SODWANA BAY
Sodwana Bay is situated in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which was declared South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999. Sodwana Bay is one of the top ten dive destinations in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,280 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. Sodwana Bay has pristine beaches and reefs due to the park having been a reserve since the 1950’s. You will be hosted by Reefteach who are well known for their marine environmental knowledge. Reefteach is a 5 star PADI resort.
A TRIP TO THE OCEAN
DAY 1
Arrive at Reefteach Lodge and settle in. A presentation on “What makes Sodwana unique” will explain the environmental ecosystem that makes Sodwana Bay reefs different from any other.
DAY 2
Participants can choose between a “Try Dive” or a snorkel trip on the boat. The try dive consists of some theory, pool training and an ocean scuba dive with an instructor. The snorkelers will be given training on the correct use of the equipment and will snorkel from the boat under the care of an instructor. The ocean trip will be preceded by a marine briefing of which fish and animals may be seen. The afternoon will be spent on a practical presentation of the rocky shores and tidal zone. Thereafter a presentation will be done on pollution and what it means to the coral reefs. A beach clean-up will follow where the participants will work in groups recording the type and number of materials found on the beach. In the evening the records of the clean-up will be compared and then compiled into a total. A discussion will then take place on the participant’s expectations of the clean-up as well as their actual experience.
DAY 3
A presentation on fish ecology will be followed by a practical snorkel in the rock pools and shallows. After lunch participants pack up and depart. The total cost is R1650-00 including accommodation & meals. Minimum 5 per group.
MAKE UP YOUR OWN DAY
This is aimed at participants only spending one full day in Sodwana Bay. Activities can be combined to provide a unique experience. Activities to choose from: a. Try Dive – The try dive consists of some theory, pool training and an ocean scuba dive with an instructor. b. Snorkelling in the rock pools or off a boat – includes some training on the use of the equipment. c. Pollution presentation & beach clean up d. Shark conservation educational sessions. e. Practical rocky shores and tidal zone educational sessions. f. Fish ecology educational session. g. What makes Sodwana unique educational session. h. Ocean Adventure out to sea – an hour spent on the boat, experiencing a surf launch and looking for dolphins, turtles and fish.