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Diving in Durban

This article is intended to provide the already qualified Scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Durban, South Africa, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Climate, weather and sea conditions
Diving off Durban is affected by prevailing winds and the run off from the Umgeni river, the Harbour mouth and the Umlass Cutting on the Bluff which can affect visibility in the rainy season (spring: Sept – Dec).

With the damming of the Umgeni River at Inanda, reducing the run off considerably, the visibility directly off central Durban on the Number One Reef system has steadily improved over the years. However, the run off from the harbour entrance and Umlaas canal do still affect visibility in the immediate vicinity of their mouths and careful monitoring of prevailing weather conditions is required to make the best choice of dive site on the day.

The south-westerly wind is generally associated with cold fronts off Durban. This wind is directly responsible for bringing in the clear waters of the warm Mozambique current. The low rainfall and prevailing south-westerlies make winter the best time to dive Durban (March though to July).

Check out Windfinder forecast for Durban in order to get up to the hour weather forecasts for Durban.

Get help
Emergency services

Do

 * Durban Undersea Club

Service details

 * Scuba diving club. Equipment rental for non members diving with the club, air and Nitrox fills for members and public. PADI diver training (Open water, Advanced and Rescue), Club dives.
 * Hours: Season (16 dec to 9 Jan): Bar M-F 10:00-20:00, Sa Su hol 09:30-20:00; Kitchen M Tu W 09:00 to 15:00, Th F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su hol 08:00 to 16:00. Open New Year's eve through New Year's day, closed Christmas day.
 * Off season: M closed. Office 09:00-15:00, Tu W closed. Th (club night) Office 09:00-18:00, Kitchen 13:00-20:30, Bar 13:00-late. F Office 09:00-15:00, Kitchen 12:00-20:00, Bar 12:00-20:00, Sa Office 09:00-15:00, Kitchen 08:00-16:00, Bar 09:00-20:00, Su hol Office 09:00 -15:00, Kitchen 08:00-16:00, Bar 09:00 to 20:00

Understand:

 * This section of reef includes the features known as Bikini reef, Caves, Big Cave , Birthday Ledges
 * This area of reef derives its name from the large amount of blood and offal that clouded the water during the days of the whaling off Durban.
 * The reefs lie close to shore on the Bluff in relatively shallow water.

 * Position: — Near the Bluff
 * Depth: — 14 to 18m
 * Topography: — The dive sites are in areas of the reef structure where the sandstone bedrock has been eroded to form ledges and caves.

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at Vetch's Pier

See

 * Marine life and features: — The reef supports a variety of corals and fish life with some of the more interesting finds being the Leafy scorpion fish, the Pineapple fish, Banded pipefish, and frog fish. Under the ledges one often finds the Flap-nose hound shark, morays and turtles. From July through to the September, divers can encounter Ragged tooth Sharks as they follow their annual migration through to the warmer northern reefs of Sodwana and its surrounds.

Suggested Routes

 * — A ledge that runs perpendicular to the shore in 18m of water off the Water Tower on the Bluff. There are two caves in the area. The one which is large with an opening in the roof is the one that is of interest as it is home to Raggies as they migrate up and down the coast. There are gullies and holes that are home to Flap-nose hound sharks, Frog fish, Paper fish, Moray eels, cleaner shrimp, Razor fish and pipefish.
 * This is an interesting section of reef that can be reached by swimming from Birthday ledges. If you see striped grunter, look under the ledges in the area as there is sure to be a hound shark resting there.
 * Depth: — 15 to 18 m

 * — A sandstone ledge that faces out to sea. It is approximately 14m on the top of the ledge and 18m at its deepest. The Birthday Ledges is situated off “the fence” off the Bluff. The dive starts with a cave. Swimming north, with the ledge at your left shoulder you will encounter gullies and little holes.
 * This is the premier dive spot on the Bluff and was discovered by one of the local divers on his birthday in 2002 — hence the name!
 * Frog fish, Paper fish, Raggy scorpion fish, Broad barred lionfish, Moorish idols, turtles, pipe fish, Emperor angel fish, Semi-circle angel fish, Potato bass and Pineapple fish can be seen here. The top of the reef is covered by red thistle coral and there are various hard corals and tube-worms.
 * Take your time on this reef! The more time you spend on the reef the more you will see.
 * Depth: — 14 to 18 m

 * — One of the oldest dive spots on the Bluff. The Caves is situated off the two pillars of the old Bluff whaling station. The cave entrance opens up into a large vault. The vault then opens up into a tunnel which opens up into another smaller vault. The tunnel, which has no light penetrating the roof, has been roped by Durban Underwater Club divers.
 * There are eel catfish, sweepers, crayfish, Natal sea-catfish and the odd lion-fish and turtle that inhabit the cave.
 * This dive is not for every diver. If you have wanted to do cave diving, the Caves will give you an idea if you are claustrophobic or not. It is not advisable to dive this reef if there is a large swell running as the surge can knock divers about in the cave. Get your buoyancy right, have a powerful torch and be aware that there is a roof stopping you from doing an emergency ascent. Divers can exit the system at the end of the tunnel where there are two exits. One is an easy exit through the hole the roof, the other requires a bit of a crawl and shouldn’t be attempted unless you have been trained in diving in overhead environments.
 * The dive master will generally tie a marker buoy up at the entrance to the cave and retrieve it at the end of the dive. Be sure to take your DSMB in case you exit at the other end of the system if you are unable to navigate back to the marker buoy.
 * Position: — S 29°53.800'  E 31°03.000'
 * Depth: 13 to 10 m

 * — This reef was discovered by one of the pioneers of diving off Durban – Rikki Schick. This area has the biggest variety of both hard and soft corals and sponges on the Bluff.
 * The reef does not have dramatic topography — but the whip corals, coral trees, vase sponges, hard corals and thistle corals are the highlight of this reef.
 * Weedy scorpion fish, Razor fish, Paper fish and the Flap-nose hound shark are some of the interesting finds on this reef. Get your buoyancy right, get a powerful torch and get ready to scratch around!
 * Position: —
 * Depth: 15m to 18m

 * — Two caves and lengths of anchor chain. Also known as Faultline. The site runs parallel to the shore for about 200 m.
 * Position: — S29°54.60, E31°03.10' (unconfirmed) Opposite the water tower to the south of Blood Reef
 * Depth: — 18 to 23 m

 * — So named because of the Harlequin Goldie that inhabits this reef.
 * The reef could actually be a wreck - potentially an old concrete barge. The reef looks like a bread loaf sitting on the sand. There is a large anchor and chain.
 * This dive can only be attempted in perfect conditions – good visibility and no current are prerequisites. It is one of the few dive sites in the world where you can see the Harlequin Goldie.
 * A deep dive that should only be attempted by the experienced, trained and adventurous diver. H-valves on cylinder, bailout cylinders (redundancy focus) and an Advanced Nitrox course are recommended qualifications / equipment needed for this dive.
 * The Harlequin Goldie (Pseudanthias conneli) is endemic to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This uncommon goldie was thought to only inhabit wrecks off KZN. The fish has however been encountered on reef off the Bluff (Harlequin Reef), No.1 Reef and a few isolated reefs in the Phumula/Rocky Bay area of KZN south Coast.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 30 m to 35 m

 * — A flat section of reef with small pinnacles creating a few interesting overhangs.
 * Position: — South of Caves
 * Depth: 10 to 14m
 * Conditions: — The reef is fairly shalloew and will be affected by surge if there is a swell running – best dived in calm conditions when the swell period is low.

 * — Raised formations at the north end of a fault line.
 * Position: — S29°53.80' E31°04.40' (unconfirmed)
 * Depth: — 18m

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — Strong currents may occur
 * Skills: — Skills and qualifications appropriate to the planned dive profile are required
 * Equipment: — Surface marker buoys or DSMBs are recommended for all the routes at this site.

Understand:

 * The Coopers Light wreck, lying off the bluff at 29 m, is Durban’s most interesting wreck in the recreational divers' range. There has been much speculation over the years as to her true name and the reason she languishes on the seabed. At a length of 77 m, she is not a small vessel and it is strange there are no records of her sinking. Her origins are British and it is likely that she was scuttled after one of the world wars as ships that were commandeered by the navy were often not returned to their pre-war owners. Shell holes in one of her boilers indicate that she didn’t go down quietly.
 * Today she plays matron to a myriad of fish species and although not an easy dive due to the prevailing currents she offers an exciting dive to both fish lovers and historical buffs.
 * Position: — S29°57.474', E31&deg00.824', south-east of the Cooper lighthouse. Between the Umlaas cutting and Brighton beach.
 * Depth: — 25 to 30 m

Get in

 * Boat dive — approximately ??km from launch site at Vetch's Pier

See

 * Marine life and features: — The Harlequin Goldie – a species of goldie that is endemic to KZN steals the show here. Juvenile angel and butterfly fish, scorpion fish, paper fish, lion fish, eels and coral banded shrimps are all here in abundance.
 * Photography: — This wreck is a good site for photography – the propeller, the rudder and the bow present excellent wide angle opportunities.
 * Suggested Routes: — The size of this wreck makes it possible to view the entire wreck in one dive. However air and decompression are your limitations, and should be closely monitored on this dive. The wreck is dived on a shot line. The skipper will hook onto the wreck using an anchor that is attached by line to a buoy (shot line). Divers will descend on the line onto the wreck. At this point you have two options for a dive plan. One option is to return back to the shot line at 125bar, in which case take care to assess the current and visibility, as you don’t want to run out of air before making it back to the shot line. The other option is for the divemaster to send up a deploy buoy for the members of the group to ascend on. The benefit of using a deploy buoy is that you can ascend from anywhere on the wreck when you reach 50 bar.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — No site specific hazards reported. Running out of air, and going into decompression are the major risks to consider on this dive.
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended. Certification should be appropriate to the depth
 * Equipment: — No special equipment recommended

Understand:

 * Position: — about 1/3 km off Umdhloti tidal pool
 * Depth: — 15 to 18 m
 * Conditions: — Best dived early before the wind gets up in summer.

