resources.isimangaliso.com · Official
iSimangaliso management-plan response sheet with Quarter Mile references.
Local operator required
Quarter mile reef is normally dived from Sodwana Bay boats under local operator and park conditions.
Regulated Sodwana Bay reef with shallow boulders and sand patches; calm-sea windows and shark season drive the plan.
About Quarter mile reef
Quarter mile reef is a shallow Sodwana Bay reef with rocky boulders, sand patches, and a calm-sea window that matters more than depth. It is best treated as a weather-aware shark-season dive: when the sea is flat and the reef is open, the site delivers a compact reef ride with a lot of marine life packed into a short run.
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Research Estimate At Quarter mile reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessSimple entry
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentLight current
SurgeStrong surge
Where Is Quarter mile reef?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Quarter mile reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 12m
Depth Note
The reef is very shallow, with most diving around 6-12 m over boulders and sand patches.
Best Season
November to March
Typical Conditions
Very shallow reef with boulders and sand patches; calm seas are essential, and the site is strongest when the shark-season window is open.
Safety & Access At Quarter mile reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficRestricted accessSurgeWaves
Safety Notes
Only dive the reef when the sea is flat and the operator says the site is open. The shallow profile makes swell and surge the main planning factors.
Access Restrictions
Quarter mile reef is regulated and may be closed when conditions are poor or when ragged-tooth sharks are gestating.
Legal Notes
South African recreational scuba divers need the relevant Sodwana / iSimangaliso permit and licence requirements.
Local Intel For Quarter mile reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Best as a boat dive from Sodwana Bay. The reef is shallow enough for newer divers in calm conditions, but it becomes a more advanced dive when the sharks are resident and the sea is less settled.
Freediving
Freediving is only sensible on very calm days because the reef is shallow but strongly affected by swell and surge.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling can work on calm days, but the reef is still exposed enough that sea state should decide the day.
Wildlife at Quarter mile reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Quarter mile reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Quarter mile reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
