The waters of Cape Vidal are warm, thanks to their being part of the Indian Ocean, and are teeming with marine animal- and plant life. The snorkelling safaris are paired with a game drive to ensure that visitors get to see the maximum number of species and the most variety during their excursion.
Cape Vidal Snorkeling precautions
Please take note that their are strong rip currents in the bay at Cape Vidal, South Africa. Should you like to go snorkeling at Cape Vidal then it is advisable that the following should be noted.
Snorkeling should only take place 1 hour prior and 1 hour after low tide. This is when one can enjoy the very best snorkeling in the protected bay of Cape Vidal. The conditions (currents) are most favorable between these times and are therefore the safest as well.
Please ensure that you do have a tide chart so that you make sure that your timings are correct.
Snorkeling Gear
Cape Vidal Bay is a semi protected bay and therefore makes for some incredible snorkeling opportunities.
Gear Needed:
- Mask & Snorkel
- Fins (if possible)
- Sunblock a must
During low tide it is not imperative to have fins as their is not much current one can therefore enjoy the bay to ones leisure. Due to the warm Indian Ocean a wetsuit is not needed.
Where to Snorkel at Cape Vidal
Once you arrive at Cape Vidal, you will see on the far right the reef starts. It is from their that one can enjoy snorkeling all the way towards the end of the reef. One will also see a pole sticking out at the end of the reef. This not only marks the end of the reef but is also utilized for the Boats Launching from Cape Vidal.
Please at all times be on the look out for Sea going vessels are not only do they launch from the same site but also return through the same area. Ezemvello usually have someone with a whistle notifying you that you are swimming or snorkeling in the wrong area. Please adhere to them at all times.
Scattered reefs and rocks are to be found within the bay, be on the look out for the mast of a old ship as well as this makes for some interesting shelter for the fish. Numerous fish species can be witnessed while snorkeling in Cape Vidal not to mention the odd game fish and crayfish. Please note that crayfish are not allowed to be removed as this is a protected area (isimangaliso wetland park).
During winter its is common for the bay to sand up a bit and by summer the sand will once again be moved by the dominant currents.
Credit: .stluciasouthafrica.com
