Sodwana Bay
1,200 species of technicolour marine life are waiting to astound you
Sea, sun and surf
With its sea, surf and sun, Sodwana Bay is a sprawling open-air, all-year-round activity destination.
Diving deep for memories
Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as a variety of underwater seascapes and marine flora and fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000.
Big Two of the Blue
Throughout the year, pods of bottlenose dolphins routinely patrol up and down the coast, just beyond the breakers. Southern right and humpback whales visit our shores between June and November every year. They migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to breed in the warmer Indian Ocean and then return south with their adolescent calves.
The big 7 experience
Sodwana Bay is a short drive from the Big 5 uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso – which makes this rare combination of eco-systems home to the Big 7, as humpback whales and whale sharks join lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo.
Operators in the Area
Activities Offered
Phinda Private Game Reserve
An exceptional adventure destination run by &Beyond, a world leader in luxury experiential travel.
Activities Offered
Ocean Divers
Providing various NAUI based certification courses for divers at all levels.
Activities Offered
Nemo Dive Charter
A world-class dive operation offering recreational, speciality and technical diving courses.
Activities Offered
My Lady Fishing Charters
Offering professional deep sea fishing charters as well as spacious self catering accommodation.
Activities Offered
Magnum Fishing Charters
Offering deep sea charters on two of the most spacious and stable fishing vessels operating on the iSimangaliso coastline.
Activities Offered
Last Round Fishing Charters
Last Round aims to give every one of their clients a memorable and exciting fishing experience.
Activities Offered
Coral Divers
Providing scuba instruction at all levels, as well as chartered access to some of the world’s best diving spots.
Activities Offered
Useful Information
Getting There
Depart the N2 at Hluhluwe and take the R22 towards Sodwana Bay. Continue along the R22 until Mbazwana and turn right in the town towards Sodwana Bay. Follow this road for another 16km before arriving at the Park entrance.
Gate Opening & Closing Times
Gate opening and closing times:
Open 24 hours
Reception hours:
08h00 to 16h30 (Mon – Thu)
07h00 to 16h30 (Fri – Sat)
07h00 to 15h00 (Sun)
Contact Details
+27 35 571 0051Entry Fees
Adults: R23
Children (under the age of 12): R19
Vehicle entry charge:
• 1-5 people: R32
• 6-12 people: R47
• 13-20 people: R64
• 21+ people: R111
Accommodated visitors: R8 per person
Community Levy: R5 per person
Vessel launching fees: R100 per vessel
Public Facilities
Annual licences to catch or obtain bait are available at the reception office. A small supermarket is situated across the road from the main reception office. Fuel is also available.