Dive-site story
On the reef complex in Sodwana Bay, Lettuce takes its name from green foliose sheet coral (Turbinaria mesenterina) covering the sandstone platform. Slopes alternate with sand gullies and small overhangs. Clearer water than inshore shallows lets sunlight illuminate the broad plates, drawing marine life into the shaded crevices beneath overlapping coral layers.
Expanses of overlapping lettuce-leaf plate coral
Green turtles grazing along the reef flats
Overhangs sheltering honeycomb morays and nocturnal fish species
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Calmer summer seas and warmer water prevail during these months, with diving possible year-round.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green sea turtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Honeycomb moray eelGymnothorax favagineus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Potato bassEpinephelus tukula | Common | ||||||||||||
| Ragged-tooth sharkCarcharias taurus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Leaf scorpionfishTaenianotus triacanthus | Rare |
Marine forecast
