Sodwana Bay
Probably South Africa's most popular dive spot, on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Over 1200 species of fish are to be found on the various reefs which run parallel to the beach a few kilometres offshore. The various reefs vary in depth from a few metres to over 30 metres, with visibility up to 40 metres!

The incredible array of sea life you're likely to encounter includes shoals of Moorish Idols, Big-eyes and Snappers, with common sightings of Big potato Bass, Marbled Rays and other exciting species. Whale sharks, dolphins and sharks are also frequently spotted.

Sodwana can be dived throughout the year, but the best conditions are between April and September. Water temperatures range from 21 degrees at the least, but are usually between 24 and 28 degrees. Sodwana is approximately four hours drive from Durban.

Aliwal Shoal
Regarded as being one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, Aliwal Shoal is just 35 minutes drive from Durban, making it easily accessible.

The reef lies five kilometres offshore from Umkomaas, with depth ranging from five to 30 metres and deeper. There is an abundance of sea-life to be found, such as dolphins, manta rays, and even hump-backed whales. Aliwal Shoal is also home to the Ragged Tooth shark during their winter migration, during July to November. Although they may look frightening, they are relatively harmless to man and there have been no recorded attacks by "raggies" on scuba divers.

Protea Banks
This is a dive for the serious adventure seeker, as Protea Banks is known as one of the best places to dive with sharks. After a one-and-a-half hour drive south of Durban, Protea Banks is located eight kilometres offshore and the depth ranges between eight and 40 metres. The current of four or five knots means that only experienced divers are recommended for this site.

Various shark species can be seen including Zambezi, Tiger, Ragged tooth, Hammerhead, Bronze whalers, Threshers and the occasional Great White have all been found in this area.

Tsitsikamma National Park
The Tsitsikamma National Park was the first marine national park to be proclaimed in South Africa, and below the swells of the Indian Ocean you're likely to find a wonderland of marine life. The rocks are covered with typical invertebrate life such as starfish, sponges and mollusks. Because this is a protected area, many fish species, even deep water species, can be seen and at certain times of the year you may even come across Ragged Tooth sharks and Eagle rays.

Cape Town
Although many divers bemoan the cold water of Cape Town, it is the kelp beds that thrive in the cold water that give the coast such a rich diversity of sea life. Justin's Cave on the Atlantic side and Castle Rocks in False Bay are rated as some of the best. If you're boat-diving, the five wrecks (sunk deliberately between 1972 and 1983 to form artificial reefs) in Smitswinkel Bay are colourful and a haven for marine life.

If you're after a thrill, you can also dive in the predator tank at the Aquarium in Cape Town, where you can get up close and personal with ragged tooth sharks and a variety of large fish.

Wondergat
True to its name, Wondergat is a remarkable water filled sinkhole in dolomite rock that offers spectacular diving for anyone from Openwater diver to qualified Technical and Cave divers. Situated about 1460 metres above sea level, near Mafikeng in the North West Province, it's a popular inland diving site. About 90 metres by 70 metres wide on the surface, it descends to a maximum depth of up to 70 metres, depending on rainfall.

Wondergat is home to rare cave shrimps, fossilized and living stromatolites and a unique fish species known as the Banded Tilapia. There are many underwater overhangs, with one of the most famous known as The Wagon Wheels where you can take off your fins, inflate your BC jacket to obtain positive buoyancy and literally 'walk' upside down on the roof of the overhang.