Oceanatik logo
Oceanatik logo
HomeDestinationsDive SmartContact Us
Thunderbolt Reef

Thunderbolt Reef

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Depth
Depth Icon

30m

Visibility
Visibility Icon

4m - 12m

Entry
Boat Entry Icon

Boat

Experience Level

Experienced


About Thunderbolt Reef

Within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area but just around the point called Cape Recife. Thunderbolt Reef is a classic old local dive site and the reef gets its name from the HMS Thunderbolt that ran aground here in 1847. (Don't bother trying to find her, no wreckage remains I'm afraid) Thunderbolt Reef is massive and runs almost from the Cape Recife point to a well known beach here called Shelley Beach. The underwater topography is dramatic with stunning boulders and knolls interspersed with gullies and drop offs. The reef itself is very colourful sporting the 'dress' which is typical of the Wild Side. Loads of seafans and beautiful corals and you'll find sharks here too. The usually local fish species are plentiful here.

Thunderbolt Reef Dive Info

Terrain & Features

Reef, Shark, Rock

Entry Type

Boat

Max Depth

30m

Visibility Range

4m 12m

Experience Level

Experienced

Best Gas

21% – 35%

O2
Marine Life

  • Corals
  • Ragged Tooth Sharks
  • Sea Fan
  • Shy Shark
  • Nudibranchs
  • Rays
Weather Conditions

Water Temperature
Dive Operators near Thunderbolt Reef

View all operators in South Africa
Location

Dive Site Hazards

Hazards data unavailable.

Discover More

Discover South Africa

North America - Cuba

Scuba diving in Cuba offers a rare mix of untouched reefs, historic wrecks, and thrilling marine encounters—all set in a country rich with culture and character. Whether you’re exploring the coral gardens of Playa Girón or diving with sharks in the remote Jardines de la Reina, Cuba’s waters are surprisingly pristine and uncrowded. Add in shore dives for beginners, deep wall drops for seasoned pros, and the rhythm of Cuban life topside, and you’ve got one of the Caribbean’s most underrated dive destinations.

Learn More

Europe - Greece

Scuba diving in Greece offers a unique blend of underwater exploration and cultural discovery. From submerged ancient ruins and WWII wrecks to vibrant reefs and underwater caves, Greece delivers a dive experience that’s as rich in history as it is in marine life. With excellent visibility, a long dive season, and dive sites scattered across islands like Crete, Zakynthos, and Santorini, it's a Mediterranean gem for divers of all levels.

Oceania - French Polynesia

Dive into the heart of the South Pacific with unforgettable scuba adventures in French Polynesia. From the shark-filled passes of Fakarava to manta encounters in Bora Bora, this diving paradise offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling drift dives. Whether you're a beginner exploring shallow lagoons or an advanced diver chasing pelagics through ocean channels, French Polynesia delivers world-class diving year-round—all set against the backdrop of remote atolls and rich Polynesian culture.