Durban in July?

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

afdgf

Contributor
Messages
159
Reaction score
65
Location
Long Beach, California
# of dives
100 - 199
Where is the best closest place to dive if we are going to be in Durban in July? Is it Aliwal Shoal? What is the water like in July? Temperature? Current? What wetsuit would people wear in July? How do you get from Durban to wherever you recommend? What hotel to stay at? What dive shop is recommended? Would we fly into and out of Durban or a different airport? How hot or cold is it there in July? TIA
 
There is diving launching from Durban itself with Calypso Dive at the Ushaka Aquarium Calypso Dive Centre

Diving in Durban or off the Shoal generally requires at least a 5mm full body wetsuit to stay comfortable. Conditions during winter (July) are usually favorable and you would have a good chance of diving with Ragged tooth sharks which are common in the area between June and November. There are many great operators in the area and most will have a system in place for transport if required. If you like you can also just hire a car for the day and drive down to Umkomaas where most operators launch for the Shoal, its an easy 45 minute drive and theres lots of places around there to visit afterwards.

Here's a few of the dive operators in no particular order, drop them a line and I am sure they will all be happy to assist.

Agulhas House - Umkomaas Accomodation | Aliwal Shoal | Scuba Diving | PADI Dive Courses

Aliwal Dive Centre, scuba diving charter, dive school and PADI 5 star Instructor Development Centre

Aliwal Shoal Scuba - Training - Umkomaas Lodge - Charters

Blue Ocean Dive Resort, Padi 5 Star IDC Resort
 
Hi planning to visit june/july period. We are a couple of tropical divers doing comfortable at 28 -29 degree C. Anyone from the tropics has tried and "survived" the 17-18 degree C waters? This is one of the major concerns within our group.
 
I assume you are visiting Durban and the Natal South Coast?.. however I don't think the colder water will be a problem, wetsuits you may rent here are all suitable for these conditions, certainly, you will be uncomfortable in a 3mm short suit, but a good 5mm full body or Farmer John and Jacket type will be more than sufficient to keep you comfortable.

Apart from the cooler water temperatures the Shoal can get rough and there can be strong currents and poor visibility, it can, of course also be dead flat with no current and 20metres visibility, its the Indian Ocean, but all the operators in the area are very knowledgeable and well versed in this, thousands of tourists dive with them on an annual basis, they want you to enjoy yourself so chat to them about your concerns and they will advise you correctly.

Don't worry yourself, just go and enjoy.
 
Thank you widget. Is it good to wear a pair of gloves?

You can, its not an issue, personally I dont think its necessary thermal wise but some folk like to wear a thin pair of gloves for protection, its up to you.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

Back
Top Bottom