18-21m
    Sodwana Bay, South Africa
    Maputaland Marine Reserve

    Anchor

    Best months: Dec–Apr

    Protected Area

    Maputaland Marine Reserve

    Why dive here

    With 558+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue sharks, blue-spotted stingrays and bull sharks - Anchor offers some of Sodwana Bay's richest reef diving. Water ranges 23-28°C, warmest January, February, March.

    Best timeDec–Apr
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Blue Sharks, Blue-Spotted Stingrays and Bull Sharks · 558+ species recorded
    Water23-28°C · warmest January, February, March
    CharacterReef dive · max 18-21m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Anchor is one of those Sodwana sites we keep coming back to, not for massive pelagics, but for its sheer abundance of smaller, fascinating reef life. Dropping down, you’ll likely find yourself in a playful current, pushing you gently over the sandy patches between the coral bommies. We love the way the reef here is dotted with whip corals, perfect for spotting the tiny whip coral gobies if you’ve got a good eye and a steady hand. The site gets its name from an old anchor that’s been adopted by the reef, now a home for moray eels and the occasional granular frog shell. You’ll weave through coral gardens where schools of beautiful fusiliers shimmer, and if you hover, you might catch a grammistes blenny peeking out from its coral hideout. For us, Anchor shines as a macro photographer's dream – the sheer variety of nudibranchs and smaller fish like the ring-tailed surgeonfish and common lyre-tail cod is incredible. It’s a shallower dive, usually around 18-20 metres, making for longer bottom times and a more relaxed exploration. Don’t rush it; the best finds are often in the small crevices and under coral overhangs. This is a site for divers who appreciate the intricate details of a healthy reef and enjoy a slower, more deliberate pace underwater.

    Typical Anchor Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m18m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:1817:5412h 36m daylightGolden hour 17:23

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Anchor

    Anchor Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Anchor, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-27.53, 32.7) (0km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    23°C

    73°F · Range: 22.3–24.5°C

    Air Temperature

    22°C

    71°F

    Wind Speed

    7.35 m/s

    14.3 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1017.9 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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