One of Sodwana Bay’s most extraordinary claims to fame is the discovery of the Coelacanth, a species once thought extinct for over 65 million years. Rediscovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore in 2000, this ancient fish adds a sense of wonder and global significance to Sodwana’s reefs.
Pods of bottlenose dolphins are a regular delight, seen cruising the coastline throughout the year. Between June and November, southern right and humpback whales migrate past Sodwana Bay, breaching and playing in the warm waters as they travel to breed and calve.
Each summer, Sodwana Bay’s sandy shores transform into one of the world’s most important nesting grounds for loggerhead and leatherback turtles. These ancient mariners return year after year to lay their eggs under the cover of night, continuing a cycle that has taken place for millennia. Visitors can join guided turtle tours, walking along the beach at night to witness this remarkable natural event, making Sodwana not only a diving paradise but also a vital sanctuary for endangered species.
Sodwana Bay is uniquely positioned to offer the Big 7 experience. Just inland lies the uMkhuze section, home to lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Adding humpback whales and the Coelacanth completes the picture, offering a wildlife encounter unparalleled anywhere else in Africa.
Sodwana Bay offers a range of comfortable accommodation options designed to suit every type of traveller. Guests can choose between charming 4-sleeper and spacious 6-sleeper cabins, each thoughtfully equipped for a relaxing stay. Every cabin features separate bedrooms, a bathroom with both bath and shower, a fully equipped kitchen (including a microwave, gas stove, fridge and freezer), as well as a welcoming lounge area to unwind in. To add to your comfort, all cabins are fitted with DSTV and private braai facilities, with some boasting breathtaking views of the sea. For those who prefer to be closer to nature, Sodwana Bay’s well-maintained camping grounds provide the perfect escape. With 413 campsites available - most offering electric plug points -campers can enjoy a balance of convenience and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a self-catering cabin with modern comforts or a true under-the-stars camping experience, Sodwana Bay has the ideal option for your getaway.
Adventure Mania is a family-run dive centre located inside Sodwana Bay Lodge, offering unforgettable scuba diving adventures in the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Known for its high safety standards, personalised service, and commitment to marine conservation, Adventure Mania is trusted by both local and international divers. Led by Jacques and Amanda van Jaarsveld, the centre offers a full range of PADI, SSI, and RAID-certified courses, catering to beginners through to advanced divers. Daily dive charters - including night dives - explore Sodwana's vibrant reefs, with small groups guided by experienced, conservation-focused instructors. Adventure Mania also provides full gear rental and hosts seasonal dive travel experiences such as the Sardine Run and Red Sea expeditions. Passionate about reef protection, the team works closely with iSimangaliso to promote sustainable diving practices.
Boasting an impressive 29 866 hectares (73 800 acres) of protected wildlife land, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve forms a significant part of the Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as over 430 bird species. Situated near the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, the reserve also offers a host of marine encounters from turtle nesting and hatchling adventures to ocean safaris and scuba diving experiences. --- Turtle nesting adventure Experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon of turtles nesting and hatching at Sodwana Bay, along South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal north coast. Under the cover of darkness, set out on a thrilling night-time adventure along a stretch of 16 km (9.9 mi) of tranquil beach, set to the background of the harmonic sounds of foamy waves rushing into shore. Depending on the time of season*, share in either the thrilling encounter of seeing enormous leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerge from the Indian Ocean to lay their precious eggs or spot the tiny turtle hatchlings make their way out of their sandy nests and crawl to the ocean. During this excursion, gain an introduction to turtle nesting, tag data, weather and the challenging factors hatchlings face. Discuss why &Beyond nurtures turtle hatchlings, how we help to naturally deter predators as well as the data we gather to observe how effective Sodwana Bay is as a nesting site. Learn about turtle etiquette, the sensitive ways the turtles are approached, and the conservation aspect: it has taken over two decades of dedicated research and careful monitoring to make this conservation experience possible. Turtle nesting (typically November and December) As they have done for hundreds of millions of years, watch in wonder as two of the ocean’s largest