Get in:

 * Boat dive from ?? or shore dive through the surf.

See

 * Marine life and features:Sponges, soft corals and mushroom corals on the reef, and skates and rays are sometimes seen on the sand near the reef

Stay safe:

 * Hazards: — The surf may build up and be a problem on return from a shore dive. Check the surf forecasts.
 * Skills: — No special diving skills required, but good fitness is recommended for shore dives.
 * Equipment: — No special equipment recommended.

Understand:

 * One of three vessels sunk in 1990 as artificial reefs by the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) on the 8th of August 1991.
 * Position: — S 29°44.576'  E 31°05.749'  The wreck is situated about 2 km off Umhlanga rocks and about 1/2 km south of the Umhlanga light and lies upright on a sandy bottom.
 * Depth: — 15 to 27 m
 * Topography and structure: — The Fontao was a prawn trawler that was 34.5m long, 8m wide and 13.5m high. The ship is mostly intact, except for the wheelhouse, which has broken off and now lies on the sand. It is possible to penetrate this wreck, however these penetrations are characteristically very restricted.
 * Conditions: — The wreck swarms with bait fish which can restrict visibility on the wreck.

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at ??

See

 * Marine life and features: —

 * Suggested Routes: — This wreck is generally dived with a shot line. Diving this wreck as a group can be difficult - the penetration aspect and bait fish characteristics of this wreck, make it important to stick to the buddy pair system.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — The aspect of penetration, as well as the restricted visibility due to the vast amount of bait fish, should be considered when diving this wreck.
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended. DMs should note the number of divers on board and divers should note the name of the boat they are on as this wreck can get busy.
 * Equipment: — Make sure that you or your buddy has a DSMB in order to ensure that you ascend on a buoy line in the event of not being able to ascend with the group.

Understand:

 * This wreck has not revealed any clues as to how it came to rest in this part of the ocean.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 22 m
 * Topography: — The vessel lies upright on its hull in the sand. The vessel is approximately 25 m in length with not much structure remaining.
 * Conditions: — The wreck is best dived in calm conditions. The small size of the wreck makes this a difficult dive in a strong current

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at ??

See

 * Marine life and features: — At the bow there are anchors and chain. Unfortunately the coach house has been ripped off, either by a large swell or through the recent dredging activity in the area. Paper fish, eels, bait fish, bat fish, angel and butterfly fish can all be seen here.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — No site specific hazards reported. Strong currents may make it difficult to stay at the wreck
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended
 * Equipment: — No special equipment recommended

Understand:

 * The Kate was discovered by the diving fraternity as her depth at 63 m kept her beyond most divers’ limits. Starting life as a dredger along the South African coastline she was converted into a freighter in the employ of CG Smith Ltd and used on the Durban/Mauritius run for several years. Her end came on 18 March 1931 when she was towed to her current location and scuttled.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 63 m
 * Topography and structure: — Today, although still intact she has lost all her woodwork and has reverted back to her dredging days looks.

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at Vetch's Pier

See

 * Marine life and features: —

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — Hazards related to extended depth range and decompression.
 * Skills: — Technical dive for Trimix open circuit and re-breather divers only
 * Equipment: — Trimix equipment including decompression gas is required. Bailout procedures should be planned for contingencies.

Understand:

 * The wreck called the Kaidie lies very close to the Kate in the same depth of water. Whether this is her real name is under doubt. There are recorded reports of a wreck by this name being depth-charged by the Navy in the early 1940s as it was interfering with the Royal Navy’s submarine asdic.

This vessel has definitely been subjected to depth-charging as she is in several pieces and the evidence of explosions is obvious. She has only been visited twice by divers and it is hoped that in the future a more detailed history will emerge.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 63 m

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at ??

See

 * Marine life and features: —

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — Hazards related to extended depth range and decompression.
 * Skills: — Technical dive for re-breather and Trimix divers only
 * Equipment: — Trimix equipment including decompression gas is required. Bailout procedures should be planned for contingencies.

Understand:

 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 3 m on the top to 7 m on the bottom.
 * Topography: — This reef runs parallel to the shore. The reef is transected by the very end of Vetches’ Pier and extends in a north-easterly direction. As with most of the reefs off Durban, this is a ledge dive. The top of reef is flat and sits at 3m below the surface. At its mid section the ledge is at about 3m.

Get in

 * Shore dive — Enter on the outside of Vetch’s until you reach a pole approximately 3m long. Swim across the sand and you will reach Limestone.

See

 * Marine life and features: — There are a few holes and crevices that require close inspection – there are often Coral Banded Shrimps, Lion fish, juvenile angel and butterfly fish. In the summer months after the Umgeni has flooded, an observant diver can find golf balls which have been hit into the river from Windsor Golf Course.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — If you are snorkelling, make sure you are fit and that you are not diving with a fin with a stiff blade. Swimming on the surface for long distances can result in cramp. If you are doing a scuba dive, make sure you return back to shore upon reaching half your SPG pressure so as not run out of air –it is no fun having to swim back to shore on the surface in full scuba kit.
 * Skills: — No special skills required.
 * Equipment: — Always dive this reef with a marker buoy! Limestone is one of the reefs fisherman visit to catch live bait. Always carry a snorkel when scuba diving on this reef.

Understand

 * No.1 reef is an offshore rocky reef about 5 km out to sea – It includes the features known as Nev's ledge, Raggies, Bat Reef, Daves Cave and the infrequently dived "Yardingdale" mark
 * This area of reef derives its name from fisherman who consider this the No.1 fishing spot of Durban. Although this reef is extensive, most of the diving takes place to the South of the Bell Buoy that demarcates the shipping lane and entrance to the harbour.

 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 20 to 30 m
 * Topography: —
 * Conditions: — This is the most consistent and most dramatic dive site off Durban with 10m drop offs, immense caves and variety of reef and pelagic fish, corals and marine artefacts.

Get in

 * Boat dive — appriximately ??km from launch area at ??

See

 * Marine life and features: — Mantas, Eagle rays, electric rays, Butterfly rays, Swordfish, marlin, king fish, baardman, Daga salmon, Frog-fish, Paper-fish, Tiger angelfish, Zambezi sharks, Black tip sharks, Copper sharks, Guitar-fish , Whip gobies , Fire gobies, lizard-fish are just some of the fish you are likely to encounter at No.1 on any dive.
 * Black Coral trees – some over 2 m tall, whip corals, fan corals, tiger anemones and strawberry anemones colonise the reef and host invertebrates and small fish.
 * Marine artefacts such as huge ships anchors and chains, rudders, and ammunition lie scattered on the reef.

Suggested Routes

 * Artillery Reef: — Artillery shells from the dump are sporadically encountered here... look on the sand and inside the cracks and crevices. This is one of the areas of No.1 Reef where you can swim in any direction and find some interesting reef. The ammunition that is found in this area is from the ammunition dumping ground off the Bluff. If you find a shell it is advisable to let it be as most the ammunition that was dumped is unexploded!
 * Depth: — 25 to 30 m

 * Nev's Ledge: — The ledge begins with a 8m drop off and opens up into a mini amphitheatre which holds an old Danforth anchor and a rudder. There are a number of caves and swim-throughs along the ledge. The Raggy scorpion fish, pipe fish, razor fish and Flap-nose hound sharks, along with incredible topography are the reasons you would do this dive.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 20 to 30 m

 * Raggies: — This is a large ledge that has been under-cut to form two large caves. The caves are often inhabited by Ragged Tooth sharks as they migrate up and down the eastern coastline of SA. There is an anchor chain that runs parallel to the entire ledge. The Frog fish, Tiger angel fish, lizard fish, Whip gobies and Ragged tooth sharks are why you want to dive this section of the reef.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 22 m on the top of the ledge and 30 m on the sand

 * Bat cave: — This reef is a pinnacle that extends like a large finger from 27 m. Wrapped around the pinnacle is an anchor chain with the anchor out on the sand. The pinnacle is surrounded by gullies and caves that host a large variety of butterfly fish, wrasse, goldies, angelfish and clown trigger fish. There is also a large population of bat fish here –hence the name. Look out for whip gobies, Long-nose hawk fish and crabs in the Black coral trees.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: 22 m on the top and 27 m on the sand
 * Conditions: — Best dived in calm conditions – whereas a drift dive on No.1 is always exciting, a strong current will not allow you to get where you want to be.

