#diving

6 KwaZulu-Natal diving and snorkeling spots to try this summer

The KwaZulu-Natal coastline is blessed with balmy weather year in and year out and blue, crystal clear serenity of the warm Indian Ocean makes the province divers and snorkelers paradise for so many reasons. It’s the land of an endless summer and with so many coastal areas, reefs and warm waters to explore it’s no wonder Kwazulu-Natal keeps getting the number one rated dive and snorkeling locations in the country. Here are 6 must-visit diving and snorkeling destinations on your next trip to the warmest province in South Africa. Diving Spots Raggie Cave/ Shark alley – Aliwal Shoal This death-defying dive situated in the Aliwal Shoal is widely considered to be one of the top rated dive sites in the world for various reasons. The 80,000-year-old sandstone reef provides an excellent location for spotting and swimming with one of the most respected and feared marine animals the shark. Ragged Tooth, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks are the found sharks of this dive site hence the name of the dive spot. Sardine Run – Protea Banks The sardine run which spans from the Eastern Cape to this iconic coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal really is one of the most spectacular diving experiences on planet earth. Every year around June and July thousands upon thousands of sardines are found migrating from cold cape waters to warm KwaZulu-Natal ones, this brouhaha creates a marine festival as other bigger ocean predators follow the sardines to gauge themselves on fresh fish making it a visual treat for anyone fascinated by the ocean and diving. Hire a car in Durban to accommodate your travel. Uniforms – Sodwana Bay Forming a part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is this slightly less challenging dive situated in Sodwana Bay nearing towards the Ponto Do Oro border of Mozambique. The reef is said to go on for as long as 5 miles and is home to Tiger Angelfish, purple butterfly fish and the yellowtail goldie fish. The water temperatures become warm and pleasant during the December period and this is also when the turtles that inhabit the area lay their eggs which are also deemed to be a great event to witness for wildlife enthusiasts. Snorkeling Spots Umdloti Pools This seasonally quiet seaside village has become a popular snorkeling destination over the years not just because of its proximity to more urban hubs nearby such as Durban or Umhlanga but also because of its undeniable beauty and charm. The Umdloti tidal pools create a great area for snorkeling and during low tides create an area which is considered an amazing place to escape the Kwazulu-Natal sun for a while and get up close and personal with the ocean. It’s also a short drive from the King Shaka International airport and the entire North Coast of KZN offers similar beaches that are also suitable for snorkeling. Salt Rock Tidal Pool This is one of the more popular snorkeling locations on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal for various reasons. This is the precise reason why you might want to visit this picturesque part of the world from the end of May when the weather is slightly cooler and the seas a little clearer and more radiating. However the sea temperatures are slightly cooler during this time of year so wearing a wetsuit is optimal if one wishes to snorkel for longer hours, but it isn’t mandatory. Some of the species of fish the area is famous for is Parrotfish, blacktail, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, Moorish idol and the gold bar wrasse. Vetch’s Pier What’s great about this snorkeling and diving site is it’s situated within the urban hub of Durban so there are loads of other things to do and explore once you have finished your snorkel. What’s also nice about it is on the main promenade there is a dive shop where one can buy and rent all the necessary equipment which one might need to complete a successful snorkel. The harbor wall is the main location not far from the famous Vetch’s Reef and some of the marine life which divers and snorkelers are expected to see include Rays, octopus, tobies, electric rays, damselfish, moray eels, shoals of Fusiliers, chocolate dips, and butterfly fish. Source: divesouthafrica.com

