© iStock/wildacad

Diving in Durban and Umhlanga Rocks offers an exhilarating experience for divers of all levels, thanks to its unique combination of marine life and dive sites. Situated on South Africa's east coast, this region is renowned for its vibrant underwater ecosystems, featuring colorful reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. While the region may not have liveaboard options due to ocean conditions, the variety and accessibility of dive sites make it a worthwhile destination to explore. From boat trips launched in Umhlanga, divers can encounter pelagic fish, including tuna and barracuda, against a backdrop of stunning reefs. One of the most captivating features of diving here is the annual Sardine Run, occurring between May and July. During this event, vast schools of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting a host of predators, including several species of sharks. This spectacle provides a rare and thrilling experience for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the region's waters maintain comfortable temperatures of 20–25°C/68–77°F in summer and 15–20°C/59–68°F in winter, making it a year-round diving haven. Dive centers in Durban also offer courses for all levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the underwater wonders of this vibrant area.

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Tucked right on Scottburgh’s golden sands, ScubaXcursion at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and world-class diving into an unforgettable adventure destination. Set just steps from the warm Indian Ocean, this dive centre is perfectly located for anyone wanting to explore one of the world’s most thrilling scuba spots — Aliwal Shoal — without sacrificing easy access to welcoming accommodation and resort amenities. A Hub for Adventure and Comfort Located on the beachfront of the picturesque Premier Resort Cutty Sark Hotel, ScubaXcursion places you literally on the doorstep of your diving adventure. After surfacing from colourful reefs or thrilling shark encounters, you can stroll back to comfortable resort rooms with sweeping ocean views, rest by the pool, or enjoy the hotel’s relaxed coastal atmosphere. Dive the Legendary Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in the world — a marine protected reef system teeming with life, dramatic topography and thrilling encounters beneath the surface. From vibrant coral gardens and dramatic canyons to shipwrecks and high-energy reef walls, each dive offers something new and spectacular. Highlights of diving with ScubaXcursion include: Daily charters from Scottburgh beach out to the Shoal — giving easy access to both the famed northern reefs and the adventurous southern sites. Wildlife encounters with an astonishing range of species from tropical reef fish and turtles to seasonal visitors like humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks. Shark diving opportunities, with ragged-tooth sharks (“raggies”), blacktip sharks and, in season, even the awe-inspiring tiger shark. Ideal for Divers of All Levels Whether you’re a certified diver making bucket-list dives or a newcomer wanting to try scuba for the first time, ScubaXcursion caters to all. As an internationally recognised SSI Instructor Training Centre, they offer courses from Open Water certification to advanced specialties under experienced guidance — and in one of the most rewarding marine environments on Earth. Easy Access & Local Convenience Conveniently positioned along the scenic KZN South Coast, the resort and dive centre provide shuttle services to and from Durban and King Shaka International Airport — making your dive trip seamless from arrival to water entry. In short: staying at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel and diving with ScubaXcursion means waking up steps from the ocean, diving some of the richest and most dynamic reefs in the world, and returning to comfort and community each day. It’s the perfect blend of exhilaration and relaxation — the ideal base for anyone passionate about discovering Aliwal Shoal.NON DIVING FAMILY:  Offer includes Cylinder and Weights rental , Non diving Family member @ R1960 per person sharing MEALS: Offer includes Breakfast 

ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
August 15, 2026 +107 More
$257.10
ZAR 4,160.00
Scuba Skills Update

Scuba Skills Update

Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion – Refresh, Rebuild, RediscoverGet back in the water with confidence through the Scuba Skills Update with ScubaXcursion, perfectly based at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel on the stunning KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.Whether you haven’t dived in a while or simply want to fine-tune your buoyancy and core techniques, this structured refresher program is designed to rebuild your comfort, safety awareness, and enjoyment underwater — before heading out to one of South Africa’s most iconic dive sites, Aliwal Shoal. 1. Classroom Session – Reconnect with the FundamentalsYour experience begins with a guided theory session led by a professional instructor. This interactive classroom component covers:Dive safety principles and equipment setupDive planning and buddy proceduresAir management and emergency protocolsUpdates on best practices and local diving conditionsIt’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, refresh knowledge, and mentally prepare for your return to the ocean. 2. Pool Session – Regain Confidence in a Controlled EnvironmentBefore heading into open water, you’ll enter the pool to practise essential scuba skills in a relaxed, supervised setting.You’ll review:Buoyancy control and weightingMask clearing and regulator recoveryControlled ascents and descentsBasic underwater communicationThis session rebuilds muscle memory and ensures you feel completely comfortable before your ocean dive. 3. Ocean Dive – Explore the Magic of Aliwal ShoalThe highlight of your Skills Update is a guided ocean dive on Aliwal Shoal — one of the world’s premier reef systems.Expect:Dramatic reef topography and swim-throughsVibrant marine life including reef fish, rays, turtles, and seasonal shark sightingsProfessional supervision with small dive groupsA safe, enjoyable reintroduction to open-water divingThis final dive brings everything together — theory, practice, and adventure — in one unforgettable experience. Why Choose ScubaXcursion?Beachfront convenience at Cutty SarkExperienced, safety-focused instructorsIdeal location just minutes from launch to Aliwal ShoalA welcoming environment for both returning and travelling divers

ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
August 17, 2026 +123 More
$148.32
ZAR 2,400.00
Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Tucked right on Scottburgh’s golden sands, ScubaXcursion at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and world-class diving into an unforgettable adventure destination. Set just steps from the warm Indian Ocean, this dive centre is perfectly located for anyone wanting to explore one of the world’s most thrilling scuba spots — Aliwal Shoal — without sacrificing easy access to welcoming accommodation and resort amenities. A Hub for Adventure and Comfort Located on the beachfront of the picturesque Premier Resort Cutty Sark Hotel, ScubaXcursion places you literally on the doorstep of your diving adventure. After surfacing from colourful reefs or thrilling shark encounters, you can stroll back to comfortable resort rooms with sweeping ocean views, rest by the pool, or enjoy the hotel’s relaxed coastal atmosphere. Dive the Legendary Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in the world — a marine protected reef system teeming with life, dramatic topography and thrilling encounters beneath the surface. From vibrant coral gardens and dramatic canyons to shipwrecks and high-energy reef walls, each dive offers something new and spectacular. Highlights of diving with ScubaXcursion include: Daily charters from Scottburgh beach out to the Shoal — giving easy access to both the famed northern reefs and the adventurous southern sites. Wildlife encounters with an astonishing range of species from tropical reef fish and turtles to seasonal visitors like humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks. Shark diving opportunities, with ragged-tooth sharks (“raggies”), blacktip sharks and, in season, even the awe-inspiring tiger shark. Ideal for Divers of All Levels Whether you’re a certified diver making bucket-list dives or a newcomer wanting to try scuba for the first time, ScubaXcursion caters to all. As an internationally recognised SSI Instructor Training Centre, they offer courses from Open Water certification to advanced specialties under experienced guidance — and in one of the most rewarding marine environments on Earth. Easy Access & Local Convenience Conveniently positioned along the scenic KZN South Coast, the resort and dive centre provide shuttle services to and from Durban and King Shaka International Airport — making your dive trip seamless from arrival to water entry. In short: staying at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel and diving with ScubaXcursion means waking up steps from the ocean, diving some of the richest and most dynamic reefs in the world, and returning to comfort and community each day. It’s the perfect blend of exhilaration and relaxation — the ideal base for anyone passionate about discovering Aliwal Shoal.

ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
August 15, 2026 +776 More
On Request
Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Aliwal Shoal South Africa - 2 Night 3 Dive

