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Diving Sites in South Africa

Top Diving Sites in South Africa

South Africa is not only known for its multicultural diversity, wildlife safaris, and many protected areas. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, rich marine wildlife, and amazing diving sites. Here are the top diving sites in South Africa.

False Bay

The southern side of the Cape Peninsula is called False Bay. False Bay is known as the ‘Serengeti of the seas’ for the diversity of its marine life which provides incredible scenes for divers. It is blessed by much warmer seas than the Atlantic coastal side of the peninsula making for pleasant bathing at its abundant beaches as well as more pleasant diving conditions. The climate in the Western Cape is typically Mediterranean and is usually warm and dry in the summer. False Bay offers divers such a variety that it is difficult to classify this coastline as any particular type of diving. Dive sites range vastly in bottom composition depending on where in False Bay you choose to dive. But since the water conditions in False Bay change on a daily basis, it is difficult to predict the best time to dive. Some of the dive sites in False Bay can only be reached by boat which launches from the closest harbor or from the closest launching ramp from the dive spot. Shops, restaurants, entertainment, fuel and medical care is readily available in False Bay,

Mabibi

Mabibi forms part of the Maputoland Coastal Forest Reserve and is located in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. It lies adjacent to Africa’s southern-most coral reefs making it the only tropical dive site in South Africa. Mabibi offers some of the best diving in South Africa, but it has gone largely unnoticed because of its remoteness. There are only two lodges in Mabibi with dive charters. Dives can be booked at the two lodges but it is not necessary to stay there. The dive spots are mostly situated on coral reefs with a variety of soft and hard corals. An assortment of different sceneries can be expected while diving in Mabibi.

The reefs offer a diversity of underwater seascapes including amazing flora, branching, table and plate corals, beautiful overhangs, drop-offs and mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Marine life mainly consists of tropical reef fish and pelagics. There are more than 1,200 species of fish on the reefs of Mabibi, including Moorish idols, parrot fish, blue surgeons and marble and manta rays. Lastly, there are no shops in the area so it is best to take everything along that you might need.

Aliwal Shoal

Aliwal Shoal is located about 50km south of Durban near the town of Umkomaas on KwaZulu Natal’s southern coastline. It is made up of an 80,000-year-old sandstone reef within a Marine Protected Area has dive sites to suit all levels. Aliwal Shoal is not just one of the top diving sites in South Africa, it is also recognized as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. It is famed for its shark sightings, including ragged-tooth sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerheads. It also offers sightings of Rays, Eels, Dolphins, Octopus, Reggie Scorpionfish, Paper fish, Frogfish, Pineapple fish, Turtles, Manta rays, Black Tip Reef sharks and many more. There are also a couple of fascinating wreck dives to explore.

Permits are necessary to dive in the Aliwal Shoal because it is now classed as a Marine Protected Area. These permits can be obtained at the nearest Post Office or at some dive charters.

Protea Banks

Protea Banks is a world-renowned shark-diving reef off the East Coast of South Africa since 1994. It is situated 7.5km straight out to sea off Shelly Beach. Shelly Beach is home to the well-known small craft harbor which is the focal point from which many varied ocean activities take place.

The presence of a great diversity of game fish in Protea attracts a wide variety of top predators seen in only a few places in the world. Protea Banks offers an exceptionally exciting shark dive. It also boasts sightings os fishes such as Tuna, Barracuda, Kingfish, Tropical Amberjack, Bonito, Prodigal Son to name a few. It is not only considered as one of the top diving sites in South Africa but it is also ranked amongst the top shark and game fish dives in the world. There are two distinct areas on which all the dive charters focus – Southern and Northern Pinnacles.

Sodwana Bay

Sodwana is situated in the Maputaland Marine Reserve and the only scuba diving area along the iSimangaliso Wetland Park coastline. There no doubt that this bay is one of the top diving sites in South Africa. The bay is famous for visits by endangered marine megafauna including whale sharks, great white sharks, hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, manta rays, orange-spotted groupers, potato cods, critically endangered leatherback turtles.