 * Dave's Cave: — An isolated reef that juts out of the sand. The isolated nature of this reef makes for intense concentration of pelagic and tropical fish. This is one of the southernmost sections of reef dived on No.1. There is an isolated cave that is home to Daga salmon and baardman which sift through the sand in search of invertebrates. Look on the sand for rays and Paper fish.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: 27m on the sand
 * Conditions: — Not an easy dive in a strong current due to the isolated nature of the reef. This reef is very popular with the fisherman due to the Daga and baardman that are found here.

 * Eskom: — A shallow reef that is dominated by a large pinnacle that stands to attention on a relatively flat reef. There are coils and coils of cable that are scattered all over the reef which inspired the name Eskom (for foreigners: Eskom is the Electricity supply commission). Swim in any direction on this section of the reef and you will be rewarded with an interesting dive.
 * Depth: — 20 to 27m

 * Yarningdale mark: — An area of reef off the "Yarningdale" apartment block. Not dived very often.
 * Position: — S29°49.803' E31°07.361' (unconfirmed)
 * Depth: — not reported.

Stay safe

 * This is probably one of the most challenging and rewarding dive sites on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The depth, the variation in visibility, strong currents and proximity to the shipping lanes make this dive an advanced, if not technical dive.
 * Hazards: — Safety stops should be conducted at 10 m in order to assist with decompression and as a avoidance measure against in and out going ships. (it is not uncommon to have ships travelling to within 100 m of the buoy line!)
 * Skills: — Appropriate qualification for the depth, and the ability to handle an SMB or DSMB are strongly recommended.
 * Equipment: — Nitrox is highly recommended, along with a DSMB.

Understand:

 * Position: — This wreck lies at the entrance to Vetch's harbour and very close to the new North Pier of the harbour mouth.
 * Depth: —7 m
 * Topography: — The vessel is relatively intact with the boilers, mast, bow and stern all visible from the surface. The wreck lies parallel to the beach in Vetch's harbour. The seaward side is well preserved but is submerged in sand. The inshore side is broken up and is home to many juvenile butterfly and angel-fish.

Get in

 * Shore dive — Entry at ?

See

 * Marine life and features: — There are resident lion fish and scorpion fish that predate on the shoals of juvenile fish on this wreck.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — Most of the skippers that launch their boats from the mini harbour are unaware of the existence of this wreck and therefore special care should be taken when diving on this wreck, so as not to be run over by a boat. Always dive with a buoy and do not surface if you hear a ski boat approaching.
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended
 * Equipment: — Use a surface marker buoy to alert boats to your presence.

Understand:

 * This ship was wrecked on 25 November 1940. The ship was a British flag steel cargo vessel of 6095 tons with a cargo of sugar from Mauritius. It was awaiting a berth in the harbour when a severe south easterly gale caused the anchors to drag and the ship ran ashore. The wreck can be reached by boat or by shore when the boilers are visible at low tide. The wreck was blown up as it was deemed unsightly by the beach-goers of Durban back in 1940.
 * Position: — S29 51.500 E31 02.700 (unconfirmed) about 50 m out to sea
 * Depth: — 7 m
 * Topography: — All that remains of the wreck are the boilers.
 * Conditions: — Best dived in winter at high tide, when the surge will be less.

Get in

 * Boat or shore dive — Shore entry from Addington Beach

See

 * Marine life and features: — Fish and lobster have been reported.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — This wreck lies at the backline and is undiveable when a big swell is running.
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended
 * Equipment: — No special equipment recommended

Understand

 * A shallow dive. This wreck may be a destroyer, from the evidence of the various shells and other ammunition which have been found in and around the wreck.
 * Position: — Off the north end of the Bluff.
 * Depth: — 7 to 10 m
 * Topography: — The wreck lies on a sand bottom near a sandstone ledge
 * Conditions: — only accessible in calm conditions due to the shallow depth.

See

 * Marine life and features: —

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — No site-specific hazards reported
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended
 * Equipment: — No special equipment recommended

Understand:

 * One of three artificial Reefs sunk by the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) on 19th December 1990.
 * Position: — S 29°47.224'  E 31°04.558'  About 3 km off Virginia beach
 * Depth: — 25m
 * Topography: — The barge is 30m x 20m x 3m comprising of 48 compartments of 3m x 3m x 3m. The barge is made of concrete and there is a gantry like superstructure of steel located at the T junction.
 * Conditions: — The site is far enough offshore that the visibility may be significantly better than at inshore sites.

Get in

 * Boat dive — Approximately ??km from launch site at ??

See

 * Marine life and features: — Batfish, pineapple fish, turtles, puffer fish and lion fish are found on this wreck. There have been sightings of brindle bass on this wreck.

 * Suggested Routes: — This is not a drift dive and so it becomes difficult to follow a DM on this dive. It is quite safe to explore this wreck in buddy pairs but just ensure that you have a buoy line to ascend on – whether it be your own deploy buoy or that of the DM.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — This is a popular fishing spot. Although the alpha flag displayed by the dive boat dictates that all fishing activities cease whilst the dive is being conducted, it is best to carry a knife in order to assist yourself or buddy in the event of entanglement.
 * Skills: — (default: no special skills recommended)
 * Equipment: — Carry a DSMB with you and make sure you dive with your buddy

Understand:

 * This is the unofficial “house reef” of Durban Undersea Club.
 * Position: —
 * Depth: — 1 to 6 m
 * Topography: — The reef is man made pier that was constructed in 1860 and named after Captain James Vetch. The reef is made up of rubble and curves in southerly direction toward the North Pier of the harbour. The Pier is approximately 500m long and 50m wide and is a comfortable shore entry dive. “The Block” is the highest point and marks the end of the reef.
 * Conditions: — Best conditions on Vetch's are during and after a strong south-westerly wind. The south-wester pushes clean water into the Vetch's Harbour and makes for top to bottom conditions on the reef. The inside of the reef makes a spectacular snorkel dive for the less adventurous, particularly on calm days at spring low tide. The reef shelters the inside which means the visibility is often very good. The outside of the reef has the biggest concentration of fish but is open to breaking waves at low tide. The best time to dive the reef is on the high tide, as it allows one to cross over the top of the reef.

Get in

 * Shore dive —

See

 * Marine life and features: — Vetch's reef is home to a huge variety of fish and invertebrates, including a number of species of hard corals, huge numbers of juvenile fish from numerous species of wrasse, butterfly, angel, damsel and surgeon fish.

Vetchie’s has one of the highest concentrations and varieties of Moray eels of any reef off Durban – which can be a bit unnerving for first timers to the reef. Potentially more dangerous are the numerous scorpion fish that stay put even when one is about to touch them inadvertently. In spring and early summer, the rubble of the inside of Vetch's serves as a nursery ground for hordes of fishes.

 * Suggested Routes: — The curvature of the reef makes an entry on the outside and an exit on the inside the best profile for a dive on this reef.

Stay safe

 * Hazards: — Moray eels, Scorpionfish and surf. If you are snorkelling, make sure you are fit and that you are not diving with a fin with a stiff blade. Swimming on the surface for long distances can result in cramp.
 * Skills: — No special skills recommended
 * Equipment: — If you are doing a scuba dive, make sure you return back to shore upon reaching half your SPG pressure so as not run out of air –it is no fun having to swim back to shore on the surface in full scuba kit. Always carry a snorkel when diving this reef.

Other
There are three or four different sites where there are shipping containers to visit
 * Position: — S29 49.477 E31 04.535 (unverified)

title: Diving in Durban


text:
Diving in Guam

This article is intended to provide the already qualified Scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Guam, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Understand
Guam has some of the best dive sites in the world since there has been minimal tourist impact compared to other better known dive locations. Piti Bomb Holes has been built up as a tourist attraction allowing tourists to descend into an observatory where they can take in the beauty that has grown in a sinkhole. (The name "Bomb Holes" is a misnomer.) Divers may dive around this attraction and feed shoals of fish for the amusement of the tourists inside the subaquatic observatory as much as for the divers' own amusement.

While many of the dive sites can be reached by land, some of these entry points require a long walk over coral or a long surface swim. Also, because so much of the island is controlled by U.S. military bases, many of the dive sites are accessed by land through the military bases.

Dive sites
The list below are some of the dive sites in Guam.

North of Piti Bomb Holes Gun Beach is the only Scuba dive site in Tumon Bay, the main resort hotel-tourism area. Most other sites, are about a 30-minute drive from the Tumon hotel district. This dive site is at the extreme North side of Tumon Bay, past the last hotel, and down a short dirt road which has a sign warning that the road is closed to the public. There are no facilities at the site, although it is within a 5-minute walk of the nearest hotel. There is no protected area of the shallows which are sufficiently deep to conduct the shallow-water dive lesson commonly given in "resort diving", although the site is nearly attractive in other respects. This beach dive is started and ended by walking in ankle-to-knee-deep water perpendicular to the beach, along a thigh-width pipe. At the wave-break zone, this pipe is at the bottom of a rip-current notch in the reef. The pipe has rough joints at intervals of about one yard, making it almost a perfect "ladder" to easily work back in toward shore against that outgoing rip-current. Once past the wave-break zone, the reef slopes off at a gentle 20-degree angle toward deep water. The shallowest portions almost reach the water's surface, while the deep end finishes in a sandy plain roughly 90–100 feet down. Divers should confine their attention to the side of the dive site closest to the center of Tumon Bay rather than "away", because the "away" side is generally populated with dead corals and Crown of Thorns starfish. The "near" side, on the other hand, has excellent corals: candlesticks, brain corals, and antler corals. There are hand-shaped "spider" shells, an abundance of fish life, and an offshore permanent boat mooring.
 * Gun Beach

This dive site has a risk of strong outflowing currents during falling tides so divers must take care to return with ample air in order to hug the bottom. The knuckled joints of the cable pipes are helpful in order to return against this strong tide, but only if the diver has enough air to get to them. It is best to study the tides and plan for an incoming tide at time of return until the diver becomes familiar with diving this location. It is recommended that interested divers join the local shore dive group at MDA or hire local guides.

