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Western Cape
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What you need to know
Wildlife
Animals
Diving
Scuba Dive

TThe Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is a treasure trove of marine and inter-tidal life. When you go snorkelling or diving at Storms River, expect memorable encounters with anything from sea urchins, sponges and anemones to sharks and endemic fish that occur nowhere else in the world. 

Storms River is one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in a country that is home to many beautiful and species-rich marine locations. 

At Storms River, situated on the Garden Route, you'll not only discover ancient forests, mountain and coastal fynbos, hundreds of birds, interesting small mammals and spectacular scenery, but also a fascinating 80km coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean. 

The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is the perfect place to stay for your snorkelling or diving expeditions. Because this is a protected marine area, free from all commercial exploitation, the river, sea and reefs teem with marine life. 

One of the major bonuses of snorkelling or diving at Storms River is that you can choose between saltwater or freshwater – or try both. 

The Storms River mouth, with its dramatic scenery and rocky reefs, is perfect for a river or shore dive. Ragged-tooth and small hound sharks are almost always on the diving menu, so have your underwater camera ready. 

Because the reefs are brightly lit you could spot up to 50 different species of fish, including blacktail, zebra, red roman and musselcracker. Many fish are endemic to this area and can be found nowhere else in the world. Also on show are vibrantly coloured sponges, anemones, sea urchins and ascidians. 

Not a diver but would also like to discover this rich underwater world? Then go snorkelling. It's affordable, easy to do (kids love it) and just drifting along watching the underwater world pass by beneath the surface will keep you entranced for hours. 

Did You Know?

TTravel tips & planning  info 

 

Who to contact 

South African National Parks – Garden Route National Park 

Tel: +27 (0)42 281 1607 

Email: reservations@sanparks.org 

Untouched Adventures 

Tel: +27 (0)73 130 0689 

Tel: +27 (0)76 959 2817 

Email: bookings@untouchedadventures.com 

 

How to get here 

Take the N2 west from Cape Town or George, or east from Port Elizabeth, and follow the directions to Storms River. The closest airports are in George and Port Elizabeth. 

Best time to visit 

Summer months (December to February) are the best for diving and snorkelling. 

Things to do 

You are in the heart of the Garden Route so take time to explore the surrounding areas such as the Tsitsikamma forest, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, the Wilderness and George. 

What to pack 

All snorkelling and diving equipment can be rented at Storms River from a variety of tour operators and dive shops. 

Where to stay 

Tsitsikamma has various accommodation options, ranging from camping and caravan sites to cabins, chalets and guesthouses. 

 

Related links 

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