Scotsmans Reef

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Depth

30m

Visibility

4m - 11m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

Scotsmans Reef

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Depth

30m

Visibility

4m - 11m

Entry

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

About Scotsmans Reef

Best reached via a short boat ride from Noordhoek ski boat club on the 'Wild Side' within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area. Scotmans Reef is a rocky, well covered and coloured reef which max's out at 30 m. Expect to find plenty of juvenile schools here and from time to time you'd be lucky to spot one of the 3 main types of sharks that are common on the Wild Side. ie Pyjama Sharks, Shy Sharks, Leopard Sharks. You could also find Rays or the odd juvenile Ragged Tooth Shark as the undergrowth is lush with spectacular colours and a nutritional smorkaas bord for juveniles. Underwater photographers will enjoy the macro and micro opportunities that are plentiful here. See Moonie 3 which also forms a part of this reef system.

Scotsmans Reef Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Shark, Reef

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

30m

Visibility Range

4m – 11m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 35%

O₂

CNS Load (25 min)

16% at 28m / 36%

O₂

Multi-Level Dive Planner

Photo gallery

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Marine Life

Various

Weather Conditions

Water Temperature ℃

Dive Operators near Scotsmans Reef

Pro Dive Pe
9.98km

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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.

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