Bikini Reef
Also known as: Hopscotch, Bikini Ledge, Mellow Yellow
Best time to dive
January to December; November to April; April to September
What you might see
- FrogfishLikely
- Ghost pipefishLikely
- Manta rayLikely
- NudibranchLikely
- RhinopiasLikely
- Sea turtleLikely
- Whale sharkLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - reef at ~18 m+, reached by boat.
Safety notes
Depth ~18-22 m - watch no-deco limits; macro focus means slow, buoyancy-controlled diving over delicate life.
Permits & fees
Inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park MPA (World Heritage). Requires a South African MPA scuba permit (annual, via the Post Office, or temporary monthly permits through dive shops/operators; valid across SA MPAs) plus the iSimangaliso gate entrance and vehicle fees. Amounts change - confirm before booking.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Sodwana Bay
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.