Teddy Bears - Sodwana Bay

Wharewaka Point is a straightforward shore dive near Goat Island, offering a convenient setup for a relaxed afternoon. You’ve got easy access from a grassy area, right into a sandy, stony bottom that gradually slopes deeper. The dive generally follows a gentle wall, sometimes silty, with a max depth of 16 meters. Visibility averages around 8 meters, making it a good spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy-going dip. We've often seen schools of demoiselles flickering around, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a flounder camouflaged on the sand. Look out for the resident cormorants drying their wings on the rocks nearby too. It's a nice, low-key option when the easterlies are light, under 8 knots.

Location
Sodwana Bay, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-27.498300, 32.688000
Type
wall

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 Teddy Bears

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 Teddy Bears

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 depth range for diving at the Teddy Bears dive site?
The Teddy Bears dive site offers a maximum depth of 19m, making it suitable for a range of recreational divers. This depth allows for ample bottom time to explore the unique reef features and marine life.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Teddy Bears?
Divers at Teddy Bears can expect to encounter impressive underwater features, including huge plate corals resembling picnic tables. The site is teeming with marine life, featuring schools of various Fusiliers and big schools of Blue Banded Snapper. It's also a special spot where Two Tone Wrasse have been observed cleaning fish over the plate coral.
How challenging is the Teddy Bears dive site for recreational divers?
The Teddy Bears dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty for recreational divers. This suggests that while it's not overly challenging, divers should have some experience and comfort in varying conditions.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at Teddy Bears for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year or season for optimal diving conditions at the Teddy Bears dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific certifications required to dive at the Teddy Bears site?
The provided data does not specify any particular certifications required to dive at the Teddy Bears site. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for sites within recreational depth limits, but always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Teddy Bears dive site?
The Teddy Bears dive site boasts an average visibility of 14m, offering clear views of the vibrant reef and marine life. Details regarding usual current conditions are not specified in the available information.