Tucked right on Scottburgh’s golden sands, ScubaXcursion at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and world-class diving into an unforgettable adventure destination. Set just steps from the warm Indian Ocean, this dive centre is perfectly located for anyone wanting to explore one of the world’s most thrilling scuba spots — Aliwal Shoal — without sacrificing easy access to welcoming accommodation and resort amenities. A Hub for Adventure and Comfort Located on the beachfront of the picturesque Premier Resort Cutty Sark Hotel, ScubaXcursion places you literally on the doorstep of your diving adventure. After surfacing from colourful reefs or thrilling shark encounters, you can stroll back to comfortable resort rooms with sweeping ocean views, rest by the pool, or enjoy the hotel’s relaxed coastal atmosphere. Dive the Legendary Aliwal Shoal Aliwal Shoal is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in the world — a marine protected reef system teeming with life, dramatic topography and thrilling encounters beneath the surface. From vibrant coral gardens and dramatic canyons to shipwrecks and high-energy reef walls, each dive offers something new and spectacular. Highlights of diving with ScubaXcursion include: Daily charters from Scottburgh beach out to the Shoal — giving easy access to both the famed northern reefs and the adventurous southern sites. Wildlife encounters with an astonishing range of species from tropical reef fish and turtles to seasonal visitors like humpback whales, dolphins and whale sharks. Shark diving opportunities, with ragged-tooth sharks (“raggies”), blacktip sharks and, in season, even the awe-inspiring tiger shark. Ideal for Divers of All Levels Whether you’re a certified diver making bucket-list dives or a newcomer wanting to try scuba for the first time, ScubaXcursion caters to all. As an internationally recognised SSI Instructor Training Centre, they offer courses from Open Water certification to advanced specialties under experienced guidance — and in one of the most rewarding marine environments on Earth. Easy Access & Local Convenience Conveniently positioned along the scenic KZN South Coast, the resort and dive centre provide shuttle services to and from Durban and King Shaka International Airport — making your dive trip seamless from arrival to water entry. In short: staying at the Premier Beach Resort Cutty Sark Hotel and diving with ScubaXcursion means waking up steps from the ocean, diving some of the richest and most dynamic reefs in the world, and returning to comfort and community each day. It’s the perfect blend of exhilaration and relaxation — the ideal base for anyone passionate about discovering Aliwal Shoal.NON DIVING FAMILY:  Offer includes Cylinder and Weights rental , Non diving Family member @ R1960 per person sharing MEALS: Offer includes Breakfast 

ScubaXcursion, Aliwal Shoal, Green Lane, 4180, Scottburgh, ZAF
August 21, 2026 +12 More
$257.10
ZAR 4,160.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Durban

There are a mixture of dive sites found in Durban - many dives cannot be planned ahead due to the unpredictable weather, so you never know what you’ll get! There are reefs to suit all certification levels at varying depths and difficulties. Some of the most famous diving in the world is found nearby at the famous Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. 

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to Dive in Durban

Diving in Durban is possible year-round; the conditions vary depending on the season. The warmest months, between November and February, have the hottest air and ocean temperatures – both in the high 20s°C/high 80s°F. There is also increased rainfall during these months, which can affect the visibility on the sites closer to shore as river runoff can muddy the waters. 

During the drier, cooler winters, the waters are usually clearer. The daily air temperatures have an average of around 21°C/70°F. The ocean temperature at this time can get down as low as 16°C/61°F, which would necessitate at least a full 7mm wetsuit, if not a drysuit. 

Top Wildlife Sightings in Durban

The tropical reefs of Durban are healthy and abundant. They host plentiful, colourful reef fish like butterfly fish, parrotfish, angelfish, groupers, coachmen, paperfish, lionfish and razorfish. They also have rarer species like pineapple fish, weedy scorpion fish and ornate sleeper rays. The macro life on the reef isn’t the best but there are enough shrimp and nudibranch to keep most macro photographers happy. 

The sharks are a big draw in Durban and there are lots to see. Giant bull and tiger sharks are frequent visitors. School of ragged-tooth sharks migrate here annually during the winter months to breed. Blue sharks, guitar sharks, white tip and black tip sharks and hammerhead sharks have all been sighted here too. 

Whale sharks migrate through the area yearly. Dolphins will often skim through the water alongside your boat, and they can be seen hunting at some sites, especially on the sardine run. Humpback whales can be seen (and heard!) during their spring migration to the south. 

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Sand Tiger Shark

Sand Tiger Shark

2.7k Sightings
J
175
F
43
M
17
A
37
M
225
J
274
J
345
A
313
S
296
O
292
N
344
D
347

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

1.9k Sightings
J
266
F
221
M
164
A
153
M
156
J
132
J
127
A
131
S
123
O
87
N
134
D
217
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

1.2k Sightings
J
124
F
113
M
119
A
94
M
78
J
111
J
95
A
102
S
68
O
75
N
83
D
186
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

1.1k Sightings
J
126
F
145
M
132
A
134
M
71
J
59
J
46
A
78
S
43
O
50
N
20
D
156
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

948 Sightings
J
115
F
99
M
83
A
96
M
68
J
50
J
35
A
43
S
45
O
62
N
90
D
162

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

822 Sightings
J
94
F
96
M
111
A
53
M
41
J
23
J
51
A
28
S
21
O
69
N
83
D
152
Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

783 Sightings
J
98
F
86
M
95
A
55
M
59
J
43
J
49
A
20
S
37
O
44
N
63
D
134

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

616 Sightings
J
56
F
70
M
48
A
53
M
66
J
43
J
69
A
37
S
52
O
13
N
45
D
64
Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

370 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
39
J
65
A
65
S
89
O
92
N
19
D
0
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