 * Napoleon Cut
 * Northern Caves
 * Shark's Hole
 * The Pinnacle
 * Asan Cut
 * Blue and White
 * Dolphin Point
 * Double Reef
 * Piti Channel

South of Piti Bomb Holes / Apra Harbor This walk-in site has more than 200 fish species as it is a marine park and breeding site for fish and invertebrates. Divers can see the healthy reef on the south side of the observatory, feed the fish and even snorkel around the observatory itself. A visit to the unique observatory fun for the non diving family members who can see you at a 20-foot depth. The "American Tanker" is actually an over 300-foot concrete barge. In late 1944 the barges were loaded in Honolulu with war supplies, and then towed to Guam from Honolulu by the USS Bannock and Arikara. Later they were put into position on the Calahan bank by the USS Gear and sunk to provide a breakwater at the mouth of Apra Harbor. American Tanker pilothouse is at a depth of 40 feet/13 meters. Depth to the main deck is 60/20 meters and the ship has a list to the right (starboard side). Family Beach, located near Outhouse Beach, is within Apra Harbor, thereby guaranteeing that during most weather it is divable. Unlike Outhouse Beach, it is fairly brightly lit, with moderately well developed corals and moderately abundant sea life. Parking is alongside a white sandy beach. From there, divers wade out on a flat, sandy/grassy bottom in knee-to-waist-high water until reaching a narrow (30-foot-wide) canyon that runs parallel to the beach. Diving is typically done along near and far walls of the canyon, in 6–30 feet of water. Care should be taken not to stir up the sandy-silty bottom of the canyon, in order to maintain good visibility during the dive. The primary reason that Outhouse Beach is a common dive site, while Family Beach is not, is that Family Beach's access is controlled by a private owner who may charge fees or deny access, whereas Outhouse Beach is not hampered in this way. Like Outhouse Beach and Family Beach, Finger Reef is inside Apra Harbor, and therefore divable even when rough weather threatens to make most of Guam's divesites undivable. There, the similarity ends. Finger Reef is an extremely well developed reef wall along the opposite side of Apra Harbor, much closer to the Harbor's sea access opening. It is quite far from shore, and the nearby shore is part of a restricted-access military base, so almost all divers reach the site by diveboat. The reef starts at roughly 20-30 feet and drops off to roughly 60 feet. Dives are typically done as wall-dives, but not drift dives. Divers typically make their ascent and descent along the boat's anchor rope, and the boat is motionless during the dive. Because Finger Reef is full of sealife, protected by the harbor, relatively shallow, and near Blue Hole, it is a very popular second dive of the day after visiting Blue Hole. Located in Naval Station on the western coast of Guam, Gab Gab Beach is in a restricted naval base so only military personnel will have access to Gab Gab Beach. The beach is great for snorkelers, and beginning and experienced divers. Divers can do a beach entry or come in off a boat. There are coral slopes and plenty of fish. Accessible as a shore dive past Gab Gab if you're in the military, short boat ride otherwise. Dive site is marked with a white buoy directly across from "Gab Gab" beach on ComNavMar Naval Base. Fish feeding areas are set up to get large amounts of fish to gather as scenery for a small tourist submarine ( "Atlantis" ) which makes trips through the area. Large amount of fish, a few lionfish and a rather large eel that hangs out by the feed bucket. Be careful around the Giant Trevally Jacks as they are known to bite fingers. Outhouse Beach is a popular site for scuba certification dives. On a typical day, five to ten scuba schools' vans will be gathered at this site conducting Open Water certification dives. This should not, however, be taken as a sign that the site is exceptionally pretty. In fact, it is not. The steep beach is made of large pebbles. Underwater, there is little or no reef, and little sea life. Horizontal visibility underwater is between 10 and 20 yards. The main reason for its popularity with dive shops is that the site is within Apra harbor, virtually guaranteeing that even during inclement weather the site will be divable. In addition, the beach entry is particularly easy, with no sharp corals to walk over nor long surface swim. Family beach is at the end of the road past Outhouse Beach and a dive flag is required there. To the west of the Tokai Maru lies a third huge shipwreck, the Japanese freighter Kitsugawa Maru - another casualty of the days prior to the US invasion of Guam in 1944. Torpedoed by the submarine USS Seahorse, she was towed into the harbor for repairs and, while at anchor, was attacked by bombs and rocket fire from raiding US aircraft, finally sinking when her engine room exploded, tearing the ship in two and sending her into the depths where she sits upright on her keel at an average depth of 140 feet. The 290-foot Cormoran lies in 120 feet of water on her right (starboard) side directly beside the Tokai Maru (which went down in 1943). The easiest way to reach the Cormoran (and dive on two ship from two different wars at the same time) is to follow the midsection hull of the Tokai over the side until you see the Cormoran at 80 feet. The hull of the Cormoran is intact. The engine room is easily accessible through the skylights, and most of the superstructure is relatively intact. Visibility averages 35–40 feet, but can vary due to the tide and large ship traffic in the harbor. An average diving depth to see all of the port side would be 80-100 feet. Visibility averages 35-40 feet, but can vary due weather and tidal flow in the harbor. The Tokai Maru is a large ship, over 440 feet long. She rests in 120 feet with an 85-degree list to port (left). The shallowest part of the ship is the upper forward bridge area at a depth of 40 feet. A torpedo has blown a hole in the port #3 cargo hold, and this is undoubtedly the torpedo that sunk her. There is damage on the starboard bow, but this is believed to have been inflicted on the first attack in January 1943. The cargo holds contains remains of truck frames, beds, scrap steel, and miscellaneous objects. The engine room is huge, and both of her engines, catwalks, and panels are intact. The after-deck house in the stern of the vessel contains at least four unexploded depth charges, which are plainly visible from the top of the structure. Do not attempt to touch or move these depth charges. Visibility averages 35-40 feet, but can vary due to the tide and large ship traffic in the harbor. A good average diving depth to see all of the Tokai would be 60-80 feet. The "Blue Hole" is within 30 yards of shore. However, the shore it's near is a towering, jagged cliff on a military base. Therefore, it is typically accessed by divers via boat. The Blue Hole is, like Saies Tunnel in Palau, a wide tunnel from shallow to deep points within a submerged wall. The hole's shallowest point is within a few yards of the edge of an extreme vertical dropoff, and lies in about 40 feet of water. The tunnel below it is a straight vertical plunge to the extreme limit of recreational diving depths, roughly 110 feet (depending on the tides). The tunnel is roughly as wide as a passenger van. There is a permanent boat mooring at the top of the tunnel, and descent is usually made along this anchor rope. The dive site is not particularly well endowed with corals. For a good coral reef, boats typically make a second, shallower dive at nearby Hap's Reef (outside Apra Harbor) or Finger Reef (inside Apra Harbor). Horizontal visibility is typically 20 to 30 yards or better. Caution should be taken regarding depth and nitrogen accumulation, since the extreme water clarity and extreme depths along the wall can easily cause unprepared divers to dive deeper than they'd intended. Hap's Reef is a well-developed coral mound several hundred yards offshore, in roughly 30–40 feet of water, with flat terrain and shallow sandy valleys surrounding it. It is generally accessed by boat, and is a favorite 'second dive of the day" after diving the nearby Blue Hole. When you enter the water set your compass to the buoy and there will be a ledge with a 6-foot drop-off. Just hop in here and descend and head toward the buoy. Along the way the clarity will not be great (due to the water treatment plant). Just keep swimming and eventually it will clear up and you will run right into a reef, do not go around this reef instead swim over it. On the other side of this reef is where you want to end up. Some of the features you will see here include a number of swim-throughs. Some of them are extremely large while others you are going to have to squeeze through. The aquatic life is very abundant, spinner dolphins have been seen at this site, as well as lion fish and a huge assortment of other reef fish. This is a very easy and fun dive and the reef is in great shape.
 * Fish Eye
 * American Tanker
 * Family Beach
 * Finger Reef
 * Gab Gab
 * Gab Gab 2
 * Outhouse Beach
 * Kitsugawa Maru
 * SMS Cormoran
 * Tokai Maru
 * Blue Hole
 * Hap's Reef
 * Togomon Bay
 * Mana Bay Cut
 * Rizal Beach
 * Pete's Reef
 * Sea Whip Junction and Cocos Wall
 * Sella Bay
 * Shark's Pit
 * The Amtrak
 * The Crevice
 * The Wall
 * Cemetery Wall
 * Cetti Bay
 * Coral Gardens
 * Fu'a Bay
 * Western Shoals
 * Aratama Maru
 * Sea Planes
 * Seabee Junkyard
 * Sponge Reef
 * The Val
 * Hourglass Reef
 * Japanese Tugboat
 * Nichiyu Maru
 * Piti Channel
 * Dotte Beach
 * University of Guam

Get help
Emergency services

Read
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license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Diving in Guam


text:
Diving in Hermanus

This article is intended to provide the already qualified scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Hermanus, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

General topography
The reefs are outcrops of hard sandstone.

