SIYAKWAMUKELA – the South Coast Welcomes You

DIVES & ACCOMMODATION

Includes transfers to the beach, dive leader, return transfer, coffee at dive centre

Directions?: Located in the popular diving village on the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast, and within striking distance of all the shark, tropical reef and wreck diving at Aliwal Shoal & Rocky Bay. 40 minutes drive South from Durban city center. Take N2 south, past the airport and Amanzimtoti. Take Umkomaas turnoff, then enquire for directions to your particular area of choice. Transfers: Durban International Airport to the UMKOMAAS R200-R300 one way.

Diving:
General week day: (various dive locations can change the times)
Weekday launch times (summer and winter) 8 am and 10 am (sometimes 6 am)

Weekend launch times: summer 6 am, 8 am, 10 am and 12 am wind permitting, and winter its an hour later. Meet one hour before the launch time to kit up and hire any equipment required.

Enjoy a short vehicle ride down to the river mouth for the exciting surf launch on a zodiac. The zodiac takes a maximum of 11 divers, including the divemaster/instructor to lead the dive, plus the skipper with loads of daily experience. Payment: |Electronic transfer into Nedbank Account is preferred to confirm the booking. Cancellation policy: please cancel at least 24 hours in advance to get a refund or to defer. No refunds will be given, once you have confirmed your dives, that is, for last minute seasickness, colds, hangovers or headaches! Enjoy!

Non-diving interests?:
There are also a number of other activities to do in the afternoons like Oribi Gorge. Enjoy the highest fun events in the world – swing out across the waterfall in a 100m arc; slide across the 170m gorge, abseil 110m or enjoy water rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, the Crock farm, Tala game park lunch and drive: and extra Add-on tours to: Shaka Land cultural experience, Safari Game Parks, Valley of 1000 Hills, Ushaka Marine world, Sharks Board, city tours, Sani Pass, Giants Castle/Bushmans Paintings, Battle fields just a few to keep you busy!

Who are we?:

The members: Barry Coleman (PADI Master Instructor & IANTD Trimix & Rebreather Instructor) and Celia Coleman (PADI MSDT Instructor) together have many years of combined experience and instructing in the diving industry and can ensure that your diving experiences are safe, easy and fun! .

Accommodation
Please note that accommodation is NOT on the beach as Umkomaas beach does not offer swimming. The closest swimming beach with lifeguards is in Scottburgh, just 10 minutes drive south by car. The accommodation listed below are of similar price, and all lovely bed and breakfasts as per general photo below. It just depends on availability. Seafever Hotel is more casual accommodation. (More pictures of accommodation available on request).
If you need accommodation please email me with your preferences on the accommodation and I will see if there are availabilities. It is best to have a car so you can get around Umkomaas and the surrounding areas, as some of the accommodation facilities are about 5 minutes drive from the Dive Centre.

1) Most Popular Accommodation:
Rates: R370 per person per night sharing, children under 12 are half price.
Single R460 per night. Breakfast included.

Set back from the main road in Umkomaas, in tranquil grounds the creatively renovated building offers 9 en-suite rooms (twin and double) and 2 en-suite family rooms, all finished to a high quality standard some of which have air conditioners. All rooms have their own entrance from the main entrance hallway, 6 of which have private patio areas. All rooms have fans and heated bathrooms, fridges, TV (MNet), hairdryers and tea/coffee making facilities and some have air conditioners. Secure parking is provided. As the property is security fenced, has an automated gate with secure off the road parking, each room has an independent alarm system, coupled with the added security of staff being onsite 24 hours a day, you really can sit back and relax.

Breakfast under a large thatched gazebo by a large C shaped swimming pool, which has a deep end of 3m, is ideal for all diving enthusiasts and hugs the gazebo. Pool loungers are provided for you to sit by the pool and soak up the Durban sunshine. Plus the guests lounge enables guests to avoid adverse weather and, with TV, is a meeting point for rugby etc. Your host Mickey ensures a varied breakfast choice is provided and will ensure special requirements are catered for.