Sodwana Bay has a variety of reefs, depths and so much more to explore. There are reefs for everyone, from the newly qualified diver to the thrill-seeking technical diver. The reefs are named according to how far they are situated from Jesser Point: Quarter Mile, Two Mile, Five Mile, Seven Mile and Nine Mile. The most popular reef is Two Mile reef and many of the dive packages that you will buy from the charters occur there.

Free Diving

Free Diving: A Whole New World Underneath

Discover a whole new world with free diving.

It has always been a dream for most people to see what is in the sea. The depths of the unknown open ocean can seem mysterious and beautiful all at the same time. Exploring it is a challenge but with the right tools, you will be able to explore even the shallow depths where the exquisite corals lie. Then, let’s try free diving. Free diving or breath-hold diving is a form of underwater diving that relies on diver’s ability to hold their breath in the water until they resurface without the help of any breathing apparatus. This sport has been used for millions of years by our ancestors to find food and it is still used until by ethnic tribes like the Badjao in the Philippines who can hold their breath long enough to catch food or just swim in the open ocean. The thrill of going down as far as your body can reach and the adrenaline of seeing the breathtaking beauty of the dark sea is what this sport offers.

Things to remember:

Free diving has a lot of risks and it includes death. So, these are the things one has to remember to make this activity fun and safe.

Never Ever Dive Alone

Always remember, as a beginner you are still figuring out how this sports works and diving alone can be dangerous. A certified instructor will be your guide and your buddy during the learning stage. Professionals know that diving alone can be dangerous because of the many changes that the water can bring. A simple rule that everyone must follow: Do not dive alone.

Relax

Meditate and relax during a free diving session. This is important as not to lose valuable air as you are going underwater. If you are panicking before going down, your breathing will be faster and your muscles will tense up, thus, losing valuable oxygen. And instead of taking in just one long breath, you will only hyperventilate and not get enough air. Concentrate on your dive and do not think of anything else. Remember, to have a fun experience one must forget his worries and let go of his fears.

Learn

You won’t be diving alone so you will see everyone on how they do it. Learn from them. Don’t just read and watch on the internet, learn from real people and be the best you can be. Free diving is not only about trust with other people but also how you socialize with them.

Dive in Your Limits

As a beginner (or even a professional) always remember where is your end point. Your limit is important for you not to push too hard. Striving to be the best is good but always remember when you should stop so that you won’t be exposed to unnecessary risks.

Equipment

The best equipment is the ones that can help you with your breathing. From masks to snorkels and fins, these are things that are easy to obtain and important in your dive.

Breathing Exercises

The most important thing about free diving is your ability to conserve the amount of oxygen you already have until you are able to get back to the surface. Always take breathing exercises to get the right technique on how to conserve that precious oxygen.

Stretch

Before any strenuous activity, stretch. Giving your body time to ready itself for the dive makes it easier to take the strain and reduce the stress of it after the dive.
Have fun.

Once you achieved going into the depths, take time to admire the beauty that is underneath that you don’t get to see every day. From its fascinating corals to the many creatures you can see, you will definitely be at awe in the wonders of mother nature.

There are many places that you can go to free dive. An open ocean can be a great start but for a better and breathtaking dive try in Cape Town, South Africa which is regarded as the top free diving site. In this site, there are two oceans to choose from, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean which has a lot of life that you can admire on.

What are you waiting for? Have fun and admire the vast ocean with free diving.

How To Safely Experience Free Diving in Cape Town

Why would people torture themselves and test their bodies how far they can go diving into the deep blue sea? Why not strap a scuba tank and go as far as they want to delve the secrets of the ocean? You might have similar questions when you see people free diving, or you might just want to experience it yourself.

