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The diving in Durban Bay is mostly centred on the two major reefs: No. 1 Reef, otherwise known as Outer Anghorage, and Blood Reef a rather macabre name which dates back to the days of commercial whaling. Regular charters are run to both these reefs.
The best time to dive is in May, June and July when the rivers are low. A light south-westerly wind usually cleans the water, while the north-easterlies churn up the sea and make it unsafe for diving. The visibility is usually less then 10m, but can range from zero to as much as 30-40m when the warm, clean water of the Mozambique Current flows in close to the shore.
See Encounter Magazine's comprehensive guide on Scuba Diving in South Africa.
Durban's scuba diving and snorkelling sites
*Outer Anchorage (No.1 Reef)
In a direct line due east of the Anchorage Beacon
*Dolphin Reef
Umhlanga Rocks. Approximately 300m off Umdloti tidal pool.
*Cooperlight- Wreck
South-East of the Cooper Lighthouse between Brighton Beach and the Umlaas Cutting.
*Limestone Reef
Approximately 400m swim in a North-Easterly Direction from Vetch's Pier, parallel to the coastline.
*Ovington Court (1940) wreck
In front of Addington Hospital, approximately 50m offshore.
*The Pinnacles (Durban)
Located on Blood Reef, off the Bluff
*Lighthouse Reef
Umhlanga Rocks. 200m offshore, just south of the Umhlanga Lighthouse.
*La Mercy
Snorkelling.La Mercy. About 200-300m south of the Sea Belle Restaurant and approximately 600m offshore.
*The Trawler (Fontao - 1990) Wreck
Umhlanga Rocks. Some 2km offshore and 500m South of Umhlanga Lighthouse.
*Faultline (Deep Blood)
Opposite the water tower to the South of Blood Reef.
*Vetch's Pier
Snorkelling.Located 800m North of the harbour entrance.
*T-Barge - Wreck
Umhlanga Rocks. Approximately 3km off Virginia Beach.
Operators
Calypso Dive and Adventure Centre has a PADI training facilities offering first time diving experiences, qualifications from open water 1 to as high as instructor levels as well as fun dives. Calypso dives 30 dive sights off the shore of Durban and also offer dives in the uShaka Marine World Aquarium.
Tel: 031 332 0905
Shop K8, uShaka Marine World, 1 Bell Street, Durban
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Location: Durban,
KwaZulu Natal |
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