KwaZulu-Natal truly is the coast with the most, showcasing the spectacular marine life South Africa has to offer. Don your wetsuit and goggles and let’s go snorkelling.
1. Salt Escape
The Aliwal Shoal reef is a world-renowned diving site, featuring a marine protected area and a Mission Blue Hope Spot – a site scientifically recognised as critical and crucial to the ocean environment.
Raggies Cave sits on the outer edge of reef and is home to a rich array of marine life, such as paper fish, rays, eels and sand sharks. There are several other spots in this site worth exploring for both new and experienced snorkellers.
Rates at Salt Escape from R350 pp
Address: Salt Escape operates at Sodwana National Park, Durban and Umkomaas.
Contact them at 0828741706
2. Tidal Tao
There are plenty of fish species lurking beneath the crystal waters of Ballito and Salt Rock. Several species of coral, as well as invertebrates and big shoals such as butterflyfish and damsels call these waters their home.
Cost: from R150 for children age 6-10, R320 for adults
Address: Corner of Ocean Drive and Old Main Road, Shaka’s Rock Beach.
Book with Tidal Tao 079 307 0608 or email [email protected]
3. Utshwayelo Kosi Bay Lodge and Camp
Kosi Bay is home to an abundance of fish species, earning it the nickname ‘the aquarium.’
Various reefs, tidal pools and rocky outcrops can be found in these warm waters, even in the shallow side. Lionfish, eels, boxfish and the devil firefish are just a few of the magnificent fish found here.
Devil firefish, however spectacular they look, are venomous, so it is advised to steer clear of the areas they inhabit.
If you book with Utshwayelo Lodge and Camp, rates are from R80, in addition to a R200 deposit.
Address: Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge, eNkovukeni.
Contact them at 082 909 3113 or email [email protected]
4. Cape Vidal
You can’t go wrong with snorkelling in the Cape Vidal. Over 50 species of fish can be found here, and if you’re lucky, you can spot cuttlefish, crayfish, octopus and even turtles!
There is also a well-known shipwreck for the Pirates of the Caribbean enthusiasts to marvel at. Cape Vidal Snorkelling can take you to this wreck and many more starting at just R350 per person.
Address: iSimangaliso Wetlank Park, St Lucia, Durban.
Contact them at 072 723 4215
5. Umdloti Tidal pools
Umdloti Tidal Pool is another very popular snorkelling spot, home to large shoals of flagtails. The rocky outcrops have big, deep holes where, if you are lucky, you can find uncommon fish species such as penciled surgeons and semi-circle angelfish brown surgeons.
Cost: Free access
Address: Umdloti beach tidal pool, 29-30 Beach Road, Umdloti.
Picture: Unsplash
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