Free diving or apnea, is an exercise of breath where a diver submerges into a body of water on a single breath of air. Historically, free diving has been ongoing for millennia, either to gather food and other resources like sponges, corals, and pearls. Nowadays, contemporary freediving is also considered as competitive athletic watersports.

When learning to free dive, it is important to understand the inherent risk involved and get to dive safely with a professional instructor and to never, ever decide to free dive on your own. Below are some safety tips for you while learning freediving.

-Select your partner. The most important rule in your freediving adventure is never to do it alone. Next is not to dive at the same time as the other diver. Your partner will faithfully watch the jump line for the free diver who must follow the line at all times.

-Never free dive when you just finished scuba diving. You are at a higher risk of nitrogen depletion in your tissues after a scuba dive. It may lead to decompression sickness when you decide to subsequently ascent during an ensuing free dive. Wait for at least twelve hours before you schedule your next freediving activity.

-Check your weight. Always check the weight of your diving suits if you are correctly weighted. A good rule of thumb is to attain natural buoyancy at fifteen meters.

-Do not “ride” your eardrum’s flexibility. Equalize in your descent about every three meters only. Also, never force your equalization. If a failed attempt happens, never force it. Aborting the dive may be your next safe step.

-Estimate sea conditions before diving. Make a complete dive plan. Every diver in a particular dive line should know what the other divers are doing, warm-ups, deep dives, etc. Know who is doing safety for whom and at what time. In the event of emergencies, plan what you are going to do. Sea conditions, water visibility, temperature, distance, current, and swell are some other factors to consider.

Cape Town, South Africa is regarded as the top freediving location for recreational activities globally. Whether you are a beginner or a pro at doing free dives, you will enjoy the mesmerizing experience in your diving expeditions in Cape Town’s two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Seeing firsthand the underwater kelp forest, enormous granite boulders, an array of underwater caves and caverns, even freediving with hundreds of seals eyeing your flippers.

There are many options for you when you decide to experience free diving in Cape Town. But make sure to complete the courses first if you are a beginner and let your instructor determine if you are now ready to see the beauty of the ocean through freediving.

The Joys Of SUP Paddling in Cape Town

Thinking about SUP paddling in Cape Town? Well, you are in the right place then!

SUP paddling is all about making sure you are getting into the water and learning from experts who have been able to help many others experience what takes place.

Set things up and know you will have the time of your life as soon as you enter the water with the expert. You will adore the experience and how it creates magical moments for you and your loved ones.

Here is more on SUP paddling in the region for those who want to have a great time.

Rentals

When you come in, you will be able to find SUP rentals that are going to ensure you have everything you need to get started. This is key for those who want to make sure they are on the right path and wish to have a lot of fun with what they are doing.

If you wish to make the most of the rentals you have in front of you, this will be a great starting point.

The rentals are affordable, fair, and fun for those who are getting started for the first time in Cape Town.

Beautiful Location

It starts and ends with the location because Cape Town is one of those places that is going to blow you away due to its picturesque nature.

Even for those who reside in the region, it is one of those things that continues to give back.

It is an incredible experience and one that is going to become even better in such a magical place.

Cape Town has a lot to offer, and it has, even more, to provide in the water when you are SUP paddling around after learning how to make the most of your time.

SUP Lessons

What about learning how to paddle before you get started in the water?

Will you be able to learn or will you have to teach yourself how to make things better?

You will not have to teach yourself! Try SUP Lessons.

You will learn from experts who are going to tell you what to do every step of the way, and that is what matters with SUP paddling.

You will be able to learn everything that has to be considered while you are jumping into the water and that is going to win you over as soon as you get started.

Take these lessons and know you’ll learn a lot.

Fun

The one thing that is a given with this experience is how fun it is going to be when you get started, and that is what matters most.

Those who are looking to have a very good time are going to put this at the top of the list.

You are going to have a great time SUP paddling, and that is what matters when you are heading to the region and looking to get into the water as much as possible.

The beauty of Cape Town starts to come out more and more when you head down this path.

