Oceanatik logo
Oceanatik logo
HomeDestinationsDive SmartScuba Blog
Coral Heads

Coral Heads

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Depth
Depth Icon

30m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

4m - 12m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

Coral Heads

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Coral Heads
Depth
Depth Icon

30m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

4m - 12m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

About Coral Heads
Massive hard coral 'heads' obviously are the main feature of this site within the Nelson Mandela Bay area of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Situated on the 'wild side' just off Cape Recife, this dive is really nice pinnacle dive. They rise to about 15m from the surface going down to a max of 30 m and feature walls of polyps and soft corals. Seafans and an assortment of local fish species teem around these and provide a spectacular dive. In season, the whales in the region give a great sideshow and dolphins join in to give an excellent day out.

Coral Heads Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Shark, Reef

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

30m

Visibility Range

4m – 12m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 35%

O2
CNS Load (25 min)

16% at 28m / 36%

O2
Multi-Level Dive Planner
Photo gallery

No photos yet.

Be the first to share your shots from Coral Heads. Your photos help other divers plan their trip.

Marine Life
  • Polyps
  • Sea Fan
  • Soft Corals
  • Various
Weather Conditions
Water Temperature ℃
Dive Operators near Coral Heads
View all operators in South Africa
Location
Dive Site Hazards

  • Situational Awareness Loss — Divers may fixate on sharks and lose depth or position awareness.

  • Subtle Behavioural Shifts — Changes in shark behaviour may be missed without active observation.

  • Blue-Water Reference Loss — Lack of visual references increases ascent and descent instability.

  • Hidden Depth Variations — Complex reef topography can conceal depth changes, leading to unintended profile variations.

  • Distraction from Marine Activity — High fish activity can distract divers and delay depth or gas awareness.

  • Rapid Surge Direction Changes — Surge near reef structures can reverse direction quickly, pushing divers sideways into unexpected areas.

Discover More
Discover South Africa
Connect with Operators
More Dive Sites

South America - Brazil

Brazil’s vast coastline and tropical islands make it a captivating destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. From the vibrant reefs of the Abrolhos Archipelago to the historic wrecks of Recife and the dramatic underwater cliffs of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil offers dive experiences for every level. With warm waters, incredible marine biodiversity, and breathtaking underwater landscapes, Brazil is a must-visit destination for divers seeking adventure, beauty, and cultural charm both above and below the surface.

Learn More

Asia - Philippines

The Philippines, a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, is a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With over 7,000 islands, it boasts pristine coral reefs, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and a rich diversity of marine life. From the iconic Tubbataha Reefs to the thresher shark encounters in Malapascua, the Philippines offers unparalleled diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers. Whether exploring shallow coral gardens or delving into historic WWII wrecks, every dive unveils a new world of adventure.

Learn More

Oceania - Vanuatu

Vanuatu, a stunning South Pacific archipelago, offers some of the most diverse and exhilarating scuba diving experiences in the world. With its warm tropical waters, vibrant coral reefs, and historic wrecks like the famous SS President Coolidge, Vanuatu is a haven for divers of all skill levels. From exploring volcanic underwater landscapes to encountering rich marine biodiversity, Vanuatu’s pristine dive sites provide unforgettable adventures, all set against a backdrop of lush islands and tranquil lagoons.

Learn More