ALIWAL SHOAL

Aliwal Shoal is rated in international magazines in the top 10 dive sites of the world. Umkomaas where Aliwal Shoal is offshore, is only a 40 minute drive south of Durban. The Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized sand dune lying about 5 km offshore from the small coastal town of Umkomaas., and provides one of the worlds best dive spots. The reef ranges from 5m at the pinnacles to 30m and deeper, an underwater wonder of nature and home to the Ragged tooth shark during their winter migration. Along with humpbacked whales, manta rays and dolphins, rare species of fish such as the Tiger Angel and Harlequin Goldie are only found in this area. The boat trip to Aliwal is normally preceded by an exciting surf launch from a zodiac.

From late May to August humpback whales are regularly seen on the surface. During the late summer months (February to April) Whale Sharks can occasionally be seen. From July to November, the Ragged Tooth (Grey Nurse) Shark congregate in large numbers during their annual migration up the eastern coastline of South Africa. Other attractions of this area are two very popular ship- wrecks, the "Produce" and Nebo".

The Produce (1974)
The wreck of the Produce, a Norwegian Bulk Molasses tanker, struck Aliwal Shoal on the NE Pinnacles in 1974, no lives were lost. She now rests in 30 metres of water and makes an interesting wreck dive. Big game fish such as doga salmon, king fish, brindle bass are present, as are the most colourful, small tropical fish.

The Nebo (1884)
The Nebo struck Aliwal Shoal in 1884 in fair weather and went down with its cargo of railway material. No lives were lost and she lies in 30m of water, still fairly intact.

Cathedral
This is a spectacular hole in the reef and is home to many large stingrays, moray eels and ragged tooth sharks, beginning with a depth of 28m, and continuing the dive
up to 10m.

The Pinnacles
Average depth is 10 - 15 m. It is best dived when there is little or no surge or current. Many caves, gullies and overhangs can be explored on this reef, and there are large shoals of fish.

Raggie Cave and Shark Alley
Average depth is 16 m. Best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter. Although they are not overtly aggressive, they should never be approached too closely. This site must be dived very carefully when surgy.

PROTEA BANKS

Protea Banks is rated as one of the world's best shark diving spots, and lies about 8 kms offshore, its a deep dive suitable for experienced divers. One hours drive south of Umkomaas/Aliwal Shoal. The banks are full of caves, pinnacles, ridges and amphitheatres, densely populated with colourful soft corals, and reef fish. All dives are boat dives. Divers are taken to the reefs in semi rigid boats that are launched directly from the beach and through the surf. The launches have been likened to white water rafting in wet suits. All dives are drift dives and are lead by local dive masters who know the reef intimately.
Visibility varies from 5 to 40 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 24+ ° C and in winter not colder than 19 ° C. The depths vary between 30 and 40 meters and one must be an experienced diver for these often 3 knot mid-water drift dives. This is adventure diving at it's best but for experienced divers only.

Species encountered on the reef include:

Bull (Zambezi), Tiger, Hammerhead, Thresher, Copper, Dusky, Ragged Tooth, Black Tip, and even the odd Mako shark. There is also a variety of reef fish, ribbon tail skates, moray eels, spotted eagle rays, manta rays and large schools of pelagic fish. Depending on the season one can also see dolphins and whales.
Ragged Tooth Sharks (grey nurse or sand tigers) come to Protea Banks in Kwazulu-Natal in spring (August/September) as part of their breeding ritual. Placid and slow moving, the "Raggies" accept the divers without fuss. November brings the game fish and they are followed by the Zambezi (bull) Sharks, classed as a dangerous species.
Hammerheads do not follow any seasonal pattern. They are shy and keep their distance. Tiger sharks are a often seen in summer but they tend to keep their distance. The sardine run in June/July brings the copper sharks. They scan the surface for the sardine shoals. Quick but shy, they are the smallest of the 7 species of shark commonly found in this area.

THE NORTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 28-38m
With its rare pink soft coral, this area hosts many reef fish, including potato bass and many pelagic fish like tuna and yellow tails. There are also two cave areas called "hole in the wall" and "hole in the floor" attracting Ragged Tooth sharks in large numbers during mating season in the winter. As spring goes into summer, large shoals of scalloped hammerheads and now and then a Great White is seen on inside ledge.
Best time: June to November

THE SOUTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 26-35m
This is definitely the place to go if you want to see Zambezi (Bull) sharks. One expect them from November, reaching its peak in March, and remaining in their numbers until May, while one should not forget that April and May are the best time to spot the tiger sharks. The scalloped hammerheads often occur like a "blanket" on top of the divers. Drop-offs close to sandy areas are often frequented by single and schools of hammerheads.

Summer is also the time for game fish when schools of Yellowtail, Kingfish, Pike and Tunny are often encountered. March and April are good months for manta rays - Huge ones too! Be prepared to visit the Kingfish Gully for a spectacular treat of a large kingfish concentration. The Sand Shark Gully is also the best "gathering" place for various species of sharks.

Sodwana is situated 400 km north of Durban near the Mozambique border and as such enjoys a tropical climate. The combination of tropical sunshine and the warm Aughlas current which flows over the reefs, has allowed the formation of a unique coral reef dominated by colourful soft corals. Over 1200 species of reef fish have been identified in the area and the reefs are often visited by the animals such Mantas, Whale sharks, Zambezi sharks, Humpback whales and dolphins.

Some sightings are seasonal, such as the Whales, which are only seen during their migration from June to September. Loggerhead turtles are common year round, but from November through to January they can been seen laying eggs on the beaches at night. During this time you can also see the elusive giant Leatherback turtles.

Sodwana also has safe beaches for swimming in the sea. Weatherwise the best time to visit Sodwana is from March through to June when the weather is mild. July to September is regarded as the windy season, although pleasant. Although October through to February is hot with thundershowers, if you can handle the heat it is also a good time to visit as this is when the visibility is best.

Sodwana Bay is one of the most popular of the dive sites – means "little one on its own" in Zulu, is easily accessible, only three and a half hours – 4 hours drive from Durban by tar road. Temperatures are always above 21° C (70° F) and avergering 24° C – 28° C. There are many shallow coastal pools, which are suitable for snorkeling with interesting reef formations and fish life

Gullies, Caves and Overhangs
Average depth is 10 -15 m. Resident potato bass are up to 1.5 m long. Sea turtles and rays are often seen here. A wide range of coral and invertebrates occur in this zone because of the shallow depths and good light penetration. Small sharks can be sighted.

Seven and Nine Mile Reef
The drop-offs and mushroom-shaped pinnacles, characteristic of this wonderful ref with its great diversity of marine life, make it a favourite among divers.