Rooneys
Rooneys is a remarkable dive site in the crystal-clear waters of Sodwana Bay, South Africa. Accessible exclusively by boat, this site offers an unforgettable experience for advanced divers who are Nitrox certified. With a maximum depth of 30m and a visibility of 16m, Rooneys boasts a diverse range of marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes.
One of the highlights of Rooneys is the magnificent Black Coral Tree, which stands out in vibrant yellow hues. This majestic tree is the largest of its kind in Sodwana Bay and serves as a focal point for numerous cleaner shrimp stations and dramatic overhangs.
When exploring Rooneys, divers can marvel at the mesmerizing Longnose Hawk Fish, Swallowtail Hawk Fish, and the fascinating Cleaner Shrimp. The site is also teeming with thriving schools of Cardinals and Sweepers, creating a vibrant tapestry of underwater life.
Discovered by passionate divers Patrick Armstrong and Frances McKelson, Rooneys is a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that lie beneath the surface of Sodwana Bay. Dive enthusiasts who are seeking an exhilarating adventure and unforgettable sightings will find an abundance of both at this extraordinary dive site.
One of the highlights of Rooneys is the magnificent Black Coral Tree, which stands out in vibrant yellow hues. This majestic tree is the largest of its kind in Sodwana Bay and serves as a focal point for numerous cleaner shrimp stations and dramatic overhangs.
When exploring Rooneys, divers can marvel at the mesmerizing Longnose Hawk Fish, Swallowtail Hawk Fish, and the fascinating Cleaner Shrimp. The site is also teeming with thriving schools of Cardinals and Sweepers, creating a vibrant tapestry of underwater life.
Discovered by passionate divers Patrick Armstrong and Frances McKelson, Rooneys is a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders that lie beneath the surface of Sodwana Bay. Dive enthusiasts who are seeking an exhilarating adventure and unforgettable sightings will find an abundance of both at this extraordinary dive site.
Diving Conditions Score for Rooneys
5.2
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Rooneys
Depth
30m
Visibility
16m
Experience Level
advanced
Weather Conditions for Rooneys
Wave Height
2.26m
Wind Speed
17.3 m/s
Water Temp
24.2°C
Visibility
22.42km
Cloud Cover
36%
Wave Period
9s
Air Temperature
15.9°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Rooneys
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Rooneys
Best time to dive: 11:00 with score 5.3322666666666665/10. Water conditions: Waves 2.32m, Wind 13.7 m/s.Best night dive time: 22:00 with score 5.152966666666668/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Rooneys: 06:00
Sunset at Rooneys: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Rooneys are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
11:00Score: 5.3/10
Waves: 2.32m (9.75s), Wind: 13.7 m/s
Safest Overall
6:00Score: 5.3/10
Waves: 2.26m (9.2s), Wind: 17 m/s
Best Night
22:00Score: 5.2/10
Waves: 2.18m, Wind: 6.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for RooneysAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Rooneys
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Rooneys
Summer
Avg. Score: 8.8/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Rooneys
July
Score: 9.0
June
Score: 8.7
August
Score: 8.7
Ideal Conditions for Rooneys
Water Temp
22.1°C / 71.8°F
March
Visibility
12.0m / 39.4ft
June
Wave Height
1.4m / 4.6ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Rooneys
Rooneys follows southern hemisphere patterns with March being the warmest month (22.1°C) and June the coldest (18.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 1.4m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). June is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 20, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
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