Did you know Addo has a Marine Protected area? Evans Peak is one of Algoa Bay's most spectacular and sought-after deep dives. Situated near St Croix Island within the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area, this magnificent offshore reef showcases some of the very best diving Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) has to offer. The dive site is dominated by a striking pinnacle that rises from beyond 30 metres to approximately 15 metres below the surface. Its rocky walls are alive with colourful soft corals and magnificent orange sea fans, creating a beautiful underwater landscape that becomes more impressive the deeper you explore. The choice of dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Its location within a Marine Protected Area makes diving Evans Peak particularly special. The reef supports an incredible diversity of marine life, from smaller creatures hidden amongst the coral to large shoals of fish sweeping around the pinnacle. Ragged-tooth sharks and other shark species may also be encountered here, while the surrounding open water always brings the possibility of an unexpected visitor. Wild, colourful and bursting with life, Evans Peak is a firm favourite amongst our divers and one of the highlights of diving in Algoa Bay. For Advanced divers, it is a dive site not to be missed. Riy Banks is a large offshore reef situated in Algoa Bay, with depths ranging from approximately 11 metres to around 40 metres. The site consists of a series of rocky pinnacles, ridges and walls, offering a varied dive profile depending on the section of reef being explored. The reef is covered in soft corals, sponges, hydroids and other marine growth, with reef fish found throughout the rocky structure. Schools of fish are regularly seen moving above and around the reef, while the surrounding open water can also bring larger marine life into the area. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Riy Banks is known for a good variety of marine life, including reef fish, rays, catsharks and occasional larger shark species. Yellowtail and other schooling fish may also be encountered around the reef. As an offshore site, conditions can vary and dives are planned according to weather, current and sea conditions. Its depth and location make Riy Banks best suited to Advanced divers who are comfortable with deeper boat dives. With its extensive reef structure and range of depths, Riy Banks offers plenty to explore and is a regular deep-dive option in Algoa Bay. Situated on the Wildside of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Gasmic Reef is a spectacular deep-water dive known for its dramatic underwater topography and colourful marine life. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 28 metres, the defining feature of Gasmic is a narrow gorge running between steep reef walls. Exploring between these walls creates an impressive underwater landscape, with the surrounding reef covered in an abundance of marine life. Cream-tipped noble corals and colourful soft corals decorate the reef, alongside sea fans, sponges, basket stars and an incredible variety of smaller marine life. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. The real magic of Gasmic lies within its gorge, where towering reef walls create a beautiful passage for divers to explore. Fish gather around the reef and move through the gorge, while the walls provide plenty to discover for divers who slow down and take a closer look. Nudibranchs and other small reef creatures can be found amongst the colourful growth, while horsefish are one of Gasmic's more unusual residents. Avalanche Reef is an extensive reef situated off the Wildside of Gqeberha, with depths ranging from approximately 15 to 25 metres. The site is characterised by rocky reef formations, a gorge and a prominent wall, creating a varied underwater landscape to explore.
The reef supports dense marine growth, with corals, sea fans, sponges and other invertebrate life covering much of the structure. Red bait can be found along the upper sections of the reef, while brittle stars and smaller marine species occupy the reef itself. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Avalanche is home to a good variety of reef fish, including species commonly found along the Eastern Cape coast. Pyjama catsharks may also be encountered amongst the reef, together with other small shark species and passing marine life. As a Wildside dive, conditions can differ from those inside Algoa Bay, with visibility and sea conditions varying from day to day. Its depth makes Avalanche best suited to Advanced divers. With its wall, gorge and extensive reef structure, Avalanche offers a varied dive with plenty of marine life spread across the site. Explore Thunderbolt Reef Situated on the Wildside of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Thunderbolt Reef is a beautiful deep reef known for its dramatic topography and extraordinary coral life. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 30 metres, the reef is made up of large boulders, pinnacles, deep gullies and drop-offs, creating an impressive underwater landscape for divers to explore.
