Scuba Diving Destinations In Africa

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Africa is a continent of contrasts, and its underwater world is no exception. From the pristine reefs of the Red Sea to the shipwrecks of the Indian Ocean, Africa offers some of the most diverse and exciting scuba diving in the world.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a dive destination in Africa that’s perfect for you. Explore ancient shipwrecks, swim with sharks and dolphins, or simply marvel at the beauty of the coral reefs.

Africa is a scuba diver’s paradise with its warm waters, abundant marine life, and stunning scenery. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next underwater adventure today!

The Most Popular Places To Scuba Dive In Africa

With 54 countries to explore, Africa offers a plethora of options. Here are a few of the most popular destinations:

Red Sea, Egypt

The Red Sea is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world and for good reason. The clear waters, abundant marine life, and varied dive sites make it a paradise for divers of all levels of experience. Visitors can explore from either a resort or a liveaboard.

Due to limited connection to the Indian Ocean, low precipitation, and high evaporation, the Red Sea has a higher-than-average salinity. While this has made it difficult for some marine species to survive in these waters, others have adapted, providing divers with a large number of endemic species to observe.

The high salinity also contributes to the clear waters and high visibility.

A few of the more popular dives sites in the Red Sea include:

The SS Thistlegorm
The Blue Hole
Jackson Reef

Read our Egypt page to learn more about this popular dive destination.

The Republic of Seychelles

Commonly referred to as simply Seychelles, this country, located in East Africa, is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. The islands are divided into two main groups: the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands.

The clear waters around the Seychelles are home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, turtles, rays, and a wide variety of colorful fish.

Popular dive sites include:

Secret Passage
Fisherman’s Cove Reef
Aldebaran Wreck

This is a great destination for whale watching – humpback whales and sperm whales can be found during certain seasons. Overall, the Seychelles are a fantastic destination for both beginner and advanced divers.

Tanzania

Year-round diving can take place here but the best time to dive in Tanzania is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The water is clear and calm during this time, making it ideal for diving. The majority of dive sites can be accessed from the shore, although some liveaboards are available.

The best dive sites in Tanzania include:

Milimani Reef
Magic Reef
Misali Coral Garden

Depending on the time of year, mantas, whale sharks, and a huge variety of sharks can be seen while diving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diving In Africa

What Kind Of Marine Life Can I See While Diving?

Great white, nurse, and hammerhead sharks are just a few species you might see while diving in Africa. In addition to sharks, the beautiful waters are home to thousands of fish species, eels, octopus, crabs, and nudibranchs. Manta Rays can be found here.

Whale migrations bring humpback whales, southern right whales, sperm whales, and killer whales. Dolphin pods visit divers frequently!

Sardine and squid runs provide a fantastic experience during certain times of the year!

What Are The Water Temperatures Like In Africa?

Generally speaking, the ocean and sea water temperatures in Africa are warm and most divers are comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit. However, the exception to this rule is the waters surrounding the southern tip of South Africa which are cooler. Be sure to check the water temperatures at the dive location you are traveling to and pack or rent the appropriate gear.

Do I Need Special Vaccinations Before Traveling To Africa?

This is a question for a medical professional. Our team recommends checking with your doctor prior to traveling to another country to determine if vaccinations should be administered.