Jan 25 2026
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Sodwana Bay – South Africa

By Sodwana Bay

  SODWANA BAY ACCOMMODATION: Sodwana bay offers every type of accommodation. Camping, tents, chalets and lodge accommodation are available. Contact us with your specific requirements  info@twobar.co.za Restaurants in the area range from upmarket to basic fare or take aways from the beach kiosk. SODWANA ACTIVITIES: Diving:The Maputaland coral reefs are the number one dive spot on any South African diver’s itinerary. It is the premier scuba dive destination within South Africa. Most of the diving is done on four distinct reefs, namely 2 Mile, 5 Mile, 7 Mile and 9 Mile reefs, named for their distance from the Sodwana launch site at Jesser point. Dives are done from semi-rigid inflatable boats that can take up to eleven divers. The launches are straight from the beach through the surf. These type of launches are unique to the Kwazulu Natal and Mozambique coast and is a adrenaline rush! This thrilling experience adds to the excitement of the dive. Average visibility in the area is 15 to 20 meters, with up to 40 meters during winter months. Water temperature ranges from 29ºC in mid summer (Dec/Jan) to approximately 19ºC in mid winter (Jun/Jul) and diving is possible all year round. During the summer months from December to March large numbers of Ragged tooth sharks congregate at quarter mile reef. The number of boats and divers to this site is regulated to protect the sharks. SODWANA BAY DIVE SITES: Sodwana Bay 2 MileThe most popular of the dive sites. 2 Mile is a large reef about 2km long and about 1km wide. Depths vary from 9m to30m. There are many dive sites within the main body of 2 Mile reef. Due to its size there is something for everyone, from massive beds of corals, rocky overhangs & caves, to a large diversity of fishes and reef inhabitants. Sodwana Bay 5 Mile. A deeper reef, this site is a dive site for advanced divers. This reef well known for its coral formations. It is 1km long and 1km wide. Depth ranges between 15 and 35 meters. Off this reef are rocky out crops with interesting sea life and well worth the dive. There is a abundance of delicate staghorn coral which occur in large tiers. The average depth is approximately 21 m. Sodwana Bay 7 Mile. A favorite among advanced divers, 7 Mile is rated as one of  the best dive sites in the world. It is located about 10km from Jesser point. The top of the reef is approximately 15m deep with a distinct drop-off down to 24m on the sand. The inside edge is relatively sheltered from the open ocean and supports a large diversity of fish and invertebrate. Definitely a must! Sodwana Bay 9 Mile. This reef is untouched by divers because of the distance from Jesser point. This is a spectacular dive. The depth ranges from 3 to 24m. There is a distinct Green coral tree on this reef that supports plenty of fish life. SODWANA BAY FISHING: Although it is considered by many to be mainly a dive destination, Sodwana offers excellent fishing. Either from the shore or from fishing ski boats. There are a number of fishing charter operators at Sodwana. They operate large skiboats with experienced skippers for the visitor who wish to try his hand at game fishing. OTHER ACTIVITIES IN SODWANA BAY: You can build sandcastles or snorkel at Jesser Point at low tide, or do some great snorkeling further north at Mabibi. Sundowners are popular at Lake Sibaya, a freshwater inland lake about 30 minutes from Sodwana. There is a curio market off the main Sodwana beach for some local shopping. Sodwana is a well-known nesting place for turtles, which can be experienced on guided tours along the beach between November & January. For the more energetic there is horse riding or quad driving through the plantations. You can also go flying in a microlight over this pristine area. GENERAL INFORMATION: This is a malaria area please contact your doctor regarding medication. Petrol & diesel are available from Mbazwana or at the petrol station in the National Park. There is a large supermarket in Mbazwana and a small shop in the park. DIRECTIONS SODWANA BAY: It is about a 7 hour drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria. You can reach Sodwana in a normal car and therefore you don’t need a 4×4. In a car or when towing take the road via Hluhluwe as it is a tar road. For the more adventurous in a 4×4 you can take the shorter route via Jozini with a bumpy 60km dirt road. From Johannesburg/Pretoria, take the Witbank Highway. Take the Hendrina/Ermelo off-ramp, through Hendrina, Ermelo, Piet Rietef and Pongola OR Take the Carolina off-ramp, through Carolina, Amsterdam, Piet Retief and Pongola. For the dirt road: Through Pongola and about 50km turn off to Jozini. Through Jozini turn right at fork and follow the signs to Sodwana Bay. For the tar road: Follow the road to Hluhluwe, through the town and then follow the signs to Mbazwana and Sodwana. Originally posted 2015-07-22 09:47:31.

