Sodwana Bay in South Africa, located on the the KwaZulu Natal north coast which may not be synonymous with scuba diving much like the Maldives but boasts of a rich marine life that’s gaining more international thrill-seekers.
Found two hours away from South Africa’s oldest game reserve known as Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, this African region is a true gem particularly among those who enjoy diving.
Here you will find a rich coastline boasting 22 species of marine mammals and over 1,200 species of fish.
Sodwana Bay is classified as one of the top dive sites in the world with a whopping 35,000 scuba divers visiting the park each year.
Loggerhead and leatherback turtles are found throughout with frogfish and anemones seen thriving along its coral-encrusted seabed but there’s so much more to this stunning region than just its diving.
Sodwana Bay is in one of the most unique and unspoiled parts of the world.
The Sodwana Bay National Park is a true sight to behold and includes forested sand dunes found along the east coast.
The stunning park is situated on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu-Natal that’s frequented by divers and anglers.
The region offers a host of activities including ocean tours, kitesurfing, quad biking and even sea turtle tours.
There’s plenty of South Africa’s wildlife roaming about to spot and is also a prime location for bird watching.
One visitor wrote of their experience on TripAdvisor saying: “The sand was clean, the sea warm and the ocean was filled with stunning wildlife.
“The bars are busy and the restaurants are fun. What more could you ever need.”
Another added: “I have been coming here for the last 27 years, mostly for diving.
“While the place has changed and could say become more developed and populated. It’s still my happy place.
“The people are always amazing, the reefs are out of this world and you still feel you are in a time warp.”
Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world but is restricted with visitors required to pay for park fees and diving permits.
When compared to the eye-watering prices of the Maldives and the total remoteness of Indonesian islands, it’s easy to see why Sodwana Bay remains a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts and adventure-seekers.