Marine ecology
The region is within the Agulhas inshore marine ecoregion.

Equipment
In most cases, ordinary recreational scuba equipment is suitable.

Dive sites

 * Kopsteenrif
 * Table Top (Whale Rock)
 * Runway
 * Finger
 * Old Harbour
 * Boiling Pot
 * Preekstoel
 * Tamatiebank
 * Blowhole
 * Haksteen
 * Gearing's Point
 * Skulphoek

title: Diving in Hermanus


text:
Diving inland in South Africa

This article is intended to provide the already qualified scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the inland waters of South Africa, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

Dive sites

The inland dive sites are spread over a large area and include:
 * — a flooded asbestos mine near Mbombela in Mpumalanga province.
 * — A disused dolomite quarry near Meyerton south of Johannesburg in Gauteng province.
 * — a flooded quarry just off the N2 near Gordon's Bay, Cape Town in the Western Cape. Maximum depth at least 47 m, possibly more. Mostly shallower than 30 m. The quarry is used for water sports including diving and water skiing using an overhead cable system.
 * — A sinkhole, near Kuruman in the Northern Cape province.
 * — a spring between Rustenburg, Zeerust and Lichtenburg, in North West Province
 * — a flooded chromium mine near Brits in the North West Province
 * — a dolomite sinkhole near Mafikeng in the North West Province

title: Diving inland in South Africa


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Diving inland in South Africa/Badgat

The dive site Komati Springs or Badgat is an inland freshwater cave system in a flooded mine at the foot of the mountains between Badplaas and Barberton in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It is at an altitude of 915 m above sea level.

Understand
Komati Springs is one of the most popular technical diving and technical diver training sites in inland South Africa due to the depth, accessibility, overhead environment and consistent conditions.

It was originally an asbestos mine which was closed in 1972 and subsequently flooded. The free surface area of the open water section is about 110 m long and 50 m wide. The cave system of the old mine has 8 interconnecting levels with depths from 9 m to 186 m.

Position
Komati Springs is about three hours drive from Johannesburg.

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Depth
Maximum depth found to date in the mine system is about 186 m, and 53 m in open water.

Visibility
5 to 40 m is reported.

Topography
Geology: The site is an abandoned and flooded asbestos mine. The surrounding area has been rehabilitated and is considered safe from asbestos contamination.

Conditions
The water temperature varies seasonally. In summer the surface temperature can rise to 25°C, dropping to about 20°C at about 30 m, and 17°C at depth. In winter the water drops to a consistent 17 to 18°C throughout the water column.

The site is diveable throughout the year.

Facilities

 * Permanent platforms at 5 and 10 m, with shotlines.
 * 300 bar Air, Nitrox, Trimix and Argon filling station on site.
 * Rebreather friendly
 * Dive shop on site with good selection of equipment and spares.
 * Equipment is available for rental, and must be booked in advance.
 * Accommodation is available at shady campsites with electrical power at the ablution block.
 * Students in training at the dive school can be accommodated at the dive centre, with kitchen facilities available.

Get in
This is a shore dive site.

Features
The cave system of the abandoned mine.

Hazards
Cave system, and deep water.

Skills
Cave certification is required to be allowed entry to the overhead areas, unless you are being trained as a cave diver at the time. Certification appropriate to the planned depth of the dive is required.

Equipment
Cave diving equipment is necessary for penetrations.

title: Diving inland in South Africa/Badgat


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Diving inland in South Africa/Bass Lake

The dive site Bass Lake or Glen Douglas Quarry is an inland flooded quarry in the (locality name) area on the (topographical feature), near Vereeniging in the Gauteng province of South Africa.

The site is fresh water at high altitude (?m)

Understand
This lake is used primarily as a training location for Johannesburg-based Open Water diver training schools, along with Miracle Waters.

An entrance fee is charged to divers.

Position
Bass Lake is situated at 26°30'33.69"S,  28° 4'0.75"E.

Access is via the R59 - take the Henley Drive offramp, and follow signs.

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Depth
Maximum depth is 22m.

Visibility
Visibility is poor, from 6 metres down to 2 or less after much diving during the day.

Topography
Bass Lake is a flooded Dolomite quarry located South of Johannesburg, close to Vereeneging, with a 10 hectare surface area.

Conditions
Water is fairly warm, however there is a noticeable thermocline at approximately 8 metres. The water is very still, with no waves.

Facilities

 * Air and Nitrox fills are available on site
 * Diving gear is available to rent.
 * There is a restaurant, ablution facilities, and a number of lapas available to divers.
 * Camping is permitted, however the main gate is locked overnight.

Get in
Shore access dive.

Features
There are several grids in various locations.

Wrecks
 * VW Golf at 12 metres
 * Bathtub at 9 metres
 * Bus at 12 metres
 * Home-made sub at 11 metres
 * Helicopter at 11 metres

Hazards
This site is at high altitude. You must set your decompression computer to the correct altitude range or use altitude tables to avoid increased risk of decompression sickness.

Skills
No special skills required, the site is suitable for entry level diver training.

Equipment
No special equipment required. Weighs may have to be changed to suit fresh water.

Back to Diving inland in South Africa

title: Diving inland in South Africa/Bass Lake


text:
Diving inland in South Africa/Boesmansgat

The dive site Boesmansgat or Bushman's Hole is an inland freshwater sinkhole and cave near Mount Carmel in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.

Understand
Boesmansgat is believed to be the third-deepest submerged freshwater cave in the world.

Position

 * 27°55′18″S, 23°38′30″E
 * Altitude 1450m

 * Near Mount Carmel in the Northern Cape

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Name
The name "Boesmansgat" is Afrikaans for Bushman's hole

Depth
Approximately 270 metres deep.


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Diving inland in South Africa/Miracle Waters

The dive site Miracle Waters is an inland dive site in the (locality name) area on the (topographical feature), near Brits in the North West Province of South Africa.

The site is fresh water in an abandoned mine at high altitude (?m)

Understand
This lake is used primarily as a training location for Johannesburg-based Open Water diver training schools, along with Bass Lake, however it is also a popular recreational diving destination for those who live within a few hours' drive.

An entrance fee is charged to divers.

Position
Miracle Waters is located at 25°40'37.94"S, 27°45'27.76"E.

10km NW of Hartebeespoort Dam, about 90km NW of Johannesburg

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Depth
Maximum depth is 33m.

Visibility
Visibility is moderate, from 10 metres down to 5 or less after much diving during the day when divers kick up the silt. Visibility may be better in winter when there is less diving activity.

Topography
Miracle Waters is a flooded chromium mine with approximately 6 hectare surface area.

Conditions
This is an inland site and not greatly affected by weather and season. Water is fairly warm (up to 24&deg:C in summer), however there are several noticeable thermoclines at approximately 12, 17, and 21 metres. In winter the water will be colder. The water is very still, with no waves. Air temperatures may drop below 0°C at night in winter, and may reach 38°C during the day in summer

Facilities

 * Air and Nitrox fills are available on site
 * Diving gear is available to rent
 * There is a restaurant, ablution facilities, and a number of lapas available to divers.
 * There are also rudimentary cottages available. Camping is permitted, however the main gate is locked overnight.
 * There is a large tree-shaded picnic area with tables and benches.

Get in
Shore access dive.

From Pretoria:
 * Take the N4/Bekwena Highway west towards Rustenburg/Brits.
 * Pass through two toll gates.
 * Exit by the second Brits off ramp.
 * Turn right at the stop and drive over the highway to the next 4-way stop street (past the John Deere agency)
 * Turn left at the 4-way stop and drive for about 2 km until you reach the sign for Miracle Waters on the left.
 * Turn right at the sign and continue to the water.

Aquatic life
Bass and Kurper, and a freshwater crab may be seen

Features
Wrecks
 * Large bus at ~10 metres
 * Aeroplane at ~18 metres
 * Puma Helicopter
 * Yachts
 * There are several grids in various locations
 * Various other items, including a computer workstation

Hazards
This site is at high altitude. You must set your decompression computer to the correct altitude range or use altitude tables to avoid increased risk of decompression sickness.

Skills
No special skills are required, the site is suitable for entry level diver training.

Equipment
No special equipment is required.

Back to Diving inland in South Africa


text:
Diving inland in South Africa/Wondergat

The dive site Wondergat is an inland fresh water sinkhole and cavern near Mafikeng in the North West Province of South Africa. The altitude is approximately 1,450m

Position

 * Approximately 60km from Lichtenburg and 30km from Mafikeng

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Name
The name "Wondergat" is Afrikaans for Amazing hole.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 58m.

Visibility
About 6m above 20m, and about 15m below 20m. Visibility of over 30m has been known in the cave.

Topography
Wondergat is a collapsed cavern filled with water. The hole is about 75 x 100m at the surface and the sides are near vertical to the bottom at about 36m. There are caverns extending from the main shaft to the north and south at the bottom. The bottom of these caverns slopes downward away from the main shaft. There is an overhang to the north about half wat up, and a narrow cave on the south wall, quite shallow, known as Leopards cave.