Cape Town is magnificent, and you are going to realize this as soon as you head into the beautiful weather for the first time. SUP paddling is one of those things that you are going to enjoy for a long time to come, and you will know it is the real deal.

Those who are serious about having a wonderful time in Cape Town have to put SUP paddling on their list as soon as they get the chance because it doesn’t get better than this!

You are going to have a very good time.

Best Places To Go Scuba Diving In Mauritius

Are you thinking about going scuba diving in Mauritius this year? It is an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is known for so many things including underwater reefs, lagoons and breathtaking beaches. It can provide you with beautiful sunrises and sunsets as well. There is a mountainous interior which is part of a National Park. In that park, you can find hiking trails, waterfalls, and a beautiful rain forest. You can see different types of animals including its famous flying fox. But what it is also very well known for his the scuba diving that you can do while you are there. Here are the best places to go SCUBA diving in Mauritius if you get a chance to head over to this island nation.

Why Scuba Dive At Mauritius

If you have decided to go SCUBA diving this year, perhaps for your first time, one place that you should start is Mauritius. It is a destination that has a multitude of places to dive, affording you the ability to see that beautiful barrier reef which nearly encircles the entire island. It is because of this that there are many shallow lagoons that are perfect for beginners, and deeper areas for people that are more experienced. There are caverns and crevices, and a multitude of different aquatic animals that you will see including dolphins, humpback whales, and even a couple shark sightings from time to time.

North Coast Diving At Mauritius

Coin de Mire and Flat Island are perhaps the most well-known areas on the north portion of the island. There are sheer walk walls which are hundreds of feet high. You will be able to see parrot fish, dog tooth tuna, and even barracuda in the water. From there you can add to Gunner’s Coin Island which is a place where you can see manta rays and turtles in abundance. You can also dive down to see the Djabeda Wreck, something that you may need a little bit more experience to actually get to but it is well worth it.

West Coast Diving At Mauritius

Cathedrale is the first place you should begin and is actually one of the most popular dive sites on the island itself. The walls underneath the water look very much like a cathedral, and it provide you with a lot of coral that you can see and beautiful fish. You may also see hammerhead sharks, stonefish, lionfish, and many others that are absolutely breathtaking. Boulders is the other area which is very popular with its volcanic basalt rocks, huge coral heads, and it makes for perfect underwater photography.

These are just a few ideas to consider if you are going to travel into Mauritius this year. It’s a place that really has no equal. It’s designed literally for people that enjoy scuba diving, and can really appreciate all of the underwater beauty that can be seen. You should be able to book a trip to the island very easily. It is just over 20° south latitude making it a very warm place to be. If you haven’t been here before, definitely consider a SCUBA diving expedition into the beautiful waters that surround Mauritius and discover why so many people come back year after year.

The Top Three Diving Spots In Greece And Why You Want To Visit Them

Greece is a great place to visit if you’re going to travel the world, and that’s without going diving. Then if you start taking a look at the top diving spots in Greece, you’re going to see some magnificent pictures and scenery. That’s before you see what’s underwater. And that’s not all folks. You get to look at all the cool reasons and things that can happen when you go scuba diving at one of the top spots in Greece.

You will hear things like you get to meet Poseidon, but let’s get real here for a minute. What else will you get to do while you are diving in Greece? You can possibly find all kinds of cool treasures, and you can visit ancient ruins. You are going to see all kinds of cliffs and even volcanic caves. Or, how would you like to dive the dome? It is going to be a great experience, but you still need to know the top three dive sites and maybe a bonus.

First up is Chios Island, which is a special place indeed. You’ve heard of the Aegean Sea, right? This is a great dive spot in Greece, and if you look at the Greek Islands altogether, Chios Island ranks 5th in size. You have heard of the Great Wall of China, but now you are going to find the Great Wall underwater, a huge cliff and that’s not all. There is also corral, and now you have plenty of reasons for why this diving spot is definitely one of the best in Greece. There is much more to know about Chios Island, too.

