Sodwana Bay Lodge

Sodwana Bay Dive Lodge and Fishing Resort

In the Heart of Maputaland, nestling behind the world’s highest vegetated sand dunes about 5km from the sea, Sodwana Bay Lodge has been carefully designed to match the rustic, eco-oriented nature of the region.

Sodwana Bay is one of the world’s top dive sites. The world’s southern-most coral reefs harbour over 1200 species of Coral Fish, Rays, Eels and Turtles while Whale sharks, Dolphins, Sharks and Whales are common visitors. The Raggie Sharks and Turtles are popular guests in the summer

All your needs are catered for as you relax in the comfort of our refurbished twin bedded, reed and thatch chalets. All have en-suite shower and toilet, fridges, selected satellite DStv, phones, safes, hairdryers, ceiling fan & are serviced daily and include complimentary tea and coffee facilities.

Situated within our 21 Chalets is Sodwana Bay Lodge Scuba Centre, a PADI 5 star IDC dive centre, where we offer dive charters, PADI dive courses, photo lab, masks, fins, snorkels, film, batteries, T-shirts and full equipment hire facilities are available.

Adjacent Leatherbacks Seafood & Grill where guests will dine on wholesome fare including a full A la Carte menu and a delicious array of pizzas from our pizza oven. Underneath the restaurant is our Pool Bar where you can have a drink, swim, sunbathe or even have a game of pool!

Magnum Fishing Charters offer you the chance to test your wits and skill against the noble Marlin and combative game fish. Full and half day excursions are available.

We are building a growing reputation as a premier locale for stimulating team-building excursions and intimate gatherings catering for up to 40 delegates.

LEATHERBACKS RESTAURANT

Sodwana Bay Lodge has much to offer when it comes to eating out.

The lodge restaurant - Leatherbacks Seafood and Grill, boasts a varied menu, attentive service and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

And for those who love to relax, hot and sunny afternoons can be spent at the lodge's popular poolside bar, where guests can swap experiences.

The restaurant and bar are both fully licensed.

MAGNUM DEEP SEA FISHING CHARTERS

DETAILS ON OUR DEEP SEA FISHING CHARTERS

2 x 7-meter boats, fully equipped for Marlin and Big Game fishing.
1 x 9 meter boat, fully equipped for Marlin and Big Game fishing.

Registered for five anglers and skipper.

The boat Launch from Sodwana Bay Beach.

Launch time in summer – November to April – 6h00 – 14h00

Launch time in winter – May to October – 7h00 – 14h00

Deep-sea Trolling.

Equipment:

Shimano 25 TLD for Game Fishing.

Shimano 80w Tiagra for Marlin Fishing.

For Marlin fishing – November to May (Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Stripe Marlin)

For Game fishing – November to March – Dorado

All year round – Sailfish, King Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna and other game fish species.

All fishing permits are the angler’s responsibilities. All anglers must be in a possession of a fishing licence when getting on the boat, as the beach control of Parks Board will check these. You can purchase fishing licences at any SA Post Office. Please just remember to take your ID document with.

WHALE WATCHING

DETAILS ON OUR WHALE WATCHING CHARTERS

Whales migrate northward from the Antarctic through South African waters, passing and dwelling in Sodwana Bay, on their way to the warm tropical waters off southern Madagascar to mate and calf. Both mating and calfing takes place in these warm tropical waters. Gestation is 11 to 12 months and lactation (suckling) takes a further 11 to 12 months.

The Sodwana Bay Whale Watching Tour procedure is a surf launch, through the waves, and you need to hold on tight in order to stay on deck, a thrilling experience, but once out at sea it’s a lot calmer. There can be few experiences as rewarding as seeing a humpback whale blowing or showing off in the water. A dozen whales, a couple of dolphins, with the odd bit of seasickness thrown in for good measure, make the whole experience highly memorable.

Departure is based at the beach 6km away walk from Sodwana Bay Lodge. This boat based tour takes place during the months of July to November. Tours are about two hours in duration; this includes the boat launch, safety induction etc.

Whale Watcher, is the only licensed whale watching operation in the Sodwana Bay waters. This allows the charter boat to approach whales within the protected 300 meter radius. The permit ensures regulation of the industry and minimum intrusion from boats on the whales.

WHEN : June - November

SODWANA BAY LODGE SCUBA CENTRE

NB: Diving Permits are required – this can be purchased at most post offices or the KZN park at Sodwana Bay Marine reserve – please note that you are required to take the permits with you to the beach daily – Monthly permits can also be purchased from our Scuba Centre – depending on availability  
Should you not have dived in the last year a refresher course is recommended.
KZN Parks Board entry fee is not included in your packages – please remember to take the money with you to the beach
Please note that equipment is NOT included in any dive packages
*Please check in at the dive shop on arrival – confirm dive times, sort out rental equipment, sign the indemnity forms.  Don’t forget to bring your certification card. The shop is open from 07h30–12h30 and 13h30-16h30.