Sea fans, sponges, basket stars and colourful soft corals cover the rocky reef, creating a vibrant underwater garden filled with marine life. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. What really sets Thunderbolt apart are the incredible gardens of variable soft coral (Alcyonium variabile) that cover large sections of the reef. Their finger-shaped colonies create a spectacular underwater forest, with shades of purple, mauve, pink, orange and cream stretching across the rocky landscape. It is this extraordinary display of colour that makes Thunderbolt one of the most distinctive dives on the Port Elizabeth Wildside. Orange Wall is a beautiful reef in Algoa Bay, named after the striking orange sponges that give this dive site its distinctive character. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 22 metres, the reef features an impressive wall surrounded by rocky reef, creating an interesting underwater landscape for divers to explore. Soft corals, sea fans, sponges and a variety of smaller marine creatures add colour and texture to the reef, while fish move along the wall and through the surrounding water. The choice of dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
The highlight of the dive is the wall itself, where bright orange Spirastrella sponges spread across sections of the rocky surface, creating brilliant splashes of colour. Set amongst soft corals, sea fans and other marine growth, the vivid orange sponges transform the wall into a distinctive underwater landscape and give this Algoa Bay dive site a character all of its own. Zephyr’s Wall is a deep offshore reef in Algoa Bay, with depths ranging from approximately 28 to 40 metres. The main feature of the site is a large rocky ridge, approximately 80 metres long, rising from the surrounding sandy bottom. The ridge creates a prominent wall-like reef structure with hard and soft corals growing across the rock. Its depth gives the dive a distinctly offshore character, with the reef dropping into deeper water around the base. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Game fish are regularly encountered around Zephyr’s Wall, particularly when current is moving across the reef. Smaller reef fish and marine life can also be found amongst the coral and rocky structure. Currents can be strong at this site and conditions vary, so dives are planned according to the sea state on the day. The depth and offshore conditions make Zephyr’s Wall best suited to Advanced divers with experience in deeper boat dives. Its long ridge, deep profile and open-water setting make Zephyr’s Wall one of Algoa Bay’s more technical recreational reef dives. Resting upright in approximately 25 metres of water off Cape Recife, the Baratz is one of Algoa Bay’s newer wreck dives and offers divers the chance to explore a fascinating piece of local maritime history. The steel fishing vessel lies upright on her keel, creating an impressive silhouette underwater. Since sinking in 2015, the wreck has gradually become part of the reef, providing shelter for fish and a surface for colourful marine life to colonise. Schools of fish often gather around the wreck, while the structure itself provides plenty to explore and smaller marine life to discover. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. The Baratz was a South African fishing vessel operating off the Eastern Cape when she began taking on water southeast of Cape Recife on 26 November 2015. As the vessel began to sink, all 25 crew members were forced to abandon ship. A dramatic rescue followed, involving NSRI Port Elizabeth, South African Air Force helicopters and Air Sea Rescue swimmers. Despite rough seas and strong winds, all 25 crew members were successfully rescued. Today, the Baratz rests upright on the seabed and has become an artificial reef, offering divers a memorable combination of wreck diving, local history and abundant marine life. The Colosseum is situated near the outer edge of Algoa Bay and is characterised by large rocky formations rising several metres from the surrounding reef. Gullies, overhangs and spaces between the rocks create a varied dive with plenty of structure to explore. Published local dive references place the site at approximately 18 to 21 metres. The rock faces are covered with soft corals, sponges, sea fans and other encrusting marine life. The overhangs and smaller recesses provide shelter for reef fish and smaller species, while the more open sections of the reef often hold larger groups of fish. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Pyjama catsharks are regularly seen at the site and can often be found resting amongst the rocks and overhangs. The reef also supports the mix of smaller fish and invertebrate life typical of Algoa Bay’s offshore reefs. With its large boulders, gullies and vertical reef faces, The Colosseum offers a very different profile from flatter reef sites in the bay. Gunner’s Rock is a deep wreck site situated on the Wildside near Cape Recife. The wreck lies between approximately 26 and 44 metres and covers a large area of seabed, with Pro Dive estimating the site at roughly 30 by 80 metres. It was first dived on scuba in June 2002 and remains unidentified. One of the most recognisable features is a deck-mounted gun, surrounded by sections of wreckage that have become heavily covered in coral and other marine growth. The site also includes overhangs and deeper areas of structure, giving the wreck a varied profile across its depth range. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. The wreck supports a range of reef and invertebrate life, with cauliflower corals, anemones, basket stars, nudibranchs and sponges recorded around the site. Fish including galjoen and cave bass may also be found around the wreck and nearby overhangs. Because the site extends beyond 40 metres, the deeper sections fall outside standard recreational depth limits and require appropriate training and dive planning. Shallower sections can still be explored within the limits of an Advanced diver’s certification and experience. Pro Dive lists Gunner’s Rock as an Advanced dive. Suicide Reef is a Wildside dive site with depths ranging from approximately 15 metres to beyond 30 metres. The reef is characterised by caves, drop-offs and overhangs, creating a varied underwater landscape with deeper sections running alongside the main reef structure. Pro Dive lists the site as an Advanced dive. The rocky surfaces support colourful corals, seaweed and other marine growth, while the caves and overhangs provide shelter for reef fish and smaller marine species. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Larger fish are a characteristic feature of Suicide Reef. Cape knifejaw and musselcracker are among the game fish regularly encountered around the site, alongside the variety of reef fish found along this section of the Gqeberha coastline.
With its combination of caves, vertical reef structure and deeper sections, Suicide Reef offers a varied dive for Advanced divers. Conditions on the Wildside can change with swell and weather, so dives are planned according to conditions on the day. Patti Wreck lies in shallow water on the Wildside of Gqeberha. The cargo vessel struck the reef in dense fog in 1976, leaving sections of wreckage spread across the reef at depths of approximately 10 to 15 metres. The boiler and exposed framework form the main features of the wreck today. Over time, the remaining structure has become incorporated into the surrounding reef, providing surfaces and shelter for a variety of marine life. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Colourful invertebrates and small reef fish can be found amongst the wreckage, with nudibranchs also recorded around the site. Yellowtail and other fish may move through the surrounding water. Because Patti lies in shallow water on the exposed Wildside, the site is generally dived when sea and swell conditions are suitable. Its relatively shallow depth makes it accessible to divers of different certification levels while still offering the character of a wreck dive. Patti Wreck combines a piece of local maritime history with a shallow reef environment that has developed around the remaining structure. John Dory’s Reef ranges from approximately 13 to 25 metres and is centred around a prominent reef ledge that drops into deeper water. The change in depth creates a defined reef edge, with plenty of structure to explore along both the upper reef and the deeper face. Hard and soft corals cover much of the reef, with some of the hard coral formations growing larger here than at many of the surrounding dive sites. Fish life is particularly concentrated around the top of the ledge, where the shallower reef provides plenty of shelter and feeding areas. The choice of deep dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. The combination of coral growth, rocky structure and changing depth supports a good variety of reef fish and smaller marine life. The ledge itself forms the main feature of the dive, allowing divers to follow the reef while exploring different depths along its edge. With a depth range extending to approximately 25 metres, John Dory’s Reef is suited to Advanced divers and offers a straightforward reef dive with strong coral coverage and consistently active fish life. Shark Alley is one of Algoa Bay's most popular shallow dives, combining dramatic topography with the chance to encounter one of Port Elizabeth's most iconic marine residents, the ragged-tooth shark. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 16 metres, with the reef rising to a prominent pinnacle at around 5–6 metres. Gullies cut through the reef, while cracks and crevices provide shelter for octopuses, eels and an incredible variety of smaller marine life. Colourful soft corals, sea fans, feather stars, starfish and anemones decorate the reef, while nudibranchs reward those who take the time to look a little closer. The choice of shallow dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Algoa Bay is an important nursery area for ragged-tooth sharks (Carcharias taurus), and Shark Alley is one of our favourite places to encounter these incredible animals. Raggies can often be found resting or slowly cruising through the gullies, with younger sharks also seen around the reef. Despite their impressive appearance, they are peaceful to observe underwater. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings can never be guaranteed, but the chance to dive alongside these magnificent sharks makes Shark Alley one of Port Elizabeth's most memorable shallow dives. Shy Shark Reef is a beautiful shallow reef in Algoa Bay, known for its colourful marine life and the small sharks that give the dive site its name. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 17 metres, the reef rises to a prominent pinnacle at around 6 metres below the surface. Large shoals of fish gather around the pinnacle, creating a constantly changing scene as they sweep across the reef and circle above the divers below. Colourful corals, soft corals, sea fans and sponges cover the reef, while cracks and crevices provide shelter for fish and an incredible variety of smaller marine life.