Geology: Dolomite sinkhole.

Conditions
Water temperature will be between 14 and 21°C

This is a summer rainfall region. Temperatures vary from 35’C in the summer to as low as -4’C at night in the winter.

Visibility is often better during winter because there are fewer divers kicking up a mess, and less rain runoff bringing in silt

Facilities

 * Two permanent shotlines with grids at the bottom
 * Large capacity Air (to 300 bar) and Nitrox filling station on site.
 * Oxygen cleaning of cylinders.
 * Trimix is available on request and by prior arrangement.
 * Rental of BCs, DVs and cylinders.
 * Accommodation at Wondergat is at campsites with braai areas, and includes ablution facilities with hot and cold water.
 * Electricity is available to campsites.
 * There is a canteen, which stocks most of the basics for those who have forgotten something at home. Take-away meals can be arranged in advance.
 * Emergency oxygen provision is on site if needed
 * All South African cellular networks cover the dive site
 * The nearest medical facility is the hospital at Mafikeng, 30km away and Lightenburg Provincial hospital, 60km away.

Wondergat manager: Willie Halgrijn: 082 484 7887 (2012)

Get in
This is a shore entry site. Access is by 35 irregular steps. The walk down the steps fully kitted up requires good balance, and the return after the dive can be strenuous.

Public access. An entry fee is payable. Adequate parking is provided and included in the entry fee.

 * From Johannesburg and other places to the south and east:
 * Take the R503 from Johannesburg to Lichtenburg. About 47km beyond Lichtenburg turn right at the sign to Buhrmansdrift. There is a shop on the left side before entering Rooigrond. Drive for about 7km then turn right at the turnoff to Molopo-oog. Drive another 7km then turn right at the sign TDA Wondergat.

 * From Pretoria and other places to the north and west:
 * Take the R49 from Zeerust towards Mafikeng. About 15km before Mafikeng, turn left at the sign for Rooigrond (there are big grain silos on the right hand side). Drive about 7km then turn left at the second sign for Molopo-oog. Drive another 7km then turn right at the sign TDA Wondergat.

Wondergat may occasionally be closed to visitors for maintenance. Phone before planning the trip to ensure it will be open when you wish to visit.

Aquatic life
The Banded Tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii) is endemic to Wondergat. Other fish include the Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias garipinus), Southern Moutbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander) There are also fresh water shrimps and crabs.

Features

 * The south and north caverns
 * The Leopard's cave
 * A bell chamber at the bottom
 * The memorial stones and task force noticeboard at the mouth to the south cavern

Suggested Routes
Suggested routes include:
 * 1) Cavern certified divers can dive from the south grid to the back of the cave
 * 2) From the north grid to south grid or vice versa along the guide ropes.
 * 3) From either of the grids to the Bell.
 * 4) From the south grid to the Memorial stones and the Taskforce noticeboard.

Equipment
Dry suits or semi dry suits are recommend for the winter months.

title: Diving inland in South Africa/Wondergat


text:
Diving in Mozambique

This article is intended to provide the already qualified scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of Mozambique, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.

General topography
Mozambique has a long coastline spread out over the tropical east coat of Africa south of the equator, with several islands on the continental shelf. Reef-building corals live where there is suitable substrate and good light – generally where there is no major river mouth nearby. The current generally flows north to south, and can be strong. This carries turbid water away, and makes drift diving necessary in many places.

Climate, weather and sea conditions
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September. Rainfall is heavy along the coast and decreases in the north and south. Cyclones are common during the wet season.

The sea temperature is tropical. Water temperatures range from 29˚C in summer to 22˚C in winter, and will seldom be below 24˚C. The diving season is year round. People from cooler climates may find winter more comfortable, and there are fewer mosquitos as this is the dry season.

Visibility can range from 8–40 m, depending on the amount of plankton in the water.

Marine ecology
The marine ecology of Mozambique is classified as Tropical Indo-Pacific, which is the most diverse marine ecology known. Obviously not all species from this bioregion will be found in all parts of it, but this is an indication of the diversity which can be expected here. A wide range of reef building corals, and also other coral types can be found here, along with a diverse invertebrate fauna sharing the shelter and habitat provided by the corals. Fish are also represented by a large diversity of species, many of which are particularly colourful.

Humpback whales can be spotted during their migration from June until November.

Whale sharks are present all year round and in abundance between November and March. These gentle giants can reach up to 12m in length and weigh up to 20tonnes.

Get around
Pick up's can be arranged through lodges, dive centres etc. But there is ample public transport and it is safe and easy to walk to most places in the area.

Southern Mozambique
Southern Mozambique includes the Municipios of Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane and Sofala from the southern border with South Africa at Ponta d'Ouro north to the Zambesi river.

Ponta do Ouro to Ponta Mamoli
Dive sites include:
 * G-Spot
 * Fish Basket
 * Pinnacles
 * Bass City
 * Kev's Ledge
 * Wayne's World
 * Aquarium
 * Three Sisters
 * Doodles
 * Mavericks
 * Texas
 * Shallow Malongane
 * Paradise Ledge
 * Checkers

Manta Coast
Dive sites include:
 * Amazon
 * Arcadia
 * Area 51
 * Barra Lagoon/Estuary
 * Batfish Pinnacle
 * Buddies Reef
 * Deep Reef South
 * Devil's Peak
 * Disneyland
 * Greentree Reef
 * Hard Rock
 * Island Rock
 * Kitwe
 * Manta Reef
 * North Greentree
 * The "Klipfontein" wreck
 * The Office
 * Paindane Coral Garden
 * Paindane Express
 * Pao Reef
 * PlayStation
 * Pomene Estuary
 * Salon
 * Three Sisters
 * Trojan Wall
 * Witch's Hat
 * Xstacy Reef (XTC)

Tofo Beach
Nice coral but known more for its abundance of manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks and humpback whales.

Guinjata Bay
A small bay just south of Inhambane on a long stretch of sandy coastline. The reefs are sedimentary rock with a covering of hard and soft corals and other invertebrates. Marine life is Indo-Pacific.

Ponta Morrungulo
About halfway between Inhambane to the south and Vilanculos to the north. About one and a half hours from Inhambane by road, and six hours from Maputo. Depth range 6 to 40m. Water temperatures about 24°C in winter to 29°C in summer. Humpback whales visit from June to October.

Dive sites include:

Sylvia shoal — about 12 km north of Ponta Morrungulo. The shoal is about 14 km long, rising from bottom at about 22m to around 10m on top, with a shallow point at 8m. The reef is home to a large variety of nudibranchs, turtles, mantas, rays, eels and sharks

 * Aladdin's Palace — In the middle of Sylvia shoal. The reef is about 35m wide, on a sand bottom. There is a cleaning station on the seawrd side of the reef which is frequently visited by mantas. The reef includestable corals and large crevices, in which large rock lobster can be seen. Moray eels also lurk in the cracks, and schools of barracuda and kingfish are often seen above the reef. Residents include grouper, potato bass, and turtles. Eagle rays, devil rays and white tip sharks are also to be seen.
 * Distance to site: 14.5km, Maximum depth: 26m on the seaward side, Top of the reef: 9m, Average depth:16m, Skill level: Basic

 * Tokyo Drift — Clear water in the Mozambique current. Reef with hard and soft corals and a wide variety of reef fish species. Also eagle rays, devil rays, and mantas may be seen, and possibly a shark or two. Hammerheads, Tiger sharks, Bull sharks and Oceanic black tip sharks have been spotted here.
 * Distance to site: 16km, Maximum depth: 40m, Average depth: 28m, Skill level: Advanced

New Year reef — A 9 km long reef system south of Sylvia shoal.
 * Sherwoods Bookshelf — About 1 km east of the New Years reef system. It has a 300m long rocky fault line. There are massive green tree corals large numbers of reef fish. On the outside of the shoals of reef fish there are often large game fish.
 * Maximum depth 32m

 * King Deep — The site is named after the South African underwater photographer, Dennis King, because this is the furthest north that the Tiger Angel Fish, which he identified, has been recorded. On the reef there are forests of Green Tree Coral with large numbers of coral fish sheltering from predators such as Kingfish and Barracuda. You may also see Potato Bass, Mantas, Sharks, Eagle Rays and other game fish.
 * Maximum depth: 40m, Skill level: Advanced

Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago
Dive sites include:
 * The Corner
 * Ray Alley
 * Brindle Bass Ridge
 * Allan's realm
 * Amphitheatre
 * Camel Hump
 * Twelve Mile Reef
 * Turtle Ridge
 * Manta Ray Reef
 * Rainbow Runner
 * Aquarium
 * Greek Temple
 * Ponta Dundo
 * Five Mile Reef

Northern Mozambique
Northern Mozambique includes Municipios of Zambesia, Nampula and Cabo Delgado from the Zambesi river in the south to the northern border with Tanzania at the Rovuma river in the north.

