Snorkeling

Snorkelling

The shoreline, reefs and rock pools in this area are teaming with things to see.

Do it yourself

Another great summer activity! Explore the underwater world by snorkelling in these great locations. Some of these locations have tidal pools making the great for the young ones too. Please be careful in the more open water spots and keep the tides in mind.

Descriptions:
Mossel Bay
Two tidal pools near the point in Mossel Bay. There is also a beach at the one tidal pool.

Herold's Bay
Also two tidal pools. Also a lovely bay with a beach and there is a short walk up to a viewpoint overlooking the bay.

Victoria Bay
Another tidal pool. This bay is also very popular amongst surfers and body boarders due to the great waves here.

Gericke's Point
The spot has an abundance of sea life and a big part of this area turns into shallow pools that can be explore on foot at low tide. If you do snorkel in the sea, keep and eye on the tides and currents. The Gericke's Point island becomes a real island at high tide.

ss Paquita, wrecked at the Knysna Heads, 18 October, 1903. © knysnamuseums.co.za

Knysna Heads
This is a very popular snorkeling and scuba diving site. This is also were the wreck of the Paquita came to rest. Most of this wreck has since weathered away but there is ample of other sea life to be seen.

Storm's River Mouth
The area falls within a marine reserve and is abundant in fish life. Be careful not to wonder into the open waters.

Permits & Cost: None. Please note that if you spear fish you do need a permit and spear fishing is not allowed in all these locations.

Contact numbers:
SAN Parks Storm River Mouth - +27 (0) 42 281 1607 (07:30-18:00)

Directions:
Mossel Bay - At the point in Mossel Bay near the lighthouse.
Herold's Bay - Down at the sea in Herold's Bay on the right side of the bay.
Victoria Bay - Down at the sea in Victoria Bay on the right side of the bay.
Gericke's Point - Situated at the Swartvlei beach west of Sedgefield.
Knysna Heads - Park at the restaurants at the Knysna Heads.
Storm's River Mouth - Take the Storms River turn off on the N2 53km east of Plettenberg Bay. Stop at the restaurant.

Coordinates:
Mossel Bay (tidal pool) - S34 10.984 E22 09.471
Mossel Bay (point tidal pool) - S34 11.172 E22 09.564
Herold's Bay (tidal pool) - S34 03.334 E22 23.334
Victoria Bay (tidal pool) - S34 00.339 E22 32.921
Gericke's Point - S34 02.116 E22 45.980
Knysna Heads - S34 04.661 E23 03.621
Knysna Heads (Paquita wreck) - S34 04.598 E23 03.561
Storm's River Mouth - S34 01.347 E23 53.910

Other: Do not snorkel alone and always check what the tides are doing. Tide charts are available from most local fishing and sports shops or make use of a tide smartphone application.