The Eastern Cape of South Africa is known for its rugged coastline, abundant marine life, and world-class diving spots. From thrilling shipwreck sites to dramatic underwater topography and encounters with big marine creatures, the Eastern Cape offers a unique diving experience for both beginners and advanced divers.

Raggie Cave: This site, located in Aliwal Shoal, a marine protected area south of Durban, is famous for its aggregation of ragged-tooth sharks, or "raggies," that frequent the area between June and November. This is a unique and thrilling opportunity for experienced divers to observe these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Protea Banks: About 7.5 km off Shelly Beach, Protea Banks is a submerged reef that has been ranked among the top shark diving spots in the world. It's a hotspot for encounters with bull sharks, tiger sharks, and even the elusive hammerhead sharks, making it a top destination for adrenaline-seeking experienced divers.

Plettenberg Bay: This dive site offers a variety of options for beginner divers with its sheltered bays and shallow reefs. Dive spots like Beacon Island and the Jagged Edge are perfect for those getting comfortable with scuba diving, offering a chance to see a host of reef fish, octopuses, and cuttlefish.

Sodwana Bay: Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sodwana Bay offers several shallow dive sites perfect for beginners. Here, divers can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with a rich diversity of marine life, from nudibranchs and tropical fish to rays and reef sharks.

The Eastern Cape's waters are teeming with a rich array of marine life. Divers can expect to see various shark species, including the ragged-tooth, tiger, and hammerhead sharks, depending on the dive site and season. Other marine creatures include dolphins, rays, turtles, and a plethora of tropical and subtropical fish. During the sardine run between May and July, the area becomes a feeding frenzy for various marine predators, offering a unique spectacle for divers.

The Eastern Cape's dive conditions can vary greatly depending on the area and season. Water temperatures range from 19-24°C (66-75°F) throughout the year. Visibility is generally good, often extending up to 15-20 meters (50-65 feet). However, currents can be strong at some dive sites, particularly those located offshore, making certain sites more suitable for experienced divers.

The cost of diving in the Eastern Cape varies based on the dive operator and type of dive. Expect to pay around $30-$50 for a single boat dive, including tank and weights. Diving courses start from about $300 for a PADI Open Water course. Extras such as gear rental, nitrox, and dive packages might add to the cost.

The Eastern Cape of South Africa offers a diverse range of diving experiences, with its coastline boasting some of the most exciting dive sites in the world. From beginner-friendly shallow reefs to adrenaline-packed dives with sharks, there's something to suit every diver's preference.