Scuba dive sites in South Africa: Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is one of South Africa's best kept scuba diving secrets. This group of reefs lies between two and four kilometers offshore and at a depth of twenty to forty meters it is for advanced divers only.

The launching site to Rocky Bay is located 15 minutes by road from Umkomaas and just 5 minutes from Scottburgh. Rocky Bay is 10 kms south of Scottburgh, 18 kms south of Umkomaas and 20kms south of the Aliwal Shoal.

The best spots are:

Landers
Big pinnacle, large boulders, crevices and huge gullies with small sand patches in between the reefs, caves and overhangs.
- Average Depth = 21 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 32 Meters

Butchers
Boulders, rocks with big crevices and gullies are characteristic of this reef north of Landers. The reef has a wall like formation that is approximately 6 meters high. Tropical fish like Trumpetfish, Geometric Moray Eel, Natal sea catfish, speckled shrimpfish, Batfish and False stonefish are just some of the species found here. There is a resident Loggerhead turtle that sleeps in one of the many caves and overhangs. This reef is also known as the Juvenile Nursery. Many species of hard and soft coral.
- Average Depth = 18 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 25 Meters

Cowry
Big boulders scattered around with sand patches in between and ledges with overhangs and small holes in the reef where Triggerfish hide. There are quite a number of different species of Cowry shells on this reef sitting next to or on the big sea sponges. Coral life consists of soft coral like Dead-man's finger, various colors of Polyp coral swinging in the surge, Black coral trees as well as Green Fern coral with clouds of Goldies swimming around it. Also be on the look out for Nudibranchs; various colors and sizes. Hard coral consists of Smooth horned coral and Leather coral.
- Average Depth = 19 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 25 Meters

Outside Landers
A wall of reef that run from North to South. On the ledge you can find Pinnacles that form an enclosure for marine life. The boulders create nice swim through's and gullies. Most of the common tropical fish species seen here although this is one of the deeper dives and there tend to be thermo clines here and there. Batfish, Fusiliers, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Nudibranchs and Rock Lobsters are a common sight amongst the many coral species.
- Average Depth = 20 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 28 Meters

Umzamai wall
Huge boulders, with big crevices, scattered rocks and gullies to swim through. On the inshore side there is a wall almost 20 meters high with ledges and a cave on the northern side. Large black coral trees, Polyp coral, White and Pink Thistle coral, Green Fern coral and lots more to be seen on this untouched reef. The fish in this area are inquisitive and not used to divers. Big Moorish Idols, Snappers, Triggerfish, Model Tobies, Boxy's, Tiger Angelfish and lot's more.
- Average Depth = 23 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 39 Meters

Chard reef
Rock formations forming a wall, with small ledges and gullies with sand patches surrounding the rocky reef. White Kingfish roam this area and is keen on inspecting new visitors. Devil Fire fish together with Red Fanged Trigger fish, Moorish Idols and Snappers, Nudibranchs of different sizes, types and colours, Polyp coral, Dead-man's finger coral, Sea urchins and Whip coral in different colours are a few of the species encountered. Crayfish are found in the holes in the reef and Rays seem to be keeping an eye on everything on this reef.
- Average Depth = 23 Meters
- Maximum Depth = 38 Meters

Source: Scuba diving South Africa