Riy Banks – Eastern Cape – Port Elizabeth & Algoa Bay Dive Site

Site Overview

Riy Banks is a remarkable dive site in the Eastern Cape – Port Elizabeth & Algoa Bay region of South Africa, situated in the diverse marine waters where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans converge along one of the world's most biologically productive coastlines. The site features depths from 10 to 30 meters with an average depth of 20 meters, offering an extraordinary underwater experience showcasing the unique marine biodiversity and dramatic geological formations that South Africa is celebrated for among divers worldwide. Renowned for its exceptional encounters with Ragged-tooth Shark, Barracuda, Giant Trevally and other remarkable marine species, Riy Banks attracts divers seeking thrilling underwater adventures in one of the planet's most dynamic marine environments. The South African coastline creates a stunning underwater landscape of kelp forests, rocky reefs, pinnacles, sandy channels, and historic wrecks that provide habitat for incredibly diverse marine communities. The surrounding waters, influenced by the collision of the cold Benguela Current and the warm Agulhas Current, bring nutrient-rich conditions supporting abundant marine life including seasonal sardine migrations, shark aggregations, whale encounters, and numerous endemic fish species found nowhere else on Earth. Visibility typically ranges between five and thirty meters depending on season, location, and plankton activity. Water temperatures vary dramatically from 12 degrees Celsius on the Atlantic coast to 27 degrees Celsius in northern KwaZulu-Natal depending on the region and season. Riy Banks consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Eastern Cape – Port Elizabeth & Algoa Bay region, drawing dedicated divers who seek exceptional diving experiences in one of Africa's most biodiverse and thrilling marine environments combining dramatic coastal landscapes with extraordinary wildlife encounters.