Scuba diving in Angola

Dive operators Regions Dive seasons Best diving Cost of diving Marine life

Angola is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts looking for a unique and adventurous experience. Its warm waters and diverse marine life make it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced divers.

One of the most popular dive sites in Angola is the Ilha do Mussulo Marine Reserve, located off the coast of the capital city of Luanda. Here, divers can explore the coral reefs and underwater rock formations, and swim with a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even sharks.

Another popular dive site in Angola is the Benguela Cove, located in the southern part of the country. The area is known for its stunning underwater landscapes, including deep canyons and underwater cliffs, as well as a variety of marine life, such as colorful fish, octopuses, and rays.

For those interested in exploring shipwrecks, Angola has a number of sites to choose from, including the RMS Mauretania, a British ocean liner that sank off the coast of Luanda in 1939. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life and provides a unique and historic diving experience.

Overall, scuba diving in Angola offers a unique and adventurous experience, with stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life. The warm waters and relative lack of tourist crowds make it an ideal destination for scuba diving enthusiasts looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

The best operators in: Angola

Scuba diving regions in: Angola

Name	Operators

Best diving in Angola

Angola has several excellent scuba diving spots to explore, each offering its own unique underwater landscape and marine life. Here are some of the best scuba diving spots in Angola:

Ilha do Mussulo Marine Reserve: Located off the coast of the capital city of Luanda, this marine reserve is known for its coral reefs, underwater rock formations, and diverse marine life. Scuba divers can swim with a variety of marine species, including tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even sharks.
Benguela Cove: Situated in the southern part of Angola, Benguela Cove is a popular spot for scuba diving due to its stunning underwater landscapes and diverse marine life. Divers can explore deep canyons, underwater cliffs, and swim with colorful fish, octopuses, and rays.
RMS Mauretania Wreck: This British ocean liner sank off the coast of Luanda in 1939 and now provides a unique and historic scuba diving experience. The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including groupers, barracudas, and snappers.
Porto Amboim: Located in the Benguela province, Porto Amboim is known for its beautiful coral reefs and underwater rock formations, which provide a unique and fascinating underwater landscape for scuba divers to explore.
Shipwreck Alley: Situated off the coast of Namibe in southern Angola, Shipwreck Alley is a popular spot for scuba diving due to the large number of shipwrecks in the area. The wrecks provide a unique and historic diving experience, with the opportunity to see a variety of marine life, including barracudas, snappers, and rays.

Dive seasons in Angola

The best time for scuba diving in Angola is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally warm and dry, with clear skies and calm seas, making for excellent diving conditions.

Water temperatures during this time of year range from around 22 to 26 degrees Celsius (72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit), which is comfortable for most divers, although a wetsuit may be necessary for some.

During the wet season, which runs from November to April, the weather can be more unpredictable, with heavy rains and strong winds. This can make diving conditions more challenging and less predictable, with rough seas and reduced visibility.

However, some divers do choose to dive during the wet season, as it can offer unique diving experiences, such as the chance to see rare species of marine life that are more active during this time.

Cost of diving in Angola

The cost of scuba diving in Angola can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location, dive operator, and equipment rental costs. However, in general, scuba diving in Angola is relatively affordable compared to other popular scuba diving destinations.

A single dive in Angola can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 USD, depending on the location and dive operator. However, many dive operators in Angola offer discounts for multiple dives or dive packages, which can bring the cost down significantly.

Equipment rental costs will also vary depending on the dive operator and the specific equipment needed. Basic rental equipment such as wetsuits, masks, and fins can often be rented for around $10 to $20 USD per day. Additional equipment such as dive computers or underwater cameras may cost more to rent.

For those interested in getting certified to scuba dive in Angola, the cost of a basic Open Water Diver certification course can range from $250 to $500 USD, depending on the dive operator and course location.

Marine life in Angola

Angola is home to a diverse range of marine life, making it a great destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The warm waters around Angola are home to a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as larger marine mammals such as dolphins and whales.

Some of the most commonly spotted fish in Angola's waters include groupers, breams, and barracudas. Other fish species that can be found in the area include snappers, amberjacks, and tuna. Octopuses and cuttlefish are also common in the area and can often be seen hiding among the rocks and corals.

For those interested in spotting larger marine mammals, Angola is home to both bottlenose and common dolphins, which can often be seen swimming and playing in the waters around the country. In addition, some species of whales, including humpback and pilot whales, can also be found in the area.

Angola's waters are also home to a variety of crustaceans, including crabs and lobsters, as well as mollusks such as snails, clams, and mussels. These creatures can often be seen hiding in the rocks and crevices along the ocean floor.

Scuba diving in Angola

The best operators in: Angola

Scuba diving regions in: Angola

Best diving in Angola

Dive seasons in Angola

Cost of diving in Angola

Marine life in Angola

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