The next spot is an uninhabited Greek island. Does that sound adventurous enough for you? It sounds like an adventure to me, and the island is called Marathonisi, also referred to as Turtle Island, due to its shape. That’s not the only thing this island has to do with turtles though. It’s known for being home to enormous sea turtles, loggerhead turtles. Reviews say that you will also see moray eels and flying fish.

There is going to be one more featured diving site in Greece, #3 on the list. It is Dragonisi Island Caverns. This diving spot is evidently even more popular these days given there are less restrictions diving when you visit the Greek islands. How do you visit an uninhabited island anyway? Good luck with that one. All joking aside, you will find out how to get there easily enough if you choose that diving spot in Greece.

Where else in the world have you been diving? If you are a diver, you know Greece ranks up there with the best of them when it comes to countries and dive sites. Isn’t this going to be the most amazing diving vacation that you’ve ever taken? You can always go back for more, too, as there is plenty more to learn about those dive sites and others. One more thing because I said I was going to give you a bonus pick. The 4th choice for diving locations could be Shinaria Beach.

The Four Best Scuba Diving Countries In The World

Are you a fan of scuba diving? This is one of the most exciting hobbies that a person can have. Many people get into this after trying snorkeling, and decide that they would like to spend more time in the water. If you have never done this before, it is highly recommended that you take lessons on scuba diving so that you can get a feel for how this is done. It may require you to travel to several different places in the world, but this will allow you to see beautiful countries all over the earth and also enjoy the scuba diving that is available. Here are the top four top scuba diving countries in the world that you may want to visit.

Barracuda Point, Malaysia

If you do get to travel over to Malaysia, one of the best places to go is Barracuda Point. This is located at Sipadan Island. As with many of the places that scuba diving this popular, it tends to be in a tropical location where the waters are warm enough to see beautiful fish and coral reefs. There is a literal wall of coral that you will see under the water. You will get to see many different types of fish including sharks. You will also see turtles, parrot fish, and many others that will absolutely astound you while you are in the water.

The Yongala, Australia

This is a location that is right off the coast of Queensland which is to be expected because this is where the Great Barrier Reef is located. you are going to see turtles, sea snakes, bull sharks, and a multitude of different fish that will swim in enormous groups. This is also a place where you can see the Yongala which is a shipwreck after which this places named. Despite the tragedy, it is simply a beautiful place that you can visit if you really want to do some excellent scuba diving.

Blue Corner Wall, Palau, Micronesia

Micronesia is one of these unique locations in the Pacific Ocean which has incredible Nan Madol which is an ancient ruin that was created thousands of years ago. There are wonderful places to go surfing, and you can also enjoy snorkeling, and spending time on the beach at Nett Point. However, if you want to do scuba diving, Blue Corner Wall in Palau is the place to be. You are going to see beautiful coral reefs, mantis shrimp and morays which are absolutely incredible fish that will just be swimming by.

Great Blue Hole, Belize

Of all of the places you can visit, you definitely have to go to Belize. This is a destination that will absolutely astound you. Not only are there ancient ruins of pyramid temples close by, it also offers some of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the world. Great Blue Hole. This is an absolutely enormous sinkhole off the coast, located at the center of a small atoll. It is absolutely beautiful, going down over 100 m, and is 300 m in diameter. It can be seen from the air, and is even more wonderful when you get to go in. It’s one of the most popular dive spots in the world for people that like scuba diving, and it will certainly become one of your favorites.

These are just a few ideas for you to consider if you would like to start scuba diving, or if you would like to go to places that are absolutely breathtaking. Not only is the scuba diving great, but you will have all of these other activities that you can do in these countries which are popular vacation spots for people all over the world. Scuba diving is a way of getting to relax, allowing you to see parts of the world that are simply not available if you are spending most of your time on land. If you can book a trip to any of these locations, or even all of them, it is going to make your experience this year with scuba diving one of your best ever.