LICUNGO - Sodwana Bay

Licungo, sitting at a comfortable 10m, isn’t about big pelagics or endless reef. This is a proper wreck dive, even if she’s broken up. She went down in 1971, a 77m Mozambican carrier, and time, plus the Indian Ocean, has really done a number on her. What’s left, though, is absolutely fascinating. We love exploring the scattered plates and twisted metal, imagining what she once was. You’ll find schools of snapper and fusiliers weaving through the debris, and we’ve often spotted honeycomb morays tucked into the darker crevices. The bow section is the most intact part, still recognisable, and it’s a brilliant spot to find lionfish swaying gently. Because it’s so shallow, you get fantastic bottom time, making it great for newer wreck divers or photographers who want to really take their time. Our favourite time to dive Licungo is early morning, before any surge picks up, when the light filters beautifully through the water and illuminates the structure. Just keep an eye on the surge if there's been any strong wind, as it can really kick up the sand.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-25.958334, 32.533333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

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 LICUNGO

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 LICUNGO

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