Nacala Bay
Dive sites include:

 * Libelula House Reef
 * Napala Drop-off
 * Whip Coral Ridge
 * Paradise Reef
 * Bonito reef (Kwalala House Reef)
 * B.P. Wreck (Baixo do Pinda)

Memba Bay
Dive sites include:

 * The Guardians (Nanatha Pinnacles)
 * Fish Alley
 * Lobster Coves
 * The Gorgonian Forest
 * Anemone Gardens, Gobi Sands and Sea Grass fields

Ilha de Mozambique
Dive sites include:

 * Ilha Steps
 * Goa
 * Chocas Bay

Pemba and the Quirimbas Archipelago
Dive sites include:

Medjumbe

 * The Edge of Reason
 * Sambi Sambi
 * Alice in Wonderland
 * Brereton Contours

Matemo

 * Ibo Lighthouse
 * Zala Banks

Pemba

 * The Gap
 * Willy's Ridge
 * Pyro Banks
 * Finger NE

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Diving in Mozambique/Batfish Pinnacle

The dive site Batfish Pinnacle is an inshore tropical rocky reef with some coral in the Guinjata Bay area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Understand
This site is close to the launch site for Guinjata Bay resorts.

Position
Near Pao Reef, just offshore from Guinjata Point.

Name
The name "Batfish Pinnacle" refers to the Batfish that are often seen near the pinnacle.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 20m. and the top of the reef is about (depth)m. Average depth is likely to be about 14m.

Visibility
Visibility can be up to about 20m

Topography
Stone Table reef with outlying boulders, sand bottom.

Conditions
Water temperature may be about 25°C

Get in
The dive site is always accessed by boat.

The site is about (distance)km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Marine life
Tridacna clam, green sponge, Torpedo ray, nudibranchs. Stonefish, Red armpit star, Octopus, yellow-orange wall sponge, thistle soft coral, white bowl sponge, Thornspine cowfish, Large anemones, Egg cowry, Colonial ascidians, Blocked starfish, Lizardfish, white feather hydroids, Toby, Powder blue surgeon, smooth blue star, White sponge, Domino, Giant anemone, brown wall sponge.

Features
There is a little stone arch.

Photography
The topography is not very exciting, macro and close-up photography are likely to give good results.

Routes
Follow the Divemaster who should know the places to go.

Hazards
No site specific hazards, There are scorpionfish and stonefish and fire coral in the region.

Skills
No special skills required.

Equipment
No special equipment required

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Batfish Pinnacle


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Diving in Mozambique/Devils Peak

The dive site Devils Peak is an inshore, rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Position

 * S24°04.297’ E35°30.261’
 * Bearings: About 700m to 800m magnetic East of the launch site at Guinjata Bay

Depth
Maximum depth is about 19m. and the top of the reef is about 14m.

Visibility
Visibility of 15 to 20m is common

Topography
Sand bottom at about 16m with reef up to about 14m. Fairly steep sides mostly. Swimthroughs, some overhangs and potholes.

Conditions
Water temperature may be about 25°C

Get in
This site is always accessed by boat.

The site is about (distance)km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Marine life
Cleaner shrimp, nudibranchs, starfish, sea cucumbers, long spined urchins, porcelain crabs, carpet anemones, fan hydroid, whip coral, egg cowry, clownfish.

Routes
Follow the Divemaster.

Hazards
No known site specific hazards

Skills
No special skills required

Equipment
No special equipment required

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Devils Peak


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Diving in Mozambique/Disneyland

The dive site Disneyland is an offshore rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 33m.

Visibility
Visibility can be 20m

Topography
Flat top rock reef with wall to seaward. Usual boulders, overhangs etc.

Get in
This site is always accessed by boat.

Marine life
Honeycomb moray, Bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Small red wrasses, Red spined stars, Red-brown bowl sponge, Old woman Pomacanthus rhomboides, Goldies, Greentree corals, Epaulette soldiers, Dominos, Crown squirrelfish, Red sea fans, Maroon sponges, Spotted unicorn fish, Surgeonfish, Dusky rubberlips, feather stars, Blue tangs, nudibranchs.

Suggested Routes
Follow the divemaster.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known

Skills
No special skills required

Equipment
No special equipment required.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Disneyland


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Diving in Mozambique/Greentree Reef

The dive site Greentree Reef is an offshore rocky reef with coral, in the Guinjata Bay area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Conditions
Water temperature can be 25°C.

Get in
The site is only accessible by boat.

Marine life
Manta, devil ray, Goldies, Scorpion fish, Boxy, Blue and yellow sea cucumber, Feather stars. Bushy yellow hydroid colonies, red armpit star, red spined star, Long black spined red sea urchins, Green tree coral, Thistle soft coral, Variety of sponges, sea fans, colonial squirts.

Routes
No particular route recommended

Hazards
No site specific hazards known

Skills
No special skills required.

Equipment
No special equipment recommended.

title: Diving in Mozambique/Greentree Reef


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Diving in Mozambique/Hard Rock

The dive site Hard Rock is an inshore rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Access
This site is always dived from a boat.

The site is about (distance)km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Position
Right next to Devils peak dive site

Depth
Maximum depth is about 24m. and the top of the reef is about (depth)m. Average depth is likely to be about 17m.

Visibility
Visibility may be better than 15m.

Marine life
Whip corals, "Daisy" soft coral, various hard and soft corals, plate corals, Blotcheye soldier, Spotted tang, Devil firefish, Red armpit star, Painted rock lobster, Geographic moray, 6 stripe soapfish, Brownburnie, Nudibranchs, Tiger cowrie, smooth blue starfish, smooth pinky orange starfish, Chocolate dip Chromis, Seawhip goby, Brittle star, white feather duster worm, Shrimps.

Suggested Routes
Follow the divemaster.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known.

Skills
No special skills required.

Equipment
No special equipment required.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Hard Rock


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Diving in Mozambique/Island Rock

The dive site Island Rock is an inshore rocky reef with coral in the Paindane area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique

Visibility
Visibility can exceed 15 to 20m

Topography
Small islet/Large rock, probably covered at high tide, more or less crescent shaped with bay facing seaward. Bay full of big outcrops, boulders, overhangs, gullies, arches etc on sand bottom.

Get in
Access to this site is by boat.

Marine life
Variety of fish and a wider range of seaweeds than most other dive sites in the area. Orange starfish, Olive green starfish, feather stars, Small white and Red/yellow sea fans, Orange ridge sponge, mottled sponge, wall sponge, Feathery hydroids, grey sponge, Goldies, grey moray, Banded and Purple feather duster worms, Yellow zoanthids, small bushy Green, Brown and Red algae, twiggy coralline algae, small tubular white sponges, Chocolate dip, Toby, Freckled hawkfish, 6 stripe soapfish, Parrot fish, Spotted moray, Semicircle angelfish, Pearly butterfly fish, Longnose butterfly fish, Dusky sweepers, nudibranchs.

Routes
No particular route recommended.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known.

Skills
No special skills required.

Equipment
No special equipment recommended.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Island Rock


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Diving in Mozambique/Manta Reef

The dive site Manta Reef is an offshore rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Understand
This is a site with lots of fish and invertebrates, and has three manta cleaning stations. It has become famous for close encounters with manta rays.

Position

 * S23°58.930' E035°31.342'
 * About 4km north of Ponta Gumula and 10.5km north of the launch site at Guinjata Bay

Name
The name "Manta Reef" is a reference to the Manta rays thet are often seen there.

Depth

 * Maximum depth is about 30 m
 * Average depth about 21 m
 * The top of the reef is about 18m.

Visibility
20m visibility is not uncommon.

Topography
Scenic topography, comprising a tabular rock reef bordered by sand bottom. Most of the reef is bout 3 or 4m high with relatively flat top. Edges quite scalloped and ragged with outcrops and boulders with crevices and overhangs.

To the north is Manta Pinnacles, which is a massive rock that rises from about 26 m on the sand to 18 m on top. There is a wall of 8 m with a swim-through and a large overhang.

To the south there is a wall that drops down to 30m on the sand, with lots of cracks and ledges.

Geology: Soft sedimentary rock, probably sandstone. Strike unknown, Dip almost horizontal.

Conditions
Currents and surge rarely affect this reef, but occasionally a current may make it difficult to follow a planned dive profile, and the dive plan may be altered to suit conditions.

Get in
The site is only accessible by boat

The site is 4.2 km from Coconut Bay Beach Launch Site, about 10.2km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site, and about 24km from Barra Lodge.

Marine life
Mantas! Large variety of reef fish and various invertebrates.

There are three cleaning stations that are regularly used by Mantas. To the north is Manta Pinnacles. A large Potato bass is resident in this area. Manta Canyon is another station where mantas are cleaned by Cleaner wrasse, Goldies and Butterflyfish.

Fish seen at this site include: Potato bass, Bluebanded snapper, Guitarfish, Parrot fish, Scorpion fish, Coachman, Big scale soldier, Trumpet fish, Two bar clownfish, Longnose butterfly fish, Raccoon butterfly fish, Threadfin butterflyfish, White spotted butterflyfish, Gorgeous gussy, Pearly butterfly fish, Goldies, Brownspotted rock cod, Moorish idol, Chocolate chip, Devil ray. Boxy, Longhead flathead (Crocodile fish), Leopard and Giant morays, Scorpionfish, Flame goatfish, Powder blue surgeon, Blue tangs, Triggerfish, schools of Yellow snappers, Bigeyes, Longnose hawkfish, and Fusiliers.

