AURORA - Sodwana Bay

The Aurora, a fishing trawler that went down in 1975, is one of those wrecks that just feels *right* for a dive. It sits upright at just 11 metres, making it perfect for newer divers or anyone wanting a relaxed second dive. We love that you can really take your time here. You’ll find the bridge largely intact, a favourite haunt for big schools of glassfish that shimmer in the shafts of sunlight. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for moray eels – we’ve often spotted honeycomb and geometric morays peeking out. The cargo hold is open, and sometimes you’ll see the resident potato bass lurking inside, a truly enormous fish. We always suggest bringing a torch, not just for the darker spots, but to really make the colours of the soft corals pop. It’s an easy site to navigate, and the generally mild currents mean you can spend a full hour exploring every corner. A great spot for macro enthusiasts too, with plenty of nudibranchs and flatworms clinging to the metalwork.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-28.900000, 32.000000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Wreck History - AURORA

Year Sunk
1975
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

In October 1975, the fishing vessel Aurora, under the command of Skipper Petrus Viviers, met her end in the warm waters off Sodwana Bay. Her final voyage from Durban was reportedly plagued by persistent engine trouble. According to a crewman's report, the vessel was left drifting helplessly at the mercy of the Indian Ocean currents before she ultimately sank. The exact cause of the sinking after she began to drift remains unclear, but her fate was sealed by the initial mechanical failure.

Lying in just 11 meters of water, the Aurora is now a fantastic artificial reef and one of Sodwana's more accessible wreck sites. Its shallow depth makes it an ideal dive for all certification levels, from beginners to seasoned photographers looking for long bottom times in excellent light. Over the decades, the wreck has been thoroughly colonized by vibrant corals and is now home to a dense population of reef fish. Divers can expect to be surrounded by schools of snapper, fusiliers, and angelfish, and should keep an eye out for moray eels and scorpionfish hiding within the wreck's structure.

Marine Protected Area: Richards Bay Game Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Sodwana Bay

The warmest water temperatures in Sodwana Bay occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 25.2°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 21.1°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 20.6°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 23.3°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 24.6°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Sodwana Bay

Nearest Dive Centres to AURORA

Marine Life in Sodwana Bay

Home to 579 recorded species including 443 reef fish, 49 sharks & rays, 35 hard corals, 12 seagrass & algae, 8 crabs & lobsters, 7 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AURORA

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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 the Aurora wreck sites in Subic Bay?
The Aurora wreck, located in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, is typically found at a depth of 11 meters. Please note that this information pertains to the Aurora wreck in Sodwana Bay, not Subic Bay.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Aurora dive sites?
Divers exploring the Aurora wreck can expect to encounter the remains of a fishing vessel, which serves as the primary historical artifact. While specific marine life is not detailed, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species. For more general information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the Aurora wreck dives, and what skill level is required for them?
The Aurora wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. Divers should possess an appropriate certification level and experience suitable for intermediate dives to safely explore this site.
When is the best time of year to dive the Aurora wrecks in Subic Bay for optimal conditions?
Specific seasonal information for optimal diving conditions at the Aurora wreck in Sodwana Bay is not provided in our current data. For general guidance on diving seasons, you may consult our When to Dive section. Please note that the Aurora wreck is located in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, not Subic Bay.
What diving certifications are needed to explore the Aurora dive sites, especially for wreck penetration?
Given the Aurora wreck's intermediate difficulty, divers should hold a certification appropriate for such dives. While the wreck is described as showing a portion of its hull or superstructure, specific details regarding wreck penetration are not available. For any potential wreck penetration, specialized training and advanced certifications would be required.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions at the Aurora dive sites in Subic Bay?
Our current data does not provide specific information regarding typical currents or visibility conditions for the Aurora wreck in Sodwana Bay. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date conditions. Please remember that this site is in Sodwana Bay, South Africa.