The Best Diving in Africa: An Introductory Guide for 2025
I don’t think that there’s any place in the world that has more to offer the traveller than Africa. There are so many amazing reasons to visit this big beautiful continent.
The world-class diving in Africa is just one of them.
“The sea once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
– JACQUES COUSTEAU.
It has exotic cities, stunning landscapes, warm and friendly people, and of course the epic wildlife. And when we talk about African wildlife, most of us think of the Big 5.
But if you decide to explore the amazing diving in Africa, you can actually experience the Big 7. Southern right whales and great white sharks are right up there with elephants and rhinos.
The Best Diving in Africa
Some of the best dive sites in the world can be found in Africa. Once you’ve experienced a few, you’ll see just how much more wildlife there is in Africa than what you’ll see on your average safari.
Some of the most popular dive destinations in the world are in Africa. These include the Red Sea, Lake Tanganyika, and Benguerra Island, to name just a few.
The Red Sea can be found on numerous lists of the best scuba diving in the world. And the fact is, comparable diving can be found all around the east and southern coasts of Africa.
So many of these sites aren’t yet on the radar of the diving world.
You have the chance to visit these spectacular diving sites at a time when you may very well have the reef – or wreck – to yourself.
On the other hand, if you’ve always wanted to go shark diving, Cape Town should be your first stop. In fact, the shark diving in South Africa is great just about anywhere along its coast.
The bottom line is, if you’re a diver, then you need to dive Africa. If you’re not a diver, then become one! See all of the wildlife that Africa has to offer.
Earn your certification while you’re here and explore these amazing underwater safari destinations.
Diving Solo in Africa
When you’re travelling on your own, safety is definitely an issue that comes to mind. This is especially true when you want to experience the extraordinary dive sites of Africa.
Diving is not an activity that I recommend taking on solo. The great news is that diving is a popular activity in Africa, and there are always other divers around.
There may not be any other solo divers on the dive you sign up for. Just introduce yourself to the others in the group and let them know you’re on your own.
Divers tend to be a friendly sort, and they love to share the fun.
If there don’t seem to be any groups on your boat to tag along with, the dive guide will be happy to have you as a buddy.
By all means, let them know you’re solo when you sign up for a dive. Be sure that it’s understood that you’re on your own.
There might be other dives scheduled that have some solo divers booked. Let them know you’d like to be on a dive with other solos, if possible.
Another idea is to check out the “Scuba Diving and Adventure Around the World” Facebook page. It will help you to get to know other divers that might be going your way.
Whatever you do, be safe, but don’t forgo this fantastic experience just because you don’t have a built-in dive buddy.
Do be sure that your travel insurance – don’t forget travel insurance – covers diving. SafetyWing* has you covered.
You might also consider coverage with DAN (The Divers Alert Network) for the time you’ll be diving.
DAN is a non-profit that promotes dive safety. You can find information about DAN here.
* To be covered by SafetyWing while diving you must be PADI/NAUI/SSI certified, OR be accompanied by a certified instructor while remaining at a depth less than 10 metres.
🤿 Dive Safety When Travelling
If you have a flight out after a dive, be sure to plan ahead. There is a necessary preflight surface interval that must be adhered to.
The length of this interval varies. They are anywhere from 12 hours for a single dive to 18 hours for multiple dives or several days of diving, as stated by PADI and DAN.
The US Air Force enforces a 24-hour interval after any number of dives. And the US Navy feels that only 2 hours is necessary before a flight of any altitude.
The concern about flying too soon after diving is the risk of decompression sickness. The preflight interval ensures that all residual nitrogen in your bloodstream has had time to dissipate.
If no interval is taken, flying can have the same effect as surfacing too quickly during a dive, causing nitrogen bubbles to form.
I recommend 2 full days between your last dive and any flight. This, of course, is your decision. I encourage you to read PADI’s post-dive safety tips.
Introduction to Diving in Africa: FAQs
Are you allowed to dive by yourself?
Yes. There are courses you can take to learn how to solo dive safely. To take it you’ll need a certain number of logged dives, and must get the approval of the instructor to take the course.
If you’re an experienced diver, a solo dive course is a great addition to your skills because it teaches you how to be self reliant in the water. You’ll learn what equipment and special skills you need.
Is there good Scuba diving in Africa?
Absolutely! Some of the best diving in the world can be found in the waters surrounding this enormous continent. Click on any image below to be taken to a different underwater world in Africa.
How far can you dive without hurting yourself?
With advanced certification, an adult can dive 130 metres. A open water certification diving is permitted to a depth of 60 metres.
With no gear at all, the average swimmer can dive about 20 metres without significant changes in the body.
What is the best diving in Africa?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. South Africa is know for best shark diving. Diving around Zanzibar, Tanzania is great for warm clear water and diverse marine life. The Red Sea is world famous for its incredible diving.
Summing It Up: Dive Sites in Africa
Whether you’re a novice or you’ve been diving for years, you’ll find Africa a spectacular diving destination. Even if you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll find something new around every corner.
Even if you haven’t received your certification yet, start planning your trip! There are many certification centres, wherever your destination.
Happy diving!
Click on one of the images below, and find YOUR best diving in Africa!
Diving in Africa
