20-35m
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    Sodwana Bay, South Africa
    iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area

    Five Mile Reef

    Best months: Dec–Apr

    Protected Area

    iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area

    Why dive here

    With 558+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blacktip reef sharks, blue sharks, blue-spotted stingrays and bull sharks - Five Mile Reef 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 20-35m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Five Mile Reef isn't for the faint-hearted, dropping down to 35 metres, sometimes more if you're chasing that elusive coelacanth rumour. It’s an advanced dive, for sure, with currents that can keep you on your toes, but that’s also why it’s so good. We love the sheer scale of the coral structures here, massive bommies and overhangs that feel ancient. You’ll find yourself sharing the space with whitetip reef sharks gliding through, and the walls are thick with flowerpot coral, which is just stunning. Our favourite part is always spotting the less common stuff – the Comettailed wrasse zipping past, or a Chestnut Blenny peering out from its hidey-hole. Keep an eye out for the Snakehead Cowrie, too, they’re usually tucked away. The schools of Silver Bream can be enormous, a flashing wall of silver in the blue. It’s a dive that rewards patience and a keen eye, perfect for those who’ve logged a few hours and are ready for something a bit more substantial than the shallower sites. Come prepared for a proper deep dive, and you won’t be disappointed.

    Typical Five Mile Reef Dive Profile

    10m20mSafety Stop0m20m max~30 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

    Depth of 20m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

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

    Today05:1817:5512h 37m daylightGolden hour 17:24

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Five Mile Reef

    Five Mile Reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Five Mile Reef, 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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