SOUTH AFRICA: Aliwal Shoal & Protea Banks Tour

Combining the semi-tropical reefs and wrecks of Aliwal Shoal with the shark Mecca of Protea Banks… From June to November Ragged-tooth sharks congregate around Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, whilst November through to May Zambezi’s (Bull shark), Tigers and Hammerheads make an appearance. Throughout the year massive Brindle bass (grouper) can be seen, along with a variety of reef fish, turtles, rays, etc. 

Day 1: You will be met at Durban International Airport and transferred to Umkomaas for 3 nights. 

Days 2-3: Dive Aliwal Shoal, 2 dives per day: there are a variety of dives ranging from 10 to 30 metres including a couple of stunning wrecks, the Nebo and Produce. 

Day 4: Your final 2 dives at Aliwal before transferring to Shelley Beach for 4 nights. 

Days 5-7: Dive Protea Banks, 2 dives per day: Protea is for the advanced diver, with depths between 30 and 40 metres.  In the Summer (November to May) the Southern Pinnacles are dived for sightings of Hammerheads, Giant guitar sharks, Tigers and Zambezi’s whilst in winter (June to October) the Northern Pinnacles play host to the Raggies. 

Day 8: Afternoon transfer to the airport. 

Prices from: £430 excluding flights, based on 2 people sharing a room

Includes: road transfers as specified; 3 nights Umkomaas Guest House (B&B); 6 dives Aliwal Shoal including cylinder/weights; 4 nights Breaker View, Shelley Beach (self-catering); 6 dives Protea Banks including cylinder/weights.

Notes: From June to early August the Sardine Run passes along the coast, bringing large numbers of whales, dolphins, sharks, game fish and sea birds in their wake.

See our dive calendar for information on marine life activity.

Umkomaas Guest House:

Umkomaas Guest House is a bed and breakfast accommodation situated in the village of Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast known as the Sun coast due to the all year round good weather. Umkomaas is the access point to the world famous dive site the Aliwal Shoal, which is one of the top ten dive sites in the world and is serviced by local dive operators from Umkomaas.

Breaker View self-catering, Shelley Beach

Consisting of 6 self-catering units, accommodation for couples or small groups. All units have TV's, microwave, fridge/freezer, mini stove/oven and complete sets of crockery/cutlery and their own braai.

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