Kwa Zulu Natal Scuba Diving

Aliwal Shoals Diving

Aliwal Shoals is in fact made up of a number of smaller dive sites including The Cathedral, Raggie Cave and Eelskin. Located about five kilometres offshore, Aliwal Shoal is usually accessed through Umkomass, the nearest town to the dive area. The dive itself though is famous for one thing, the sharks, and in particular the large numbers of ragged tooth sharks, or Raggies, that inhabit the waters of Aliwal Shoal. These 'Raggies' or sand tiger sharks as they are otherwise known, can grow up to 3 metres long, and will tend to follow the famous Sardine Run up the coast of South Africa, gathering at Aliwal Shoal between July and November each year. Away from the ragged tooth sharks, it is possible to spot a variety of other types of marine life at Aliwal Shoals, and large numbers of potato cod, turtles, guitarfish and rays can be seen here.

Protea Banks Diving

Located eight kilometres off Margate and Shelly Beach lay the exposed reefs of the Protea Banks. Similar to Aliwal Shoal, the Protea Banks is in fact a collection of smaller dive sites, which due to their offshore location often find themselves exposed to strong currents and drifts. The Protea Banks are also seen as a 'must see' dive for the shark enthusiasts, and a large variety of sharks can be found throughout the Protea Banks area. Ragged Tooth, Mako, Thresher, Sand and Tiger sharks all make their home on the Banks, and it is likely that you will see large numbers of sharks on most dives in the Protea Banks.

The conditions for diving in Kwazulu-Natal tend to be fairly good to excellent, with the visibility ranging between 20-30 metres most of the year round. Water temperatures, being warmed by the Agulhas Current are warm, and will tend to average around 20 degrees C to 25 degrees C most of the year round.

*The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park has recently changed its name to the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.