Aliwal Shoal is said to be one of the top ten dives sites of the world., Aliwal Shoal offers almost anything a diver can wish for.

All the diving is done from semi rigid boats fitted with twin engines. The boats are launched from the river mouth or through the surf for a short ride out to the shoal.

During the winter months of June to November you are sure to see Ragged Tooth Sharks as they congregate on the Shoal to mate. It is not uncommon to find 20 plus of these ferocious looking but docile animals on a single dive.

In summer you have every chance of seeing Hammerheads or Tiger Sharks on a specialist dive. Should you tire of the sharks, you can always dive on any of the wrecks or go hunting for one of the huge  Brindle Bass. Other species (depending on the season) include Manta ray, Devil ray and other rays, schools of pelagic fish, Tuna, King Mackerel, Dorado, Sailfish, Marlin, whales, dolphins, and many, many more!

Visibility varies from 5 to 30 metres, and the water temperature in summer is 24C and in winter not colder than 18C. The depths vary between 6 to 18 metres with 30-metre sites for the suitably qualified. The dives are all done without cages and afford the unique opportunity to see the sharks in their natural environment!

The top sites are:

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 (94ft), and continuing the dive up to 10m (34ft).

The Pinnacles
Average depth is 10 - 15 m (34ft - 50ft). 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.

Raggies Cave and Shark Alley
Average depth is 16 m. Best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter. Although they are not overly aggressive, they should never be approached too closely.

North Sands
With and average depth of 12m (40ft) and a maximum of 15m (50ft), this flat, sandy part of the reef provides the opportunity to see rays, skates and sand sharks of all sizes. In winter, groups of Raggies often congregate close to the large overhang on the southeast side.

South Sands
Like North Sands, this site is home to rays, skates, sand sharks and guitar sharks. Average depth is 15m (50ft) with a maximum of 18m (60ft).

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 (100ft) and makes an interesting wreck dive. Big game fish such as salmon, kingfish, brindle bass share the wreck with lionfish and many colourful tropical species.

The Nebo (1884)
The Nebo struck Aliwal Shoal in 1984 in fair weather and went down with its cargo of railway material. No lives were lost and she lies in 30m of water (100ft), still fairly intact. The wreck is home to an abundance of reef and pelagic fish.

NEW NEW NEW  A new DVD "Seasons of Aliwal Shoal" is now available - Be the first to own this excellent DVD which shows the Aliwal Shoal at various times of the year.

How to book accommodation & diving: Option 1: Book on line "live" Book now  Option 2: Telephone/Fax 0027(0)39 973 1572 Option 3: Mobile 0027 (0)72 938 1769 Option 4: email   Mick & Sue Clarke Tel / Fax 0027 (0)39 973 1572

Seasons of Aliwal Shoal DVD

Filmed over a 5 year period, The seasons of Aliwal Shoal encases the best that this unique limestone formation and it’s surrounding water has to offer. An environment that supports a diverse mix of species that is continually changing with the cycle of the seasons and the movement of the Oceans currents. Here on the Aliwal Shoal resident and transient species live out their daily lives unaware of the part that they play in the masters bigger plan.

The seasons of Aliwal Shoal explores some of the complex relationships that have evolved between species as well the dynamic that ensure balance within this eco system.

In this third film we have attempted to showcase the delicate beauty of this unique and dynamic shoal.

Cost of DVD  R175 (£11.50)www.xe.com plus postage and packaging.

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Shipwrecks of Aliwal Shoal

The Aliwal Shoal, which is today regarded as one of South Africa's most popular dive destinations was in the past known as a first class shipping menace. The Nebo and the Produce both lie on the Oceans floor, testimony to this fact!

The shipwrecks of Aliwal Shoal takes you on a journey of discovery revealing the stories leading up to the disasters and the history of the coast lines light houses, it showcases the magnificent marine life that now inhabit the wrecks, and explores penetration points and interesting features.

Cost of DVD  R175 (£11.50) www.xe.com plus postage and packaging.

DVD - Wrecks of the Aliwal Shoal - available now please contact us

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Diving responsibly with Aliwal Shoals Ragged tooth Sharks.

 

Diving responsibly with Aliwal's Ragged tooth Sharks explores ways for us as divers to enhance the experience by broadening our knowledge and understanding.

In recent years ignorant diver behaviour has seen shark numbers on the Aliwal Shoal dwindle significantly. If we are to conserve this site as a place to experience this magnificent fish in it's natural environment, then there is a need to change the way we as divers interact with them.

The guide lines advocated here in, have been compiled with the help of Andy Cobb and Professor Vic Peddemors.  

Cost of DVD  R135 (£9.00) www.xe.com plus postage and packaging.

DVD - Diving responsibly with sharks - available now please contact us Press here -

Coming soon Tiger Shark DVD