The choice of shallow dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. The stars of this reef are the Shysharks - small, harmless sharks that can often be found resting amongst the reef or tucked into the sheltered cracks and crevices. Phillips Reef is a beautiful shallow reef in Algoa Bay, known for its characteristic gullies and abundance of colourful marine life. Reaching a maximum depth of approximately 16 metres, long gullies run through the reef, while sandy patches between the rocky sections are great places to look for rays. Colourful sea fans, soft corals and sponges cover the reef, while Cape knifejaw and fransmadam are often seen amongst the many fish that make their home here. The choice of shallow dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions. Look carefully into the cracks and crevices and you may discover pyjama sharks and leopard catsharks resting inside — sometimes with several sharks piled together in the same sheltered spot. White Sands Reef ranges from approximately 12 to 24 metres and is characterised by broad sandy areas broken up by extensive gullies and sections of rocky reef. The combination of open sand and reef structure creates a varied dive profile with plenty of areas to explore. The reef is covered with soft corals, sponges, sea fans and other invertebrate life, adding colour to the rocky sections between the sand. The choice of shallow dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
Rays are a common sighting at White Sands and can often be found around the sandy sections of the site. Reef fish and smaller marine life occupy the gullies and coral-covered areas, giving divers a mix of open sandy habitat and more densely covered reef. With a depth range beginning at around 12 metres, White Sands is suitable for divers of all certification levels. The relatively shallow profile also allows plenty of time to explore the gullies and surrounding reef. Resting in approximately 21 metres of water in Algoa Bay, the Haerlem is one of Port Elizabeth's best-known wreck dives and has been transformed into a thriving artificial reef. The wreck lies surrounded by sand, with the upper sections at around 18 metres. Over the years, soft corals, sponges and other colourful marine growth have colonised the structure, while fish gather around and shelter within the wreck. Look carefully into the holes and sheltered spaces and you may discover pyjama sharks and leopard catsharks, while larger fish can often be found around the structure. The choice of shallow dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
The Haerlem was a former naval vessel deliberately scuttled in Algoa Bay on 30 November 1987 to create an artificial reef for divers. Nearly four decades beneath the ocean have transformed the wreck into a colourful underwater habitat, making the Haerlem a wonderful combination of wreck diving, marine life and Port Elizabeth diving history. Slipway & Postmans’ is a shallow shore dive off Humewood, with depths ranging from approximately 2 to 8 metres. The site includes the remains of the old Humewood Slipway, an iron and concrete structure that was used for ship repairs before the construction of the harbour in the 1930s. The remaining steel structures have become part of the underwater environment and are now covered in sponges, soft corals and sea fans. Fish move between the structure and surrounding reef, with plenty of smaller marine life to look for along the way. The choice of dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
The shallow depth and straightforward shore entry make Slipway & Postmans’ suitable for divers of all certification levels. The site is also regularly used for night diving, when different reef species become active around the structure and surrounding reef. With its combination of historic structure, shallow reef and easy access from shore, Slipway & Postmans’ offers a relaxed local dive close to the Gqeberha beachfront Shark Rock is a shallow shore dive situated off Hobie Beach, with depths ranging from approximately 3 to 8 metres. Small patches of reef are scattered around Shark Rock Pier, creating an easy site to explore without the depth or extended travel associated with the offshore reefs. The reef patches are covered with large sea fans, corals and other marine growth, providing shelter for a variety of smaller reef species. Its shallow profile also allows plenty of time to move between the different sections of reef. The choice of dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
Yellow-bellied rock cod, rays, sandsharks and catfish have all been recorded around Shark Rock, along with the smaller fish and invertebrates found amongst the reef and coral growth. With a straightforward shore entry and a maximum depth of around 8 metres, Shark Rock is suitable for divers of all certification levels and is a useful local site for relaxed shallow dives and training. Devil’s Reef is a shallow shore dive situated roughly 100 metres offshore opposite the Marine Hotel in Summerstrand. The reef reaches a maximum depth of around 9 metres, with several pinnacles rising to within approximately 2 metres of the surface. The reef is covered with soft corals, gorgonian sea fans and sponges, with resident reef fish moving between the pinnacles and surrounding rocky areas. Its shallow depth makes it easy to spend time exploring the reef structure and smaller marine life. The choice of dive site will be decided on the day based on the weather and sea conditions.
