SODWANA BAY

Sodwana Bay with its many exciting coral reefs and outstanding climate, has distinguished itself as one of the premier sport diving destinations in the world. Conditions are good throughout the year, but the best diving is from April through to September.

Sodwana Bay – “the little one on its own” (as the Zulu’s call it) lies within the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park has achieved World Heritage Site status, signifying and recognising this area as being of outstanding universal value and this status ensures that it is protected and safeguarded for future generations.

A prolific Coelacanth breeding population was discovered off Sodwana Bay in 2000. The Coelacanth Programme is fully supported by the Government and stands to be an icon for the protection of all marine biodiversity, for environmental education and in building research capacity.

Sodwana Bay is situated in a marine reserve, a continuous protected area stretching 150 kilometres from the Mozambique border south to Cape Vidal and 3 nautical miles out to sea.

The wetlands area inland of Sodwana Bay forms a very delicate ecosystem. The high vegetated sand dunes and precious coral reefs are equally delicate and interlinked. The reefs are the most southerly coral reefs along the east coast of Africa.

When one think of coral, one usually thinks of an underwater garden filled with colourful patches of flowers. The corals could be considered as the “flowers of the reef”. Corals do not even cover 1% of the earth’s surface but they can still be called home by 25% of marine fish species.

Coral reefs are the second most productive ecosystem on earth just behind rainforests. Even though tropical waters are low in nutrients, and can be likened to a blue desert, corals are still able to build reefs, the biggest structures ever built by living organisms. Sodwana Bay offers some of the most spectacular coral diversity in the world.

Sodwana Bay is often referred to as the diving Mecca of South Africa. Diving is good throughout the year with water temperatures in summer 24^oC or more, and in winter seldom colder than 19^oC.

Visibility is rarely less than 15 metres and depths of the reefs vary between 12-50 metres. You will see an abundance of tropical fish, hard and soft coral, Moray eels and sponges. You might see large schools of pelagic fish, Manta Rays, Dolphins and Turtles. At certain times of the year Whales and Whale Sharks might be spotted.

Dives are all done from semi-rigid boats. The launching-site is protected by Jesser Point. This wonderful resort set in a sheltered bay on the Maputaland coast attracts many visitors all year round to discover its many hidden treasures.

Sodwana Bay has many popular dive sites with a great diversity of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna including branching, table and plate corals, beautiful overhangs, drop-offs and mushroom rocks, as well as spectacular night dives.

The reefs have rather unimaginative, although appropriate names – derived from their distance north of the launching area.

Quarter Mile Reef:

This is the only reef with a good chance in spring of seeing Ragged-tooth Sharks.

Two Mile Reef:

Most frequently dived reef because of its easy access and short boat trip there and back. The reef is relatively shallow, a beautiful colourful underwater garden. Anton’s Reef is a splendid little reef with dense schools of tropical fish.

Five Mile Reef:

This is a very delicate reef, home to an astounding variety of fine coral, as well as an abundance of colourful tropical fish.

Seven Mile Reef:

This is a beautiful little reef featuring drop-offs and pinnacles and a diversity of marine life.

Nine Mile Reef:

Part of the shoreline drop-off. The reef is in an excellent condition. This reef is not dived as often as the other reefs, because of its distance from the launch site. Here you will find big coral trees and schools of passing game fish.

Other activities:

Sodwana Bay offers exciting adventure sports such as horse back riding, wave rafting as well as whale and dolphin watching. Fishing - ski-boaters and shore anglers have the opportunity to catch a number of different game fish. Hiking - a five kilometre self-guided walking trail for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts leads around the coastal forests and dunes and the area is rich in cultural history. Turtle Tours – if you visit between mid-November to January, you can see loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting on the beaches by joining a night turtle tour. Departure times vary with the tide.