Wild, exotic, and the place of legend, Africa is an exciting destination offering a huge variety of underwater and topside safari experiences. With coastlines on the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, Africa boasts an incredible array of diving experiences. From South Africa’s famous Sardine Run and shark diving, to the tropical reefs of Mozambique and Tanzania, and the unforgettable whale shark encounters in remote St Helena Island.
And then there are the topside wildlife encounters with incredible game reserves along the KwaZulu Natal coast where you can see all Big 5 in one day, to the unique wildlife of Madagascar. On top of all that, the colourful and incredibly varied cultural experiences in each region add even more to the experience. With such a variety of amazing dive spots, deciding on where to go scuba diving in Africa is no easy task. We’ve rounded up a list of the best places to go scuba diving in Africa, complete with information on what to see and when to go.
We’ve also curated a range of sample packages that combine diving with topside wildlife and cultural experiences.
South Africa
With a coastline stretching 2700km, bordering the Indian Ocean to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, diving South Africa offers a thrilling and extremely varied experience full of challenge and adventure.
The milder tropical climate of the northeastern KwaZulu-Natal province offers warm water, stunning beaches and some of the country’s richest marine life. One of the best spots is Sodwana Bay, perfectly positioned within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Further south, Aliwal Shoal is the staging post for some epic shark diving with bull sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, blacktips, and the local favourites, sand tiger sharks. And a sight not to be missed off Port St Johns is the annual sardine run, a high-energy event that draws countless sharks, game fish, dolphins, birds, and seals to feast on giant bait balls of sardines.
On South Africa’s Western Cape, the cooler waters and kelp forests of the Atlantic coast are home to seal colonies and African penguins which in turn attract apex predators. Towns such as False Bay and Gansbaai are renowned shark cage diving destinations, and while great white sharks are what everyone wants to see, there is an excellent chance of encountering seven-gill sharks, dolphins, and even orcas.
When To Dive South Africa
- The northeastern coast can be dived year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. The sardine run occurs annually between May and July, with the peak time in late June. Temperature: 20-28°C
- The Atlantic side is wilder and colder with the summer months of October through to March preferred for diving. Temperatures can drop below 12°C, and conditions can be challenging. Temperature 12-18°C
Madagascar
Madagascar boasts unique endemic species that have evolved in geographical isolation from the rest of Africa. The oceans and reefs around Madagascar boast incredibly rich biomass and the chance to spot some rarer species such as the coelacanth and Omura’s whale. There are 34 different species of cetacean found around Madagascar, and one of the best places to spot them is Ile Sainte-Marie off the northeast coast, directly on the migratory route for humpback whales.
Arguably the best area for diving in Madagascar is the northwestern archipelago of Nosy Be. At least 300 types of hard coral play host to 1,300 species of reef fish, turtles, and over 50 types of sharks. This is also a prime spot for whale shark encounters in October and November each year.
When to Dive Madagascar
While Madagascar can be dived year-round, most centres will close during the cyclone season between December and March. The best time to visit is between May and December when whale sharks and migrating humpback whales are visiting. Temperature: 25-28°C with warmest weather January to March.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s 2400km long coastline is an exhilarating introduction to southeast Africa’s impressive megafauna. The northern Quirimbas Archipelago enjoys the protection of one of Africa’s largest Marine Protected Areas. These remote, undeveloped islands, sandbars, mangroves, and healthy reefs are home to the best of the Indian Ocean’s tropical marine life as well as some fascinating underwater topography.
Heading south another 240km, Praia do Tofo is a well-known manta and whale shark destination. August and September are also prime humpback months, with migrating whales spotted daily on their journey through the Mozambique Channel.
In the country’s deep south, Ponta do Ouro is a spectacular location and one of the best places to dive with big pelagic shark species. Bull sharks and hammerheads are just two of the 19 species that frequent these waters.
When To Dive Mozambique
Temperature: Quirimbas Archipelago 25-26°C, Bazaruto Archipelago 23-24°C, Praia do Tofo and Ponta do Ouro 23-29°C.
Zanzibar and Tanzania
Spread across the equator on Africa’s east coast, Tanzania is perhaps best known as a topside safari destination. However, it also boasts varied diving along its coastline, as well as some exceptional sites around the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
Zanzibar is famous for its Spice Island heritage and stunning beaches. Along with Pemba to the north and Mafia 200km further south, these three islands offer some of the best diving in Tanzania. Large pelagic species traveling up Africa’s eastern seaboard compete for space on lush tropical reefs where an abundance of medium and small reef fish, barracuda, trevally, reef sharks, and several types of turtle are all common spots.
When to Dive Tanzania
November and December are peak months for whale shark and humpback whale sightings, and manta rays can be found year-round in Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Diving is available year-round, although the main season is November to March. Temperature: 25-29°C year-round.
Mauritius
900km off the east coast of Madagascar, the small island nation of Mauritius is infamous as the first place we humans noticed a species become extinct: the dodo.
Mauritius offers excellent marine diversity with endemic species and some unique hard and soft corals. Sites such as Grand-Baie’s and Trou-aux-Biches offer some great macro diving. There are several offshore spots that are renowned for pelagic and shark encounters, with bull sharks, grey reef sharks, and silvertip reef sharks at The Shark Pit and Belle Mare on the island’s east coast.
When to dive Mauritius
November through to April offers the best visibility and warmest waters.
St Helena
Not strictly speaking Africa, however the only way to get to this remote island is via Johannesburg, South Africa. St Helena is roughly 2000km west of the African coast in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and boasts the only known population of mature female whale sharks outside of the Galapagos.
Diving in St Helena offers a unique and rewarding experience with a diverse range of underwater attractions, including vibrant reefs, diverse marine life, and accessible shipwrecks. The island’s location in the Atlantic provides opportunities for encounters with large marine animals like whale sharks and devil rays, while the relatively calm waters and clear visibility make it suitable for divers of all levels.
When to dive St Helena
The best time for diving in St Helena is generally December to June, with peak season from January to May. During these months, you can experience warmer water temperatures around 25°C and excellent visibility of 30-35m
