KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
    Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area

    South Sands

    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 - South Sands offers some of KwaZulu-Natal's richest reef 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
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    South Sands is a classic KwaZulu-Natal sand and reef edge dive, and we think it's one of the best spots for a leisurely drift. The maximum depth of 14m means plenty of bottom time, letting you really take in the scenery. We always find the big sand patches here incredibly calming, a stark contrast to the busy reef just a fin kick away. This site is fantastic for spotting rays and guitar sharks, often just cruising over the open sand. We've seen Spotted Groupers holding court near the coral heads, and schools of Springer shimmering in the blue. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; the Adorned Wrasse are always busy, and the little Bar-Eyed Gobies often put on a show right in front of your mask. Visibility averages 13m, which is usually enough to watch a Spinner Shark zip by in the distance. It’s a great site if you're looking to slow down and really observe the smaller, quieter interactions.

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

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for South Sands

    South Sands Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for South Sands, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-30.31, 30.76) (42km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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