KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area

    Pinnacles

    Best months: Jan–Mar

    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.

    Best timeJan–Mar
    WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue Sharks, Bull Sharks, Eagle Rays and Great White Sharks · 490+ species recorded
    Water21-26°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterWreck dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    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.

    Today05:2418:0412h 40m daylightGolden hour 17:32

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    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)

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    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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