Diving inland in South Africa/Miracle Waters

The dive site Miracle Waters is an inland dive site in the (locality name) area on the (topographical feature), near Brits in the North West Province of South Africa.

The site is fresh water in an abandoned mine at high altitude (?m)

Understand
This lake is used primarily as a training location for Johannesburg-based Open Water diver training schools, along with Bass Lake, however it is also a popular recreational diving destination for those who live within a few hours' drive.

An entrance fee is charged to divers.

Position
Miracle Waters is located at 25°40'37.94"S, 27°45'27.76"E.

10km NW of Hartebeespoort Dam, about 90km NW of Johannesburg

This site is not in a Marine Protected Area. A permit is not required.

Depth
Maximum depth is 33m.

Visibility
Visibility is moderate, from 10 metres down to 5 or less after much diving during the day when divers kick up the silt. Visibility may be better in winter when there is less diving activity.

Topography
Miracle Waters is a flooded chromium mine with approximately 6 hectare surface area.

Conditions
This is an inland site and not greatly affected by weather and season. Water is fairly warm (up to 24&deg:C in summer), however there are several noticeable thermoclines at approximately 12, 17, and 21 metres. In winter the water will be colder. The water is very still, with no waves. Air temperatures may drop below 0°C at night in winter, and may reach 38°C during the day in summer

Facilities

 * Air and Nitrox fills are available on site
 * Diving gear is available to rent
 * There is a restaurant, ablution facilities, and a number of lapas available to divers.
 * There are also rudimentary cottages available. Camping is permitted, however the main gate is locked overnight.
 * There is a large tree-shaded picnic area with tables and benches.

Get in
Shore access dive.

From Pretoria:
 * Take the N4/Bekwena Highway west towards Rustenburg/Brits.
 * Pass through two toll gates.
 * Exit by the second Brits off ramp.
 * Turn right at the stop and drive over the highway to the next 4-way stop street (past the John Deere agency)
 * Turn left at the 4-way stop and drive for about 2 km until you reach the sign for Miracle Waters on the left.
 * Turn right at the sign and continue to the water.

Aquatic life
Bass and Kurper, and a freshwater crab may be seen

Features
Wrecks
 * Large bus at ~10 metres
 * Aeroplane at ~18 metres
 * Puma Helicopter
 * Yachts
 * There are several grids in various locations
 * Various other items, including a computer workstation

Hazards
This site is at high altitude. You must set your decompression computer to the correct altitude range or use altitude tables to avoid increased risk of decompression sickness.

Skills
No special skills are required, the site is suitable for entry level diver training.

Equipment
No special equipment is required.

Back to Diving inland in South Africa