Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) is definitely one of South Africa’s diving gems. Beautiful reefs, shipwrecks and a large variety of fish and soft coral species make for great diving. Whale and Dolphins sightings are quite common in the bay and sharks are regularly seen on dives. Two large dive operators provide dive gear, air (or Nitrox) fills and safe boat access to dive sites in and around the bay area.
Water temperatures vary between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius during summer and 14 to 19 degrees Celsius during winter. Sea conditions are generally calm in the bay, except when the South Easterly wind is blowing; so look forward to an easy boat ride on most dives. Winter is considered the best time to dive the bay.
There are three commonly dived areas in Port Elizabeth; the Bay, the Wild Side and surrounding Islands and Reefs.
The Bay area is protected from the open ocean and offers shore and boat dives for novice and experienced alike. Sites are generally reached by launching from Hobie Beach or the harbour. Ragged Tooth, Leopard and Pajama sharks are seen on most dives. The reefs are nothing short of spectacular, you will see large gorgonians and fans. Sea whips sway in the current with sponges, soft coral, starfish, nudibranchs, featherstars and anenomes creating an unforgettably beautiful underwater garden.
The best wreck dive in the area is the HMS Harlem, a navy frigate, which was scuttled in 1987. It is situated close to Bell Bouy and lies in about 20meters of water. Pajama sharks, catfish and rock cod and a variety of other fish inhabit the wreck.
The Wild Side is situated to the South, just outside the Bays protected waters. Boats are launched from the local ski boat club here and are generally deeper than 18 meters. An advanced qualification is a requirement for most dives. Keep an eye open for the elusive Horse Fish which is often seen when diving here. Reefs are much the same as in the bay with large sea fans and a multitude of invertebrate life.
The Islands are home to colonies of seals and penguins. Great Whites breed close to Bird Island. There are a couple of excellent sites to visit including St. Croix Island, Riy Banks and Evans Peak.
St. Croix is a marine reserve characterized by gullies, caves and drop-offs, sponges and fans. Jackass Penguins feed on the abundant fish in these waters. St. Croix is surrounded by two smaller islands and the long boat trip will be well worth it. An advanced qualification is required for all the dives near the islands or outer bay area.
Riy Banks is a reef system situated about 20km from Hobie Beach. Because of its location gauging the conditions may be difficult; though visibility is often excellent when conditions are ideal. The reef features magnificent drop-offs and walls making it a popular deep dive. Depths vary between 15-30+meters. Game fish are often spotted here.
Evans Peak is situated close to St. Croix and is one of the best dives in Port Elizabeth. A single pinnacle covered by soft coral rises to within 15 meters of the surface. Ragged tooth Sharks are often seen here and expect to see some huge resident Rock Cod.
Popular Diving Sites in South Africa:
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