Scuba diving is what Sodwana is famous for, and it earns the reputation. The warm Agulhas Current sustains the southernmost coral reefs in Africa, and they are extraordinary: soft corals in every colour, clouds of reef fish, turtles cruising the walls, rays on the sand and, in the warm months, whale sharks and mantas passing through.

The reefs are named for their distance up the coast from the launch. Two-Mile Reef is shallow and sheltered, and is often used for training and introductory dives; the reefs further north run deeper and wilder for experienced divers. Boats launch off the beach through the surf, which is an operator-managed part of the Sodwana experience and a spectacle in its own right at dawn.

You do not need to be a diver to love a day on this water. Snorkellers explore the sheltered end of Two-Mile Reef when conditions are suitable, ocean safaris head out to look for dolphins, mantas and whale sharks in season, and deep-sea charters reach the game-fishing water that lies unusually close to shore here. On land there are guided 4x4 outings to the wilder beaches in the north, superb birding in the dune forest, and miles of empty beach to walk.

Every activity below has its own page with the full story and booking details. Tell us your dates and experience level, and we will connect you with the established dive centres and licensed operators at Sodwana for courses, guided dives, equipment hire and seasonal trips.