Aquarium Diving - South Africa

Aquarium Diving in South Africa. Where can I do an aquarium dive?

If you have always dreamt about diving with sharks and other species, but you are not quite ready to brave the open water, aquarium diving offers the perfect solution. All dive levels from unqualified to experienced divers are able to venture into the underwater world of South Africa’s top aquariums, to dive with sharks, rays, turtles and a host of other marine species – with guaranteed sightings of marine life, and excellent visibility. The majority of aquariums also offer short resort courses for those with no scuba experience, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun on this memorable experience. The two main aquarium dive experiences in South Africa include the following options:

• Two Oceans Aquarium – Cape Town

The Two Oceans Aquarium, fondly known as the TOA, is situated in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront. There are two options for diving at this aquarium: the Kelp Forest and the I&J Predator Exhibit. The Kelp Forest offers a chance for divers with an advanced dive qualification to venture into the chilly Atlantic Ocean water, where towering kelp forests sway with the current. Species you will see in this exhibit include galjoen, steenbras and many other Atlantic Ocean species, plus three species of kelp. The I&J Predator Exhibit is one of the biggest exhibits in South Africa, with a wide range of predators from the Indian Ocean. Ragged Tooth shark, yellow tail, garrick, dusky kob and black musselcracker as well as Yoshi the Loggerhead turtle can all be seen here on a dive with the sharks. Divers of all levels can dive in this exhibit.

• uShaka Marine World – Durban

Durban’s renowned uShaka Marine World is home to Calypso Dive – where you can book shark dives in the aquarium, as well as a range of other diving experiences. uShaka Marine World is one of the largest aquariums in the country, featuring a wide range of exhibits as well as seal and dolphin shows. Diving adventure activities include cage diving with sharks, the Ocean Walker experience in the Open Ocean exhibit (where you can walk across the ocean floor and view marine life) plus Snorkel Lagoon for those who prefer to snorkel rather than scuba dive in South Africa.