turtles – the walnut-hued leatherback ringing in at 700 kilograms and the white-bellied loggerhead touching 160 kg (352 lb) – breach the quiet shore, leaving behind a deep trail in the soft sand. Soundlessly follow the mother turtles at a respectful distance as they return to the same beach where they were born to begin the cycle all over again. Marvel at the silent concentration of the mother as she squats above a deep hole in the sand, laying scores of smooth, oval eggs, which she carefully covers with warm, loose sand before disappearing back into the inky waves. Turtle hatchlings (typically January and February) Observe the little hatchlings emerge from their cool sandy nests. In a determined dash, the baby turtles instinctively make their way across the shore towards the warm ocean. The cool sand gives way beneath their tiny flippers as they navigate the beach, guided by the silver shimmer of the moonlit waves. It's not an easy journey, though, as hatchlings often encounter natural dangers along the way including hungry crabs and birds. In fact, only one in 1 000 turtles make it to adulthood and it takes roughly 20 years or more before they reach sexual maturity and can start reproducing. Witnessing this perilous sprint to the sea makes their survival all the more remarkable, and the experience even more memorable. Indian Ocean scuba dive Diving the reefs off South Africa’s east coast at Sodwana Bay allows divers to experience a portrait of marine diversity, with over 1 200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations set in warm, clear tropical waters. Ideal for divers of all abilities, dives can be tailored for all &Beyond guests who hold an Open Water 1 NAUI or PADI dive qualification* and have dived in the last six months. Renowned as one of the top five diving destinations in the world, dives at Sodwana Bay reveal just a taste of the region’s wide-ranging biodiversity. The tropical waters are home to an abundance of marine life, boasting more than 80% of all the world’s marine classes. Swim past lemony yellow butterflyfish, powder blue triggerfish and green turtles. With the aquamarine water as the perfect canvas, watch in awe as variety of rainbow-coloured fish dart in and around healthy coral reefs, creating a vivid visual masterpiece. The Maputaland coast is unique in that it is the only site in the world that attracts prevalent South African, tropical Indo-Pacific, Southern Ocean, circum-global, deep-sea, and European fish, which filter down along the west coast of Africa. This vast range of species includes predators like the ragged-tooth shark and the silvery dolphins, as well as easy-going turtles and streamlined rays. *Open Water 1 NAUI or PADI qualification required. A refresher course (pool session) is available, at an additional cost, for guests who wish to scuba dive, but have not dived in the last six months or dived in the open ocean before. This experience is for guests 12 years and older only. Maputaland ocean safari Set off on board a semi-rigid inflatable boat in the company of a certified Dive Master. Snorkel amongst some of South Africa most magnificent coral reef, viewing a bevy of iridescent tropical fish. The temperate waters are awash with a plethora of diverse aquatic life, including the ancient walnut-hued leatherback and the white-bellied loggerhead turtles, the slow-moving, a variety of shy eels and hundreds of minutes, kaleidoscopic fish that flit in and around the corals. Admire the medley of colours of the flourishing marine species beneath the calm, azure surface as whilst swimming amidst the infinite hues of blue that stipple the sky and sea. Observe the iridescent colours of a variety of tropical fish as they streak through the aquamarine waters, from the bright yellow of the butterflyfish to the topaz triggerfish and the distinct shapes and vivid colours of a variety of wrasse. Maputaland beach trip The vast sandy beaches of the Maputaland coastline provide a beautiful setting for this half-day beach outing to beautiful Sodwana Bay. There is ample time to soak up the warm African sun and splash in the clear, temperate waters of the Indian Ocean, bordered by miles and miles of sandy beaches. The diverse area is stippled with rugged foothills, flanked by dense dune vegetation and the azure hues of the tropical Indian Ocean. Marvel at the ever-changing forms of the golden sand dunes, constantly shifted by the winds and tides. Interspersed between the shimmering, gilded sands jut craggy mounds teeming with a dense accumulation of rich minerals and ruddy sediments. Relax with a good book, play fun-filled beach games with the family and enjoy leisurely walks along the pristine shoreline, which blends effortlessly with the animated ocean, awash with the sound of the waves and the cries of various sea birds. At low tide snorkel alongside Jesser Point, a protected marine reserve, and marvel at an endless abundance of diverse and colourful marine life. Jesser Point features a rock-strewn point at the south corner of the bay, perfect for fishing off the rocks at low ride and from the safety of the bay at high tide.