Invertebrates seen at this site include: Thistle soft coral, Daisy soft coral, Pink arch sponge, plate corals, Turret coral, Mushroom coral. Blocked starfish, Crown of thorns star, Olive green warty star, Black long spined urchin, banded feather stars, Black sea cucumber, Sandy sea cucumber, a large pinkish cucumber with dark blotchy back, Giant anemone, various sponges, sea squirts, White feather duster worms, Peacock shrimp, Spanish dancer nudibranchs, and eggshell cowries,

The boat ride also offers the opportunity to spot whale sharks and dolphins.

Photography
Macro, wide angle, and anything in between. Artificial lighting will bring back the true colour.

Routes
Follow the divemaster. Dives at this site are almost exclusively organised by operators who supply a divemaster to guide the dive, and who will show you the route.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known

Skills
Good buoyancy control recommended.

Equipment
DSMB and reel can be useful if you have to surface away from the group.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Manta Reef


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Diving in Mozambique/North Greentree

The dive site North Greentree is an offshore rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Position

 * S24°00.78' E035°31.00'
 * About 6.9km from Guinjata Bay launch area, just off Ponta Gumula

Visibility
Visibility can exceed 20m

Topography
Table reef, with boulders at the edge.

Get in
The site is only accessible by boat. It is about 6.7km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Marine life
Large variety of sponges, Diana's Hogfish, Shortspine porcupine fish, Natal knifejaw, Black edged butterfly fish, Nine striped cardinal, Band tail cardinal, Red fanged triggerfish, Clown triggerfish, Manta, Devil rays, Red armpit starfish, Red spined star, Spotted green cushion star, Brown feather stars, Black and white banded feather stars, Lilac colonial squirts, Red split fan sponge, Orange arch sponge, Bright blue encrusting sponge, Pink sea cucumber with black blotches, Red whip coral with blue polyps, Soft brown plate coral, white spotted Partner shrimp. Big blue anemone, Brittle star, White feather duster worm, Red sea fan, turtles.

Routes
Follow the divemaster.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known.

Skills
No special skills required.

Equipment
No special equipment required. A DSMB is recommended in case it is necessary to surface away from the dive leader.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/North Greentree


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Diving in Mozambique/Paindane Coral Garden

The dive site Paindane Coral Garden is an inshore rocky reef with coral in the Paindane area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Position

 * S24°05.934' E035°30.323'
 * About a km north east of Cabo das Correntes

Name
The name "Paindane Coral Garden" refers to the large variety of reef and soft corals, and to the locality Paindane.

Depth
The site is fairly shallow

Visibility
Visibility can exceed 15m

Topography
Exposed rocks with lagoon inshore, Large rocks and outcrops with caves, swimthroughs and overhangs to seaward.

Get in
Boat access from Guinjata Bay. The site is about 4.2km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Marine life
Variety of fish and invertebrates: Bluebanded surgeon, Dusky sweepers, Blotcheye soldiers, Powder blue surgeon, Limespot butterfly fish, Chocolate dip, Bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Spotted hawkfish, Moorish idol, Bluefin Kingfish, Dusky rubberlips, Whitebarred rubberlip, Barracuda. Mottled pink and grey encrusting sponge, Orange encrusting sponge, Tiger cowrie, Daisy soft coral, Finger lobed soft coral, Green and purple "curly lettuce" algae, Mottled orange/white fan sponge, Yellow banded hermit crab, Whelk, Brown feather stars, Small white and yellow sea fans, Nudibranchs, Sandy translucent colonial squirts, Red armpit star, Giant anemone, Tridacna clam, Daisy soft coral, lots of hard corals, soft corals, Spanish dancers, shrimps.

Routes
No specific route recommended.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known

Skills
No special skills required

Equipment
No special equipment required.

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Diving in Mozambique/Paindane Express

The dive site Paindane Express is an offshore rocky reef with coral in the Paindane area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique

Name
The name "Paindane Express" refers to the locality Paindane and the current past the reef.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 28m.

Visibility
Visibility of more than 10m can be expected.

Topography
Tabular stone reef with wall to seaward. Current quite strong setting south along wall. Lots of rocky outcrops.

Conditions
Water temperature may be about 24°C

Get in
Access to this site is by boat.

Marine life
Nudibranchs, Blue and yellow sea cucumber, Feather stars, Bushy yellow/black hydroid colonies, whip corals, blue stars, pinky orange stars, gorgonians, plate corals, "daisy" and other soft corals, red sea fans, various sponges, Spotted hawkfish, white feather duster worms, zigzag oysters, turtles, greenish whelk, Goldies, Greentree coral, Basket star, Olive warty star, Blocked star, Emperor angelfish,

Routes
Follow the divemaster, stay in the group unless planned otherwise. You should be briefed on what you may hold onto. Dives are usually drift dives along the wall and boulders at the offshore side of the reef.

Hazards
Strong current possible,it may be difficult to stay with the group. If a negative entry is done be sure to check your cylinder valve is open.

Skills
Good buoyancy control, reasonable fitness and the ability to stay with the group are recommended. Ability to deploy a DSMB is recommended in case you get separated from the dive leader.

Equipment
A DSMB and reel are recommended in case you are separated from the group and have to surface alone. This will allow the boat to keep track of your position and find you when you surface.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Paindane Express


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Diving in Mozambique/Pao Reef

The dive site Pao Reef is an inshore tropical rocky reef with some coral in the Guinjata Bay area, near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Understand
This is the local reef for Guinjata Bay resorts.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 21m. and the top of the reef is about (depth)m. Average depth is likely to be about 15m.

Visibility
Visibility can exceed 20m

Topography
Rock table reef on sand bottom with irregular boulders and outcrops around edges. Outlying boulders and ridge offshore.

Table reef with

Conditions
Water temperature may be about 25°C

Get in
The dive site is always accessed by boat.

The site is about (distance)km from Guinjata Bay beach launch site.

Marine life
Wide variety of fish and reef invertebrates: Anemone fish, Two bar clownfish, Devil firefish, Emperor angelfish, Scorpionfish, Balloon porcupinefish, Longnose butterfly fish, Whitespotted butterfly fish, bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Spotted hawkfish, Dominoes, Yellowback fusilier, Spotted hogfish, Five lined cardinal fish, Paperfish, Honeycomb moray, Cave bass, Moorish Idols, Blue tangs, dark surgeonfish. Toby, Blacktip kingfish. Cushion stars and other stars, sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, shrimps, lobster, Thistle soft coral, Egg cowrie, yellow bowl sponge, Trumpet fish, zigzag oyster, Fleshy soft coral, giant anemone, Various sponges, Tube anemone with light blue tentacles, Greentree coral, Black feather stars, orange encrusting sponge, small purple, yellow and black colonial squirts, honeycomb coral, Small brown and yellow crabs, Warty off-white cucumber, brown star,

Photography
The topography is not very exciting, macro and close-up photography are likely to give good results.

Routes
Follow the Divemaster who should know the places to go.

Hazards
No site specific hazards, There are scorpionfish and stonefish and fire coral in the region.

Skills
No special skills required. This site is often where visitors will be taken for a checkout dive to make sure they have adequate buoyancy control before taking them to more sensitive reefs.

Equipment
No special equipment required

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Pao Reef


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Diving in Mozambique/The Office

The dive site The Office is an offshore rocky and coral reef  near Inhambane in the Inhambane municipio of Mozambique.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 30m. Average depth is likely to be about 23m.

Topography
The site is on a rock shelf that rises from the sea floor 70m below. The northern part is the top of a 3 m-high, S-shaped wall with ledges and overhangs that provide habitat for resident honeycomb morays, turtles and potato bass. Pinnacles of rock jut out from the wall

At the bottom of the “S”, three huge rocks rise from the sand, and provide divers with narrow gullies and crevices to swim through.

Get in
This is a boat access dive. The site is about 10 km from Barra Lodge

Marine life
Office has a manta cleaning station, so encounters with mantas are common.

Fish seen at this site incluse: goldies, butterflyfish and moorish idols, devil firefish, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, bowmouth guitarfish, leopard sharks, old woman angelfish.

title: Diving in Mozambique/The Office


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Diving in Mozambique/Xstacy Reef

The dive site Xstacy Reef is an offshore rocky reef with coral in the Guinjata Bay area near Inhambane in Southern Mozambique.

Depth
Maximum depth is about 28m. Average depth is likely to be about 22m.

Visibility
Visibility can be more than 20m.

Topography
Table reef with steep edges, with boulders, overhangs and swimthroughs.

Get in
The site is only accessible by boat.

Marine life
Mantas, Blue and yellow cucumber, lilac colonial squirts, Long spined urchins, Blue grey sponge, Beige cup sponge, Brown/white sea fan, sea whip, Various colours of feather star, Thistle soft coral, Green cushion star, Pinkish white lobed sponge, red spiked white sponge, Branched feathery hydroids, Blue tang, Spotted hawkfish, smoky yellow sponge, Giant moray, blue and yellow colonial squirts, Semicircle angelfish, White and brown feather duster worm, Devil firefish, Fat olive star with black blotches and spots, Whale shark.

Routes
Follow the divemaster.

Hazards
No site specific hazards known.

Skills
No special skills required. Ability to deploy a DSMB recommended.

Equipment
A DSMB may be useful if you have to surface away from the group.

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title: Diving in Mozambique/Xstacy Reef