2) Upmarket Accommodation:
Rates: R400 per person per night sharing. Single supplement R800.00 per night.
Out of season R350 ppp night sharing. Single is R525 pn.
Dorm room facilities at R200.00 per person per night. Out of Season R175 pppn. Breakfast included.

Upmarket and new in Umkomaas. Choose from backpacker style ensuite rooms with ceiling fan and balcony, or very nice light and airy double/twin rooms with ensuite shower, air conditioning, sea facing balcony, fridge, fan, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Full cooked breakfast is included in the price, we do not have self catering facilities as you are meant to be enjoying a holiday. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance where you can enjoy good food at a reasonable price. For non divers we suggest you while away the time relaxing by the pool with a cold drink or maybe take in a round of golf at the course directly opposite the Lodge. Other facilities: laundry; internet; secure parking, airport transfers, hairdresser, nitrox, breakfast sea view deck. The beach, shops, restaurants and banks are only 3 minutes walk away.

3) Alternative Upmarket Accommodation:
Rates: R330 - R385 per person sharing per night. R440 - R495 single supplement pn. Out of Season: R300 - R350 pp sharing per night. R400 - R450 single supplement pn. Breakfast included.
10 rooms - each uniquely decorated. Our luxury rooms are all located in the main house with entrances leading off the large wraparound veranda and pool area. Each has its own special qualities with sea views, private balconies, and garden atmospheres.
The guest house has a 6 hole putting green, a stunning entertainment area with a bar, lapa, braai (barbeque) facilities and a large swimming pool for relaxing and unwinding. Swimming towels are available as well as books, magazines and DVD’s for your entertainment.
Meals are served in a lovely dining and lounge area with a stone fire place, outside on the balcony or around the pool if you prefer. Delicious home cooked dinners and light lunches on request. The property is fully secure with electric fencing, alarm system linked to an armed response company and a 24 hour security guard. Each room has its own key alarm, is air-conditioned and has DSTV / Satellite TV, tea/coffee station, mini-bar and a safe.

4) 4 Star Guest Lodge
Rates: R295 - R350 per person per night sharing. Out of Season R250 - R295 pppn. Single supplement additional +- R75. Including Breakfast
This 4* Guest Lodge is an ideal holiday location for divers and golfers, right on the Umkomaas Golf course, with stunning sea views. Friendly family run home which is a short drive from the beach.
There are five bedrooms, all with sea views. All are clean and tastefully decorated. All rooms have a silent running Bar Fridge, TV, Video, Hairdryer, Tea and Coffee facilities. A huge selection of Videos and DVD’s for Guests entertainment, small Gym, a fully walled property complete with off street parking, and large swimming pool.

5) Self Catering Lodge
Sleeping 6 - minimum payment R700 or R1200 pp – 3 doubles/ twin with seaview , 2 bathrooms, dining room, kitchen and relaxing lounge. Beautifully decorated, sea views, pool, outside braai area.
Two x 2 man lodge – R200 pp sharing – open plan kitchen/lounge, ensuite, sea views.

6) Seafever Lodge
Rates & bookings through Celia@Meridiandive.com
Sea views R360 for the room (for two people)
Sea views R180 for the room (single person)

Sea Fever Lodge is situated in Umkomaas perched on a corner right at the top of town where it overlooks the sea and the river, it features fantastic views. The lodge has 72 beds (all rooms en-suite) and is comfortable, clean, basic and popular. The rooms are light, airy and brightly decorated, with bar fridges, air-conditioning, TV and microwaves. Should you wish to lounge around in the comfortable public area, you will find it a friendly place full of divers, so there is always a real buzz. Most divers eat at the café at the dive centre during the day, filling up on toasted ‘sarmies’ or hearty Nebo or Produce breakfasts, but the Hidden Room in the lodge itself serves good, cheap pub food. There are other restaurants in the area. The building is quite old, but quite suitable for divers.

These prices are subject to changes and availability. Please email Celia@Meridiandive.com for your bookings.

SCUBA DIVE SOUTH AFRICA!