Protea Banks - KwaZulu-Natal

Small Wall at Mnemba Island is a site we always make time for. It’s not the deepest dive, topping out around 19 metres, but it delivers consistent joy. We love drifting along this gentle slope, eyes peeled, finding something new every time. The reef here is a tapestry of coral, starting shallow and gradually descending. You’ll find schools of snapper and bannerfish hanging around the first few metres, almost like a welcoming committee. As you drop a little, keep an eye out for the big honeycomb groupers lurking in the coral heads. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with green turtles here, just gliding by, unfazed by our presence. For the macro lovers, it’s a paradise. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the nooks and crannies for cowries, granular frog shells, and the surprisingly camouflaged bloodspot pipefish. It's a perfect spot for divers of all levels, especially those who appreciate a slower pace and the satisfaction of discovery. Dive it in the morning for the best light, before the wind picks up.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.832100, 30.483600
Type
wall
Maximum Depth
25-40m

Marine Protected Area: Protea Banks 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 Protea Banks

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 Protea Banks

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