Algoa Bay - Scuba Diving

Explore the Deep Blue: Scuba Diving in Algoa Bay

Dive into the warm, biodiverse waters of Algoa Bay, one of South Africa’s most underrated scuba diving gems. Nestled along the Eastern Cape coastline near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), this bay offers year-round diving adventures for everyone—from beginners taking their first breaths underwater to advanced divers seeking vibrant marine life and underwater surprises.

Algoa Bay is part of a marine protected area and boasts an array of dive sites, including reefs, wrecks, and kelp forests. The nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of sea life, including soft and hard corals, nudibranchs, rays, octopus, and shoals of reef fish. Larger marine species like ragged-tooth sharks, dolphins, and even seasonal visits from humpback whales and sunfish add extra excitement to the dive calendar.

The bay’s sheltered conditions and relatively mild currents make it an ideal location for training dives, underwater photography, and leisurely explorations. Some of the top dive spots include Bell Buoy Reef, Riy Banks, and the Haerlem and Doddington shipwrecks, each offering unique underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity.

Visibility can range from 5 to 15 metres depending on conditions, and the water temperature varies between 17°C and 24°C. Dive charters and local operators provide guided excursions, gear rental, and PADI-certified training.

Whether you’re here to explore colorful reefs or encounter rare marine species, scuba diving in Algoa Bay promises a rich, exciting, and eco-friendly underwater adventure in South Africa’s warm Indian Ocean waters.