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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef?
At Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef, divers can expect typical diving depths to range from approximately 24-26 meters. This flat reef section is located on the seaward side of 5 Mile Reef in Sodwana Bay.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef?
Divers exploring Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef will encounter a flat reef characterized by rocky outcrops interlaced with sandy areas. These outcrops provide excellent opportunities for sighting diverse marine life, including rare nudibranchs, lobster, and octopus.
How challenging is diving at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef, considering currents and overall difficulty?
Diving at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Divers should be comfortable with their skills to fully enjoy this site in Sodwana Bay.
What are the best times of year to dive Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best times of year for optimal conditions and marine encounters at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef is not available in the current data. For general guidance on seasonality, you can consult our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef?
The specific dive certifications recommended or required for Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef are not detailed in the provided data. Divers should always confirm requirements with their chosen dive operator in Sodwana Bay.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef?
At Gordon's Drop - 5 Mile Reef, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 17 meters. Information regarding the usual current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.