Knysna Heads, Western Cape

Knysna has some of the best diving in the world, both in the lagoon and out in the open sea. When the sea is rough, the lagoon is often warmer and sheltered, making diving in Knysna unpredictable and weather-dependent. For the most part, the water is clear and warm, with the best visibility during the winter months.

In the lagoon, there are numerous shallow-shore dive sites. However, the wreck of the Paquita, a German iron vessel that sank in 1903, is one of the more interesting dives. The site, which is located just inside the Knysna Heads, is subject to strong currents and can only be dived at low tide. Sea whips and fans, basket stars, colorful sponges, and soft corals cover the wreck, which is home to a large number of fish. Outside the Knysna Heads, there is a beautiful area with many overhangs, caves, and canyons to explore. The underwater world is alive with sponges, corals, and fans, and the marine life ranges from tiny seahorses to large predators like sharks.

Location: Knysna Heads, Western Cape, South Africa