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Umgubaba Reef

Umgubaba Reef

Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa

Depth
Depth Icon

30m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

11m - 33m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced

Umgubaba Reef

Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa

Umgubaba Reef
Depth
Depth Icon

30m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

11m - 33m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced


About Umgubaba Reef

Situated in Umgababa close to the river. This is a boat dive to a beautiful offshore reef covered in a excellent display of corals and surrounded by a large array of marine life. Here you will also find several surfacing rock pinnacles to explore. Great for underwater photography. Due to medium lcurrents and depth, this dive is recommended for intermediate to advanced level divers.

Umgubaba Reef Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Reef, Other, Drop Off, Rock

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

30m

Visibility Range

11m 33m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas Mix

21% – 35%

O2

16% at 28m / 36%

O2
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Marine Life

  • Bait Fish
  • Game Fish
  • Garrick
  • Lobsters
  • Mackerel
  • Pelagic Fish
  • Reef Fish
  • Various
Weather Conditions

Water Temperature
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Location

Dive Site Hazards

  • 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.

  • Edge-Accelerated Currents — Currents often strengthen along drop-off edges.

  • Depth Perception Distortion — Visual contrast can distort perceived depth.

  • Terrain-Induced Descent — Divers may unintentionally follow terrain downward.

  • Bubble Trapping Under Overhangs — Rock overhangs can trap exhaled bubbles, reducing visibility and causing disorientation.

  • Reflected Surge Patterns — Surge reflecting off rock faces can create irregular and unpredictable water movement.

  • Current Funnel Effect — Narrow gaps between rocks can accelerate water flow unexpectedly.

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