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Feature
Underwater Adventures
In South Africa
Imagine being inches from the jaws
of a hungry Great White Shark
in full feeding mode, its layers of
serrated teeth gnawing at the mesh
of your cage, its black eyes staring
into yours.
Compare this naked terror with the serenity
of drifting under the bizarre twilight of a kelp
forest, the vegetation spread over you like
the foliage in a tropical forest. Fish teem
to feed on the millions of micro-organisms
attracted by the nutrient-rich plants.
Few countries in the world can offer the
breath-taking range of options for the
underwater enthusiast as can South Africa.
The size of the country is reflected in its
immensely long coastline, which measures
over 2500 km in length. Within that range,
divers can find all manner of ecosystems
and aquatic sea-life.
Much of South Africa’s coastal water is cold,
given its latitude is 35°S to 27°S. Marine
diversity though, is enhanced by the fact
that the Mozambique Current flows south.
With the warmer waters come tropical fish
and some of the most southerly coral reefs
in the world - which are also some of the
most beautiful.
Sodwana Bay draws in thousands of scuba
enthusiasts each year. Located on South
Africa’s eastern coast, its reef is home to
over 1200 species of fish and crustaceans.
Some of the most impressive species
include the world’s largest fish -the Whale
Shark- and the enticingly named Bikini Ray.
Humpbacked Whales can be seen regularly
on their migration through the area. Depths
range from 10 metres to levels that only
serious divers should attempt.
Novice divers are well catered for in
South Africa. Training centres are easy to
find, even in land-locked Johannesburg.
However, quality can be variable, so it is
important that you check for accreditation
and their safety record. Diving is easy but
can be extremely dangerous if regulations
are not followed or if equipment is not cared
for.
Speaking of
extreme danger...
White Shark cage diving is a thrilling and
adrenaline-charged experience. A burl is
assembled to bring the sharks in close,
where the shark’s super sharp sense of