Explore Aliwal Shoal
Aliwal Shoal lies off the coast of the town of Umkomaas which lies within KwaZulu-Natal province. The reef itself lies around 4km off the coast and is around 1.5km wide by 5km long. The shoal was once, long ago, a sand dune that has since fossilised. The uneven structure is scattered with gullies, overhangs and swim throughs, which now supports an abundance of species.
Umkomaas infrastructure centres around the ocean. As such, there are lots of dive centres to choose from. Though you can do all levels of dive courses here, it is most popular with certified divers. There are a few dive resorts where you can strike up dive and stay deals. There aren’t any liveaboards due to the changeable and sometimes turbulent Indian Ocean conditions.
One of the primary reasons people dive in Aliwal Shoal is the opportunity to see sharks. The baited dives bring in lots of species like tiger sharks and bull sharks and the reef is swarming with ragged-tooth sharks, affectionately called locally “raggies”. You can also wreck dive here on the SS Nebo and MV Produce.
Top Aliwal Shoal Dive Sites
1. The Cathedral
The Cathedral is renowned for its vibrant marine life, including ragged-tooth sharks and unique macro species. This site is suitable for advanced divers due to its depth of 27 meters. Scuba diving is the primary activity here. On sunny days, the amphitheater is beautifully illuminated, making it a photographer's dream. Humpback whales, great whites, and hammerheads have been spotted here.
2. Raggies Cave
Raggies Cave, at 18 meters, is bustling with "raggies" during mating season. The site is also home to paperfish, nudibranch, and a sandy area filled with shark teeth. It is an easy dive, ideal for scuba divers. The cave's rich biodiversity makes it a must-visit for marine enthusiasts.
3. MV Produce
The MV Produce is an advanced dive site teeming with life. This wreck is best suited for scuba diving and offers opportunities for experienced divers to penetrate the structure. It's a fascinating site for those interested in exploring shipwrecks and observing underwater life.
4. Chunnel
Located in the middle of the reef, Chunnel features two caves, one with a swim-through and another frequented by sand tiger sharks. Eagle rays and manta rays are often seen here. It's an intermediate dive, perfect for scuba divers looking for an exciting cave experience.
5. North Sands
North Sands is a vast sandy area between 12 and 15 meters deep. Suitable for both scuba diving and freediving, it offers encounters with large game fish, devil rays, manta rays, and sand tiger sharks. This site is great for divers of all levels, looking to explore diverse marine life in a relaxed setting.