Gordon’s Drop - 5 Mile Reef - Sodwana Bay

Le Canon is one of our favourites in Cousteau Reserve, and we think it's often overlooked for the more famous spots. Head north from Pointe d’Antigues and you’ll drop onto a sloping sandy bottom, usually with great visibility. The real draw here is the small arch, "la petite arche d’Antigues." It's not a grand cathedral arch, but a neat swim-through, just big enough to feel adventurous. Inside the arch, it’s often a bit cooler, a slight temperature drop that you feel immediately. We’ve seen barracuda resting in the shadow, their silver scales glinting, and sometimes school of squid hover in the entrance, pulsing gently. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into crevices along the arch walls. On the sandy plateau above, if you're good at spotting, you might find the namesake old cannon. It’s more of a curiosity than a grand wreck, often half-buried in the sand, but it’s a fun discovery. Beyond the arch, the reef undulates, offering plenty of space to poke around for red cushion sea stars and various brittle stars. Le Canon is a good fit for divers who appreciate a relaxed pace and enjoy exploring nooks and crannies. It’s less about grand vistas and more about the small, intricate details. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light catches the sand beautifully then, and the barracuda seem more active. The maximum depth of 20m makes it accessible for most, and currents are generally mild.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-27.493300, 32.695100
Type
cave

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 Gordon’s Drop - 5 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 Gordon’s Drop - 5 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