Diving in South Africa - Swimming pool instructions

Sodwana Bay: diving in South Africa

There's more to South Africa than game watching on land.... there are also very beautiful animals to be seen under water. Sodwana Bay is located to the north of St Lucia and is one of the 5 most beautiful diving locations in the world. Approximately 83 percent of all fish species can be found here. There are also hundreds of types of hard and soft coral species here, not to mention sting rays, sea turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins.

The bay is situated between sand dunes and subtropical forests and is a part of the St Lucia Park and 'wetlands'. All necessary diving equipment, diving instructors, dive boats and accommodation will be provided for by our local partner, a professional diving school.

This travel module can be added on to your trip, after your visit to Swaziland or even while staying in St Lucia. If you would like to receive more information on our travel Packs, send us an email at info@southafricatravelplan.co.uk.

Duration	4 days, 3 nights PADI course: 6 days, 5 nights	Departure	Daily
Comfort level(1-5)	3, see accommodation	Accommodation	Double occupancy cabins with private shower/ toilet
Price	Please ask our travel specialist for up to the minute prices	Included	Accommodation, diner and breakfast, tank and weight-belt PADI course includes accommodation and equipment
Transportation	Rental car	Excluded	Car rental, meals and entrance fees of approximately R35 per car and R20 per person, R5 community levy per person and R40 per person daily park fee

Day 1: Swaziland - Sodwana Bay

Early this morning, head out from Swaziland towards Sodwana Bay. Drive past Manzini and Big Bend, along the Mozambique - Golela border until you reach KwaZulu Natal. The scenery will become flatter and even more arid. Once you're on South African territory, take the highway to Hlhuhluwe and head left towards the South Africa's eastern coast. Sodwana Bay lies in the 'Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park', a World Heritage Site. Here you'll enter the national park at gate 1. The park rangers will ask to see your accommodation voucher for Sodwana Bay before you proceed into the park. You'll also be asked to fill in a registration form which will later be requested at your accommodation.

After arrival, you will be able to plan your 5 dives with the diving staff. Spend the night in a charming accommodation with mosquito netting protecting you from pesky insects in your room. There is also a bar, restaurant, store, swimming pool with terrace and naturally you'll also encounter many diving enthusiasts. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of your trip.

Total distance on day 1 is approximately 350 km.

Day 2-3: Sodwana Bay

During your stay in Sodwana Bay, you'll be able to go on at least 5 dives. We will arrange your tank and weight belt. You will be taken to the beach where your boat and an underwater adventure will be waiting. You'll go on dives at the '2 Mile reef', the largest reef at Sodwana (nearly 2 km long and 900 metres wide). The depth of the reef location varies from 8 to 18 metres. Since this is the most shallow reef in Sodwana, you'll have the most spectacular sightings here. The water temperature differs each season: from 28 degrees in March - April to 20 degrees celsius in the months Augustus - September.

Aside from diving, there are plenty of other activities to participate in while you're in this area. Visit Mkhuze, Phinda or Hluhluwe - Umfolozi National Park or go kayaking, surfing or play a game of beach volleyball.

Day 4: Sodwana Bay - St. Lucia

This is the final day of your diving adventure. Before leaving for St. Lucia (or Swaziland if you're travelling in the other direction) enjoy a proper English breakfast. Afterwards drive back towards the N2 towards Mtubatuba and head left on to the R618 to St. Lucia.

Total distance on day 4 is approximately 180 km.

Diving in South Africa - Sodwana Bay accommodation

PADI-course

If you don't have a diving certificate yet, this is a perfect opportunity to earn it while in South Africa. Professional diving instructors will teach you everything you need to know to enable you to earn your PADI certificate within 6 days. Better yet, you'll leave the course with the essentials for going on amazing underwater adventures with a dive buddy, up to 18 metres deep, all over the world. During the course you would normally sleep in tents for 5 nights, however we offer an upgrade to an ensuite cabin which is a lot more comfortable. During the course you'll be able to go on 4 dives and naturally all diving equipment is included in the price of the trip. Your accommodation is based on an overnight stay only (meals not included).

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For inspiration check out our South Africa itineraries