PILOT VESSEL 120 - Sodwana Bay

The Pilot Vessel 120 is one of those sites we always recommend, especially for a relaxed second dive. At a mere 7 metres, it’s a brilliant, easygoing wreck dive and fantastic for photographers keen on getting long bottom times. The history itself is a bit of a mystery, but what we know is this pilot boat, lost off Mozambique in 1980, somehow ended up here, broken and scattered across the sand. You’ll find its remains spread over a fairly wide area, meaning there’s plenty to explore without feeling confined. We love the way the light filters down onto the scattered sections, illuminating the clouds of juvenile snapper and the occasional lionfish lurking in the shadows. Look closely in the crevices and you’ll often spot moray eels, their heads peeking out, curious about divers. It’s not a dramatic upright wreck, more a collection of interesting pieces now heavily encrusted with soft corals, attracting all sorts of smaller reef fish. Visibility here tends to be excellent, often reaching 20 metres or more, making the exploration even more rewarding.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-25.916666, 32.833332
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

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 PILOT VESSEL 120

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 PILOT VESSEL 120

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