South Sands - KwaZulu-Natal

Turtle Crossing Deep is where we send divers who want to play hide-and-seek with green turtles. It’s an advanced dive, for sure, with those coral channels dropping down into deeper water, but the reward is significant. You’ll moor up on a plateau, around 10 meters, then follow the reef down. The maximum depth is 21 meters, which is plenty for soaking in the big barrel sponges and intricate coral structures that cover the wall. What we really love about this site, though, is the sheer number of turtles. We’ve seen upwards of 30 on a single dive, just cruising along, seemingly unbothered by us. It’s not just turtles either; keep an eye out for the smaller stuff like Bicolor Basslets tucked into crevices or a Yellowhead Wrasse darting through the turtlegrass. If you’re comfortable with a bit of depth and appreciate a healthy population of gentle giants, Turtle Crossing Deep is a dive you’ll want to repeat. Our advice? Go in the late morning, the light catches the corals perfectly.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.264700, 30.826500
Type
reef

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in KwaZulu-Natal

Nearest Dive Centres to South Sands

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 South Sands

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving at South Sands?
At South Sands, divers can expect an average depth of 11m. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 17m, making it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at South Sands?
South Sands is characterized by a large sand patch beautifully surrounded by reef structure, creating a unique underwater canvas. Divers frequently encounter large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks, which often utilize the clear sand patch to display their natural beauty.
Is South Sands a difficult dive site, especially for beginners?
South Sands is classified as an intermediate dive site. While not overly challenging for experienced divers, beginners should consider gaining more experience before attempting this site, or dive with an experienced guide.
What is the best time of year to dive at South Sands for specific marine life or optimal conditions?
The provided data for South Sands does not specify the best time of year for diving to observe particular marine life or for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at South Sands?
Given the maximum depth of 17m and its classification as an intermediate dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for South Sands. However, due to the intermediate difficulty, divers are encouraged to have some experience beyond their initial certification or dive with a local guide.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at South Sands, and what should divers be aware of?
Divers at South Sands can typically expect an average visibility of 13m, offering clear views of the expansive sand patch and reef. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions, so it's always advisable to check local conditions with a dive operator before your dive.