Diving at Rocktail Bay

Rocktail Bay Lodge is situated the northern reaches of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The launch site is situated at Island Rock, 12 km south of Rocktail Bay Lodge. A top class diving centre (affiliated to internationally recognized Mares Dive Centres) has been built at Manzengwenya. Rocktail Bay Lodge Dive Centre is southern Africa's only Mares Dive Resort and complies with Mares' strict International standards of operation. A full range of Mares SCUBA equipment is available for rental.

The reefs off Rocktail Bay have never before been commercially dived. They are young fringing reefs harbouring surprisingly healthy and diverse coral communities & marine life. There are numerous pristine reefs e.g. Elusive, Pantry, Island Rock, Island Rock Pinnacle, Gogo's, Brewers Garden, Yellow-Fin Drop, Coral Alley, Coachman's Ledge, Regal Reef, Solitude & 11 Mile Reef. Features of these reefs are large pinnacles, ledges, drop-offs & swim through's. Ragged tooth sharks, Manta Rays & Whale sharks are also sometimes encountered.

Please note that Island Rock is a relatively inaccessible and wild part of South Africa's coastline. Sea and weather conditions may vary tremendously and, should either the divemaster or skipper decide that diving or launching is unsafe, they will cancel the days' diving, at their discretion. The days' diving is dependant on tides and weather. Guests will therefore sometimes be able to take part in the scheduled afternoon lodge activities.

Important: The launch out of Island Rock is a thrilling experience. Guests help the skipper to get the boat behind the surf break, after which a gap in the sets of incoming breakers signals that he can attempt to manoeuvre behind the surf zone. The return to shore is such that the boat pulls on to the sandy beach.