The Marico Eye (or Marico Oog in Afrikaans) is one of three dolomite pools or ‘dolomitic eyes’ that make up a major part of the source of the Groot Marico River, which in turn feeds the Limpopo River.
‘The Marico Eye’ is the largest of these pools and is a popular freshwater diving spot due to the unusual clarity of the water.
The Eye is 17 metres deep and 40 metres wide. Water lillies grow from the bottom, but unlike your usual water lilly ‘pond’, the Eye is completely free of silt and the water is so crystalline that you can see all the way to the bottom from the surface – as if it were close enough to put your hand in and touch.
The water is absolutely pure and the river catchment area around the pools is pristine – still today, thanks to the residents of Groot Marico who have fought tooth and nail against a mining company to keep it that way.
The Eye is popular for swimming and both day and night dives.
The Marico Eye is suitable for all levels. Another nearby dive site is Wondergat, suitable for advanced level divers only.
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