Siso Dwana Lodge and Diving is based just outside the village of Sodwana Bay We are a Boutique Dive Centre, specialising in providing exceptional personalised experiences for small and large groups. We have a strong focus on individual attention, comfort, safety and environmental responsibility. We have a fleet of customed dive boats to take you on your unforgettable dive adventure at Sodwana's finest reefs. We offer the best buffet beach breakfast in the region to our clients who stay with us. Our World Class Scuba Courses and Diving Excursions are made possible by our excellent team of experienced Skippers and knowledgeable Dive Masters and Instructors. Our excursions are limited purely by your capabilities. We have a full range of new equipment for rental offering steel cylinders of various sizes. We are able to fill Nitrox and can provide 300 bar air fills for those who require it. We look forward to impressing you with our exceptional service. Lodge At Siso Dwana Lodge, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. We adhere to the strictest standards in quality and safety, ensuring that all diving equipment is well-maintained and regularly serviced. Our dive instructors are experienced professionals who prioritize your well-being while delivering unparalleled underwater adventures. As an international scuba diving destination, we offer a range of diving courses and certifications to suit divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Whether you are taking your first breaths underwater or working towards becoming a certified dive professional, our expert team will provide you with personalized instruction and support every step of the way. Beyond exceptional diving experiences, Siso Dwana Lodge also offers comfortable and luxurious accommodation to enhance your stay. Our lodge features spacious rooms and a stunning swimming pool, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of thrilling underwater adventures. Indulge your taste buds and embark on a culinary journey at our exclusive in-house restaurant. Siso Dwana takes immense pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience, complete with a talented in-house chef who is ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delectable array of flavours. Our chef brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for creating exquisite dishes that showcase the finest local and international flavours. Using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets and trusted suppliers, our chef creates culinary masterpieces that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. We pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious and committed to marine conservation. We actively support and participate in initiatives that protect and preserve the fragile marine ecosystems of Sodwana Bay and its surrounding areas. By choosing Siso Dwana Lodge, you contribute to our efforts to sustain the natural beauty that makes this destination so unique. Thank you for considering Siso Dwana Lodge as your scuba diving destination of choice. Join us as we embark on a world-class scuba diving adventure, where the wonders of the underwater world await. We can't wait to make your diving dreams come true.
Triton Dive Lodge is just far enough off the beaten track to ensure absolute peace and tranquility with no unwanted distractions. Triton Dive Lodge’s accommodation ranges from comfortable two and four sleeper thatched cabins to double ensuite chalets and fully equipped two bedroom units neatly spaced around the premises to ensure maximum privacy. The rooms are airy, spacious and comfortable with an African theme. When you are not scuba diving on Sodwana's abundant reefs, other Triton Dive Lodge facilities include a shady decked pool area for cooling off during the day, a lounge, curio shop and a bar. Triton's equipped communal kitchen and barbecue area serves those who prefer the self catering option. Triton Dive Lodge has a very tranquil and natural atmosphere, with large lawn areas and shady indigenous trees making it a lush oasis even in the height of summer. Relaxed evenings see friendly people swapping diving tales whilst barbecuing under the bright African stars. We offer English Breakfasts on request and we can cater for groups of 5 or more who pre-book evening meals and beach breakfasts and brunches. Triton Dive Lodge in Sodwana Bay, South Africa was established in 1996 and over the years we have built up an extensive knowledge of all our reef systems. At Sodwana Bay, we are always looking for new scuba diving sites to excite our clients and we pride ourselves in our keywords "Knowledge, Experience, Tranquility" We believe that we offer not just a dive but an experience, we teach marine science courses and we offer extensive briefings on the fish and corals that you will see on each dive.
Twobar Scuba is a dive shop & NAUI training facility based in Pretoria & Sodwana Bay. Emoyeni Dive Retreat is our home base in Sodwana Bay with accommodation, self catering & catering kitchen facilities, braai & swimming pool area. Scuba courses available from beginner levels to dive masters. Our area has some of the most beautiful dives sites in the world as well as amazing wildlife parks in close proximity to Sodwana Bay. We do offer Samsa approved coastal skippers courses with surf endorsement as well as inland skippers for dams, lakes & estuaries.