292 Sightings
J
25
F
16
M
12
A
10
M
20
J
31
J
38
A
29
S
44
O
31
N
23
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

267 Sightings
J
40
F
27
M
39
A
32
M
37
J
48
J
3
A
16
S
10
O
4
N
11
D
0
Bull Shark

Bull Shark

179 Sightings
J
8
F
16
M
17
A
24
M
2
J
0
J
14
A
13
S
7
O
10
N
14
D
54
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

126 Sightings
J
0
F
8
M
0
A
8
M
12
J
11
J
14
A
20
S
18
O
17
N
8
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

69 Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
29
A
1
M
4
J
0
J
0
A
9
S
0
O
6
N
4
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

2.2k Sightings
J
267
F
242
M
170
A
182
M
161
J
108
J
153
A
151
S
105
O
137
N
152
D
349

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

2.1k Sightings
J
257
F
253
M
196
A
165
M
155
J
131
J
158
A
118
S
125
O
117
N
136
D
295

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

2k Sightings
J
318
F
215
M
200
A
99
M
77
J
96
J
94
A
98
S
95
O
126
N
169
D
445

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

1.9k Sightings
J
219
F
217
M
184
A
150
M
137
J
125
J
150
A
109
S
128
O
98
N
138
D
278

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

1.8k Sightings
J
204
F
190
M
154
A
138
M
144
J
105
J
158
A
144
S
97
O
112
N
135
D
233

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

1.5k Sightings
J
189
F
179
M
117
A
116
M
108
J
114
J
100
A
88
S
84
O
81
N
108
D
188

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

1.4k Sightings
J
140
F
124
M
79
A
112
M
145
J
114
J
139
A
123
S
76
O
73
N
96
D
188

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

1.4k Sightings
J
174
F
118
M
128
A
110
M
96
J
82
J
113
A
96
S
80
O
88
N
123
D
195

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

1.3k Sightings
J
161
F
163
M
118
A
100
M
95
J
93
J
92
A
78
S
73
O
76
N
71
D
142

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

1.2k Sightings
J
154
F
181
M
105
A
79
M
107
J
83
J
86
A
95
S
67
O
60
N
65
D
142

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

989 Sightings
J
153
F
120
M
70
A
32
M
89
J
74
J
59
A
59
S
36
O
58
N
69
D
170

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

975 Sightings
J
141
F
116
M
88
A
47
M
86
J
81
J
41
A
49
S
62
O
68
N
90
D
106

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

870 Sightings
J
103
F
112
M
57
A
58
M
72
J
41
J
73
A
58
S
58
O
58
N
56
D
124

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

839 Sightings
J
140
F
94
M
66
A
31
M
90
J
56
J
75
A
67
S
51
O
4
N
53
D
112
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

707 Sightings
J
83
F
120
M
90
A
66
M
40
J
24
J
28
A
45
S
29
O
28
N
48
D
106

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

614 Sightings
J
81
F
74
M
43
A
34
M
74
J
50
J
61
A
70
S
17
O
14
N
25
D
71

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

552 Sightings
J
62
F
86
M
42
A
20
M
65
J
38
J
33
A
70
S
16
O
4
N
30
D
86

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

497 Sightings
J
44
F
24
M
54
A
27
M
71
J
42
J
50
A
52
S
18
O
4
N
52
D
59
Oceanic Blacktip Shark

Oceanic Blacktip Shark

479 Sightings
J
61
F
68
M
50
A
44
M
42
J
4
J
42
A
29
S
6
O
13
N
33
D
87

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

425 Sightings
J
30
F
39
M
32
A
10
M
67
J
39
J
17
A
33
S
36
O
25
N
36
D
61

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

354 Sightings
J
38
F
73
M
14
A
35
M
50
J
30
J
16
A
20
S
13
O
30
N
22
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

274 Sightings
J
20
F
28
M
26
A
30
M
21
J
53
J
21
A
22
S
11
O
21
N
11
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

195 Sightings
J
3
F
29
M
2
A
6
M
43
J
36
J
18
A
21
S
0
O
0
N
8
D
29
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

151 Sightings
J
14
F
12
M
12
A
18
M
14
J
10
J
15
A
4
S
5
O
6
N
12
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

141 Sightings
J
14
F
25
M
1
A
2
M
34
J
30
J
2
A
2
S
13
O
0
N
1
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

139 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
10
A
1
M
29
J
9
J
30
A
26
S
2
O
3
N
17
D
10

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner