Port Alfred sits on the Eastern Cape's Sunshine Coast where the Indian Ocean delivers variable conditions and a wide temperature range across the year, from the high teens in winter to occasional highs well above twenty degrees in summer. The four sites here include shore-entry rock pools at Kelly's Beach, the artificial structure of the Kowie River Mouth west pier, and two offshore boat dives at Sharks Gulley and Fountain Rocks. Fountain Rocks is a notable reef system with caves, gullies, and a shallow pinnacle area that acts as a nursery for young sharks. Species recorded include grey nurse sharks, green sea turtles, gorgonians, common octopus, and seahorses. Autumn and winter are generally preferred for better visibility.
Monthly water temperature across Port Alfred's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature swings considerably across the year, cooling to the high teens in winter and rising to the mid-twenties or above in summer. Autumn and winter months tend to bring the clearest conditions, making that period popular for offshore boat dives to Fountain Rocks and Sharks Gulley.
2 operators
Port Alfred, South Africa
South Africa
Water temperature around Port Alfred ranges from about 18°C in June to 21°C in February, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 18–21°C, a 5mm suit works in Port Alfred year-round.
Fin maps 4 sites in Port Alfred (1 scuba diving sites and 3 snorkelling spots).
3 more sites to explore
