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.
Diving is most dependable in the winter months, May to September, with good viability and no rain. Although KwaZulu-Natal has a large population of sharks, they pose little threat to scuba divers. No shark attack has ever been recorded on a scuba diver in the province. The migrating ragged tooth sharks can be observed on Aliwal Shoal from July to November. Average temperature 26oC – 21oC. The non-diver can enjoy beach horse rides, golf, croc farm, nature reserve and shopping!
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.
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