Thunderbolt Reef

Within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area but just around the point called Cape Recife. Thunderbolt Reef is a classic old local dive site and the reef gets its name from the HMS Thunderbolt that ran aground here in 1847. (Don't bother trying to find her, no wreckage remains I'm afraid) Thunderbolt Reef is massive and runs almost from the Cape Recife point to a well known beach here called Shelley Beach. The underwater topography is dramatic with stunning boulders and knolls interspersed with gullies and drop offs. The reef itself is very colourful sporting the 'dress' which is typical of the Wild Side. Loads of seafans and beautiful corals and you'll find sharks here too. The usually local fish species are plentiful here.