Top Diving Holidays in Africa

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Africa is home to some of the most spectacular diving destinations in the world, offering a wide range of underwater experiences for both beginners and experienced divers alike. Every underwater enthusiast will find a unique diving opportunity in Africa, from colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life, to diving with sharks and whales. Top Diving Holidays in Africa include the Middle East and Red Sea, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius and Zanzibar.

One of the best diving destinations in Africa is the Red Sea in Egypt, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The famous dive sites of Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada offer a chance to encounter a variety of marine species, including colorful fish, dolphins, and even the occasional whale shark. Egypt’s warm waters and high visibility make it a popular destination for both recreational and technical divers.

Further south in Africa, Mozambique is another top diving destination with its pristine waters and diverse marine life. The Bazaruto Archipelago and Tofo Beach are renowned for their whale shark and manta ray sightings, while the waters around Ponta Do Ouro offer a chance to dive with dolphins and sharks. Mozambique’s warm waters and remote dive sites make it a perfect destination for those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path diving experience.

South Africa is also a popular diving destination, with several great dive sites along its coast. Aliwal Shoal near Durban is famous for its shark diving opportunities, with the chance to encounter tiger sharks, bull sharks, and even the elusive hammerhead shark. The kelp forests of Cape Town’s False Bay are another highlight for divers, offering a chance to see sevengill sharks, octopus, and colorful reef fish.

Popular Diving Destinations

Egypt, northeast Africa: islands, reefs and mangroves of the Red Sea

Amazing shipwrecks, lots of sharks and dolphins, healthy coral, and an abundance of colourful fish makes the Red Sea one of the most well-liked diving locations worldwide. If you dive in the right places, you can probably dive with some dugongs.

Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago: shallow reefs, drift dives, steep coral walls

Many dive locations for snorkelers and deep divers, with an abundance of coral reefs and plenty of marine species. During the months of September through December, visitors can witness whale sharks, dolphins, and turtles at the Mnemba Atoll, which is a conservation success story.

Mauritius, volcanic island in the Indian Ocean: ideal for beginners

Mauritius is surrounded by a barrier reef, creating a shallow, sunny, and serene place that is ideal for novice divers, and those who are just starting out. The best dive sites is found on the west coast of the island.

Mozambique, year-round underwater adventures in Indian Ocean: whale sharks, barracuda, manta rays, giant lobsters, colorful coral

One of the best places for diving, with exceptionally pristine coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life that is enjoyable throughout the year for divers of all skill levels.

South Africa: an exclusive experience – southernmost reef in the world, sardine run, kelp forests

Top Diving Holidays in Africa include South Africa, with a range of diving experiences like cage diving, dives with sharks and the sardine run. Discover the stunning shipwrecks and kelp forests of the west coast, the tropical waters of the east coast, and even inland caverns and quarries.

Some of the Best Underwater Experiences in Africa

Africa has some of the best dive sites in the world – which span the Atlantic and Indian oceans – from the pristine tropical reefs of Sodwana to the bordering coral reefs of Kenya, the barrier reef of Madagascar, and the wrecks in the cold seas of the Cape Peninsula.

Cave Diving: Cape Verde, Kenya, Zimbabwe
Freshwater Diving: Malawi, Zambia
Great White Sharks & Underwater Kelp Forests: Cape Town – SA
Humpback Whales: Madagascar, South Africa
Leatherback Turtle Nesting: South Africa, Tanzania
Manta Rays: Mozambique
Ragged-tooth Sharks: Aliwal Shoal – SA
Sardine & Squid Runs: South Africa (massive sardine migration from Cape Agulhas to Kwazulu-Natal)
Southern Right Whales: South Africa
Whale Sharks: Djibouti, Kenya, Mozambique

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