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Excursions

Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay is a beautiful unspoilt jewel on the east coast of South Africa. Discover Sodwana Bay’s rich natural bio diversity and activities such as scuba diving, fishing, turtle tours, ocean tours and much more. From tented campsites to luxurious guesthouses, hotels and lodges, you will be able to meet what ever level of comfort you desire. Sodwana Bay is located on the east coast of South Africa, in one of the most unique and unspoiled parts of the world. The KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the Zulu people who have inhabited the area in harmony with the land for several centuries. They still remain the predominant ethnic group in the region. Situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Maputaland Marine Reserve, efforts are made to protect its integrity from environmental degradation. You will find a peaceful and yet dynamic little town to spend some quality time away from home. Come explore the area, meet the locals and enjoy a wide variety of activities in one of the top ten scuba diving destinations in the world. For the avid ocean enthusiasts, sea turtle tours, ocean tours, kitesurfing, learning about sharks, fishing and much more is on the menu and Sodwana Bay will meet your highest expectations. While on land, go quad biking or on nature walks. Scan the horizon or look up to the sky where you will have the privilege to observe South Africa’s incredible wildlife. It is a prime location for bird watching, and several game reserves offer safaris where the big five can be spotted. While visiting Sodwana Bay, the adventure seekers can experience the wild side of Africa by camping and those looking for a bit more luxury will also find affordable accommodations in the various cabins, chalets, guest houses, lodges and hotels. Sodwana Bay will certainly charm you and memorable moments will be spent in this magical place. Sodwana Bay National Park Sodwana Bay National Park is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This wonderful resort set in the sheltered bay on the Maputaland coast attracts many visitors all year round to discover its many hidden treasures PLEASE NOTE: An entry fee of R35 for adults and R30 for children under the age of 13 is payable at the entrance to the national park before entring. All overnight visitors must check in at Sodwana Bay reception office on arrival. Office hours are from 08:00 -16:30 (Monday – Thursday) and 07:00-16:30 Friday, Saturday and public holidays, and 07:00-15:00 on Sundays. No pets are allowed in the park. Please ensure that all possible precautions against theft are taken at all times. Firearms must be declared on arrival at the reception office. Safety deposit boxes are available for hire to safeguard firearms and valuables. No quad bikes or motorbikes are allowed in the park. Illegal power connections in the campsite will not be tolerated. Beach permits are required for 4×4 vehicle access to the beach near the resort. 200 permits are issued daily on a first come first served basis. Vehicles may only access the beach on Saturdays and Sundays, Public Holidays and peak school holidays. Air compressors may not be used in the campsites. A facility is available at the beach. Portable generators may not be used in the park. Fireworks are not permitted in the Park. Visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria before, during and after a visit to Sodwana Bay. Attendants are available to assist in the campsite and on the beach. Entrance gates are open 24 hours. Arrival after reception office hours will require a refundable deposit. Accommodation fees are payable in full in advance. Personal cheques will not be exchanged for cash. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s tariffs are available on request, and are subject to change without prior notice. Please note that physically disabled people have to apply to the Minister at Marine and Conservation Management for special permission to access the beach. The application has to be done in writing prior to visiting the area. Scuba Diving in Sodwana Bay Sodwana Bay is considered to be among the premier dive sites of the world, it is home to the southern most tropical coral reefs on the planet which are further south than the Great Barrier Reef. The reef has an incredibly dense coral cover and wide diversity of fish, crustaceans and more with over 1200 species having been recorded in the area. Conditions range from idyllic to challenging depending on the wind and the current. The sites vary in depth between 10 meters and depths only suited to technical deep divers. The shallowest siting of a coelacanth took place in Sodwana at a depth of just over 100m. The reef’s at Sodwana Bay are named by the distance they are from the launch site, Jesser Point. The major reef’s are split up into Quarter Mile, 2 Mile Reef, 5 Mile Reef, 7 Mile Reef and 9 Mile Reef. And each of these reefs have their own dive sites. There are also a few isolate reefs fringing the main reefs, some of these are Stringer and Bikini. Some of the more popular dives sites on Two Mile Reef are:Antons reef Two buoy Four buoy Coral Gardens Pinnacles Waynes world Chain reef Caves and Overhangs Arches Hot spots The bio diversity in the area is phenomenal from the big to small. Seasonal visitors include humpback whales and manta rays, others such as dolphins, turtles and whales sharks appear year round. Some of the small “jewellery” on offer includes paper fish, pipe fish, seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish and a host of many others. So dive in and discover. Lifes a beach, then you dive. Interactive Research in Sodwana Bay Fortunately people have enquiring minds. The diversity of the environment in Sodwana Bay is astounding. Both on land and underwater there are numerous creatures that have intrigued people so much, that they want to find out all they can about them. Being a marine protected area and a national park on

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Emdoneni News

6 Things To Do in Kosi Bay

Kayaking & Snorkelling Visit Amangwane for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site in South Africa. Explore the waterways by sea kayak, around the mangrove trees and see how many of the myriad of bird species you can find. You can also venture through the surf to the offshore reefs. Rated as one of the best snorkelling spots on the planet, Kosi Bay mouth offers sightings of various tropical species like Devil Fire Fish, Honey comb eels, small rays and a variety of reef species you’d expect to see far out at sea! This is an excellent spot for people who’ve never snorkelled before, as the bay offers calm waters and a gentle current to carry you along as you marvel at the fish below. Kosi Bay Trail Whilst there is a Kosi Bay Trail that takes roughly four days to complete, which can also be done as a slackpacker version, there are variations and flexible trails, depending on your level of fitness. The old trail, remembered by seasoned hikers with nostalgia, unfortunately fell into disrepair. But it is possible to do the same trail again, just the accommodation has changed. On average, if you do the trail in its entirety, you’ll walk for three to four hours a day. And if you’re up to it, you can add canoeing and horse riding, a turtle tour or a boat cruise to your itinerary. You will also be exposed to some of the most incredibly diverse and beautiful scenery – deserted beaches, dune forest, open savannah and wetlands, and the sighting of loggerhead turtles make this an incredible hiking experience. Kosi Bay Turtle Tours Visit Amangwane Camp for an experience of a lifetime into the magical Kosi Bay at the tip of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – World Heritage Site, South Africa. The heart of the turtle nesting area in South Africa. Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles venture out of the oceans on land during the summer months Oct – Feb to lay batches of eggs on the beach. These fascinating creatures are highly endangered and this walking tour is rated as one of the top wildlife experiences. Mabibi Beach Enjoy the tranquility of Mabibi Beach, sheltered by coastal forests with soft sand that begs your feet to take a stroll or nestle in and enjoy the sunshine and spectacular views surrounding you. This is an ideal place for the children to explore and splash around as well as many activities available for adults. Snorkeling along the reef is very popular as well as scuba diving off shore. Crystal clear waters are warm and very pleasant to swim in. This secluded beach can be found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is a world heritage site in KwaZulu Natal. Please ensure that any snorkeling or diving is done with a professional and under supervision. Turtle Tracking in Kosi Bay Turtle tracking is offered every night from 15 November to 15 January at Kosi Forest Lodge in Kosi Bay. These excursions (including transfers to and from the beach) can last up to 3 to 4hrs and may return very late. Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles make their way home having swum the length of the continent in a return journey to the beach where they were born. Research has shown that eggs are often laid within meters of where the mother emerged as a hatchling years previously. Guests are able to view these magnificent creatures meters from where she is laying. Utmost precaution is taken to ensure that she is not disturbed.

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