Five Mile Reef - Sodwana Bay

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.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-27.500000, 32.710000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
20-35m
Difficulty
Advanced

Marine Protected Area: iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area

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 Five Mile Reef

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 Five Mile Reef

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