Pyjama catsharks are commonly recorded at Devil’s Reef, while large starfish and a variety of smaller reef species can also be found across the site. Rays may occasionally be seen over the nearby sandy areas. Because the pinnacles rise close to the surface, the site is generally best dived around high tide when there is less chance of waves breaking over the reef. Its shallow profile makes Devil’s Reef suitable for divers of all certification levels and also a useful site for relaxed shore dives and snorkelling.Port Elizabeth Dive Sites: Explore Algoa Bay - Evans Peak
DIVE INSIDE ADDO
Pristine reef
Sea fans
Diversity of marine life
Explore Evans Peak
Protected Underwater World
Riy Banks
Schooling Fish
shark encounters
Large reef formations
Explore Riy Banks
Marine Life at Riy Banks
Gasmic Reef
Dramatic gorge
Colourful reef life
Horsefish
Explore Gasmic Reef
Into the Gorge
Avalanche Reef
Corals
Sea fans
Abundant fish life
Rocky reef with a gorge
Explore Avalanche Reef
Life Along the Reef
Thunderbolt Reef
Extraordinary coral life
Deep gullies
Drop-offs
A Forest of Soft Corals
Orange Wall
Explore Orange Wall
The Orange Wall
Zephyr’s Wall
Hard and soft corals
Strong currents
Explore Zephyr’s Wall
Life Along the Wall
Wreck of the Baratz
Wreck diving
Schooling fish
Explore the Baratz
The Story of the Baratz
The Colosseum
rocky formations with gullies
Overhangs and drop-offs
Colourful reef growth
Sea fans
Explore The Colosseum
Among the Rock Formations
Gunner’s Rock
Large wreck site
Heavy coral growth
Marine life
Explore Gunner’s Rock
Life Around the Wreck
Suicide Reef
Drop-offs
Large game fish
Caves
Colourful reef growth
Explore Suicide Reef
Fish Life Around the Reef
Patti Wreck
Broken wreckage
Explore Patti Wreck
Life Around the Wreck
John Dory’s Reef
pronounced drop-off
Hard and soft corals
abundant fish life
Explore John Dory’s Reef
Life Along the Ledge
Shark Alley
Nursery area for ragged-tooth sharks
Colourful soft corals
Explore Shark Alley
Meet the Raggies
Shy Shark Reef
Shysharks
Colourful coral life
Explore Shy Shark Reef
Meet the Shysharks
Searching the reef for these fascinating little sharks while shoals of fish swirls around the pinnacle is what gives Shy Shark Reef its own special character.Phillips Reef
Colourful reef life
Catsharks
Rays
Explore Phillips Reef
Discover the Catsharks
White Sands Reef
extensive reef gullies
Sea fans
rays
Explore White Sands Reef
Across the Sand and Gullies
Haerlem Wreck
Catsharks
Schooling fish
Naval wreck
Explore the Haerlem
The Story of the Haerlem
Slipway & Postmans’
Colourful marine life
Explore Slipway & Postmans’
A Shallow Shore Dive
Shark Rock
Corals
Sea fans
Rays
Sandsharks
Explore Shark Rock
Life Around the Reef
Devil’s Reef
Soft corals
sea fans
pyjama catsharks
large starfish
Explore Devil’s Reef
Life Around the Pinnacles
Every day brings a different dive
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