area
Why dive here
With 490+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue sharks, bull sharks, eagle rays and great white sharks - Pinnacles offers some of KwaZulu-Natal's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 21-26°C, warmest January, February, March.
Pinnacles is a classic for a reason. We’ve probably dived this spot more than any other on Aliwal Shoal, and it consistently delivers. It’s a series of big, bold rock formations, dropping to around 18 metres, with lots of cracks and ledges to peer into. We love spending time here just poking around the crevices. We’ve often found the Hairy Scorpionfish tucked away, perfectly camouflaged, and the Gorgeous Gussy, a colourful nudibranch, is always a treat to spot. The reef itself is lush with soft corals and those vibrant green corals, too. You’ll see big schools of goldies shimmering around the peaks, and the parrotfish are always busy munching away. It’s a site where you want to take it slow; let your eyes adjust to the details. Keep an eye out for the Peacock Mantis Shrimp in the sand patches, and we've had encounters with Sandbar sharks cruising by in the deeper sections. This site is brilliant for macro lovers and those who enjoy really exploring the topography, rather than just drifting past.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to Pinnacles
Dive shops near Pinnacles
Aliwal Shoal Adventures - Ocean Warriors
Blue Ocean Dive Resort
ScubaXcursion
MISS BEHAVIN’S MERMAIDS
Umhlanga Scuba
Reviews for Pinnacles
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Pinnacles
Pinnacles Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Pinnacles, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-30.31, 30.76) (42km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
22°C
71°F · Range: 21–22.7°C
Air Temperature
20°C
68°F
Wind Speed
7.64 m/s
14.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1017.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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