Phinda is situated just 30km/19 miles due west of the white-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean - approximately an hour's drive. Renowned for its scuba diving, snorkelling and sport fishing, the coastal park of Sodwana Bay rivals the waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling
Only tropical dive site in South Africa
Beach drives
Deep sea game fishing
Marlin, whale shark, sailfish, dolphins and manta rays
Five species of turtles
Scuba Diving at Sodwana Bay
Sodwana Bay has gained international recognition as being a top dive and snorkelling site due to the variety of coral reefs, excellent visibility and phenomenal sea life. More than 1200 species of fish are found at Sodwana Bay and is abundant on and around the various reefs of hard corals, pinnacles, buttresses, caves and blowholes. The average visibility is 12m, but can get as good as 40m as there are no rivers running into the sea in this area, which usually bring all sorts of pollutants. The diving is good all year round. In summer the water temperature can reach 29° C, and the lowest is a mild 20° C. Many reefs are found at 18 meters or less, allowing for excellent snorkelling.
Turtle Viewing
Sodwana also has five species of resident Turtles that regularly frequent the shores. Two of which, the Loggerhead and the Leatherback visit every year during the months of November through to March, to lay their eggs. It is a privilege to witness these creatures coming ashore in their droves to nest, and an even more incredible sight to then to watch the eggs hatch and their off-spring struggling to survive in a world full of hungry predators. There are only a few of these sites in the world and Maputaland boasts the longest running protection programs for turtles in the world.
Fishing
Ski-boaters and shore anglers have the opportunity to catch a number of different game fish; barracuda, yellowfin tuna and kingfish to name a few. Fishing competitions are held regularly. Sodwana has produced record billfish and sailfish. Please note that Phinda supports catch and release procedures for deep-sea fishing.
Aside from Sodwana’s wealth of opportunities for diving, boating and angling, a five-km self-guided trail is available for the enjoyment of nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
Sodwana is approximately 4 hours drive from Durban, and is well worth a 3 - 7 day stay. Malaria precautions are necessary.
