Amoray Diving

Operating since 1994, Amoray Diving provides a personalised charter service in the heart of Sodwana Bay, South Africa. The centre is located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering access to some of the most productive marine environments in the region.

Rather than large-scale operations, the focus here is on boutique, high-quality excursions. Whether you are looking for a guided reef exploration or a dedicated ocean safari, the service is designed to adapt to the specific conditions of the sea and your personal diving preferences.

The team consists of experienced local professionals who possess an intimate knowledge of the Sodwana Bay reef systems. They prioritise a personalised approach, ensuring that every dive or safari is tailored to the current sea conditions and the specific interests of the divers on board.

While Amoray Diving manages the charter and guided excursions, all formal training and PADI courses are conducted through their partner centre, Coral Divers. The instructors and guides maintain a ratio of maximum six divers per guide to ensure safety and close attention to detail.

All instruction and guidance is provided in English. For those looking to stay nearby, the centre works with partners such as Mseni Beach Lodge and Coral Divers to provide various accommodation options ranging from forest cottages to social group settings.

Amoray Diving works in partnership with Coral Divers to provide a comprehensive range of PADI training. The curriculum covers everything from the initial Discover Scuba Diving experience to full Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers all PADI specialties and instructor courses. This allows divers to progress from foundational training through to professional levels within the same local ecosystem.

The fleet consists of three 9m Superducks semi-rigid inflatable boats (RIBs). Each vessel has a capacity for 10 passengers, making them well-suited for small groups or private charters.

These boats are used for a variety of trips, including guided reef dives, ocean safaris, and high-quality snorkelling excursions. Oxygen and first aid kits are carried on board for safety during all outings.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes a complete range of diving gear to ensure you are fully prepared for the local conditions.

Safety is a priority, with oxygen and first aid kits available on the boats and at the centre. The operation is based directly on the main beach of Sodwana Bay, providing easy access to the water.

The reefs are home to a vast array of marine life, including various turtle species such as Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Green, and Leatherback turtles. You will frequently encounter Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), reef sharks, and bull sharks, alongside larger pelagics like Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and various species of Shark (Selachimorpha).

Large animals such as Dolphin (Delphinidae) and bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the area. During the winter months, Humpback whales can also be spotted during their seasonal migrations.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is incredibly rich. You can find a diverse range of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) species, including Bornella valdae nudibranch, inkspot nudibranch, and various coral nudibranchs. Other small finds include Octopus (Octopoda), shrimp (Caridea), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various Scorpionfish (Scorpaena).

The reef structure itself is vibrant, featuring Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), sponge corals, whip corals, and orange wall sponges, providing a complex habitat for Snappers (Lutjanidae), Potato grouper (Epinephelus tukula), and various species of Moray eel (Muraenidae).

The best time to visit is between November and June, when the water is warmer and conditions are generally more favourable. Visibility is excellent, typically ranging between 30 and 40 metres.

Sea conditions and currents vary significantly depending on the specific reef site and the daily weather. Divers should be prepared for variable currents, particularly at larger sites like 2 Mile Reef.