Jan 17 2026
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Advertise about Sodwana Bay ~ What are we about?

By Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay Information and Directory. We are a locally based in Sodwana Bay and would love to help your business grow. Our focus is to promote and give useful Travel Information to possible futures visitors to our loved Sodwana. If your think your business can Sustain and upkeep Sodwana Bay you are more than welcome to join our Directory. Our services aren’t just for local businesses in Sodwana Bay but surrounding areas as well. We understand that exposure is KING… without being known your business will not succeed! So, GREAT news – We have FREE text only listings and also paid listings which will give you more exposure on our Sodwana Bay Directory.   Help us help you? Give us a call and we will gladly assist you in any means possible. info@sodwanabayinformation.co.za   Originally posted 2015-05-20 12:37:38.

Jan 16 2026
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We Advertise @ Sodwana Bay ~ South Africa

By Sodwana Bay

We would love to promote your business on our Sodwana Bay Information Directory. We have a wide variety of packages ranging from FREE to Fully paid LISTINGS. Don’t worry if you do not have the funds right a way – You can signup with a FREE text only listing and later upgrade… Asks us how? info@sodwanabayinformation.co.za Originally posted 2015-05-14 15:32:15.

Nov 07 2025
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Coastal Skippers – Category B and C + Surf Launch Endorsement.

By Sodwana Bay

www.skipperslicense.co.za SODWANA BAY SKIPPERS TRAINING If you’re aiming to skipper a vessel along South Africa’s coastline, especially in surf zones like Sodwana Bay, earning your Coastal Skipper Category B or C license with a Surf Launch Endorsement is essential. This blog breaks down what each category means, why the endorsement matters, and how to get certified. 🚤 What Is a Coastal Skipper License? In South Africa, anyone operating a small power-driven vessel must hold a valid Certificate of Competence (CoC) issued by SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). The Coastal Skipper license is part of this certification system and is divided into categories based on operational range: Category C: For vessels operating up to 15 nautical miles from the coast. Category B: For vessels operating up to 40 nautical miles from the coast. These licenses are typically required for recreational boating, fishing charters, diving excursions, and other coastal activities. 🌊 Why Add a Surf Launch Endorsement? South Africa’s coastline is famous for its dynamic surf zones. Launching a boat through breaking waves demands specialized skill and safety awareness. The Surf Launch Endorsement certifies that a skipper is trained to: Navigate surf zones safely Handle launches and beach landings Manage crew and passenger safety during high-impact conditions This endorsement is especially critical for skippers operating in areas like Sodwana Bay, where surf launches are routine. 📚 What Does the Training Involve? Training for Category B or C with Surf Launch Endorsement includes both theory and practical components: Theory Modules: Coastal navigation and chart work Weather interpretation Safety protocols and emergency procedures SAMSA regulations and vessel handling Practical Training: Minimum of 12 surf launches on a specially rigged training boat Vessel handling in surf conditions Real-time navigation and safety drills Optional dive skipper endorsement for those operating dive charters Courses are typically run over 4 to 5 days, often in locations like Sodwana Bay, and may include accommodation and meals. 📝 Certification Requirements To qualify for the Coastal Skipper license and Surf Launch Endorsement, you’ll need: Valid ID and passport photos Medical and eyesight certificates Proof of sea time (logged hours) Completion of theory and practical assessments SAMSA-approved training provider (often affiliated with SASCA) 🧭 Final Thoughts Whether you’re launching a dive boat, guiding a fishing trip, or exploring the coast recreationally, a Category B or C Coastal Skipper license with Surf Launch Endorsement equips you with the skills and legal credentials to operate safely and confidently. It’s not just a certification—it’s a commitment to maritime safety and professionalism. If you’re based near Mbazwana or planning to train in Sodwana Bay, this could be the perfect next step in your marine journey.

May 30 2022
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Camp Ezihlahleni

By Sodwana Bay

Camp Ezihlahleni – Where the African bush meets the ocean. A special mix of the African Bush with a salty Sea Breeze… our camp is nestled in the heart of Zululand with friendly Zulu faces and beautiful African sunsets – all our cabins have a real rustic flair to them and BONUS your paw friends are welcome as each Cabin has its own enclosed yard. Well known for Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing – Sodwana Bay also offers you the change at connecting with your SOUL again.  Book now!