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South Africa

© AdobeStock/Florian

Explore South Africa

South Africa offers a spectacular diving experience, renowned for its diverse marine life and unique underwater adventures. With over 2735 kilometers (1700 miles) of coastline spanning the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, divers can explore a variety of environments, including vibrant reefs, dramatic walls, and intriguing wrecks. The famed Sardine Run is a must-see event, where millions of sardines migrate along the coast, attracting dolphins, sharks, and seabirds in a breathtaking display of nature's splendor. The country's waters are home to an array of creatures, from the majestic great white sharks to colorful coral reefs teeming with life.

South Africa's diving opportunities are as varied as its landscapes. Most diving is conducted by boat, but there are excellent shore dives as well. For those seeking a thrilling liveaboard experience, the region offers options that allow exploration of remote dive sites. Divers can enjoy year-round diving, with conditions and temperatures varying across regions. In Sodwana Bay, warm waters and vibrant coral reefs provide an ideal setting for open water certification, while the cooler waters of the East Cape cater to those interested in cold water diving and dry suit specialties. With numerous dive centers and resorts offering comprehensive training, South Africa stands out as a premier dive destination, promising adventures for divers of all levels.

Power Plug Type
D, M, N
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DC, Cir, Plus
Tipping
10–15% / Service Staff & Guides / Tipping is expected in restaurants and for tour services; amount may vary based on service quality.
Currency
ZAR
Dial Code
+27
Electricity
230 V / 50 Hz
Time
UTC+2

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 16, 2026 +106 More
$256.98
ZAR 4,160.00
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 16, 2026 +775 More
On Request

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in South Africa

South Africa’s vastness makes diving incredibly diverse. From great whites, tiger sharks, whalesharks, mantas, dolphins and turtles, to schooling fish, sardines, colorful reef fish and tiny macro life like nudibranchs, the entire coastline benefits from species that live in the tropical Pacific seas, and species that are found in the Mediterranean.

The east coast of South Africa is warmed by the Mozambique current which nourishes thousands of species of coral, fish and water mammals. The west side is colder, and offers mesmerising kelp forest dives, especially near Cape Town. 

On the Indian Ocean side, divers can spot lots of life, including reef fish, dolphins, sailfish, whale sharks, ragged tooth sharks, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales. Two, Five, Seven and Nine Mile Reefs are great dive sites to encounter these creatures. 

Gansbaai area offers great white shark cage diving, started offering cage diving with the sharks. Mossel Bay, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, also offer cage diving with great whites, and the best time to do so is during winter. 

Cage dive with ancient cow sharks at Seal Island in False Bay. These are the most ancient sharks still alive today and are incredible to dive with. As well as sharks, the waters around the island host numerous whales each winter, including humpbacks, Bryde’s and Southern Right whales, and megapods of common dolphins and two famous orcas Port and Starboard. All of which you can see from dive or whale watching boats, or watch from shore.

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.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

3.9k Sightings
J
439
F
359
M
265
A
345
M
346
J
210
J
256
A
254
S
268
O
260
N
292
D
570

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

2.9k Sightings
J
189
F
68
M
32
A
41
M
245
J
298
J
354
A
321
S
296
O
305
N
359
D
386
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

1.8k Sightings
J
187
F
141
M
172
A
140
M
135
J
133
J
137
A
125
S
82
O
118
N
125
D
255

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

1.5k Sightings
J
183
F
136
M
107
A
119
M
146
J
136
J
94
A
82
S
104
O
137
N
110
D
189

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

1.4k Sightings
J
143
F
128
M
59
A
107
M
181
J
85
J
135
A
108
S
89
O
92
N
122
D
196
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

1.4k Sightings
J
157
F
159
M
142
A
168
M
87
J
71
J
99
A
97
S
59
O
60
N
48
D
221
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

1k Sightings
J
130
F
99
M
83
A
109
M
77
J
65
J
36
A
47
S
48
O
62
N
95
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

879 Sightings
J
102
F
106
M
115
A
59
M
46
J
23
J
54
A
31
S
23
O
71
N
85
D
164
Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

828 Sightings
J
104
F
87
M
97
A
58
M
62
J
43
J
55
A
22
S
38
O
52
N
74
D
136
Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

434 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
40
J
92
A
75
S
102
O
100
N
24
D
0
Bull Shark

Bull Shark

367 Sightings
J
30
F
41
M
30
A
28
M
26
J
22
J
24
A
20
S
12
O
21
N
34
D
79
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

339 Sightings
J
34
F
16
M
12
A
14
M
28
J
35
J
51
A
35
S
44
O
31
N
26
D
13
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

150 Sightings
J
2
F
8
M
0
A
8
M
18
J
11
J
21
A
20
S
19
O
17
N
13
D
13

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

107 Sightings
J
9
F
9
M
29
A
3
M
5
J
1
J
1
A
9
S
3
O
6
N
6
D
26

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

4.2k Sightings
J
454
F
398
M
310
A
393
M
366
J
241
J
305
A
254
S
258
O
288
N
314
D
648

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

4.2k Sightings
J
429
F
401
M
320
A
355
M
368
J
245
J
283
A
240
S
294
O
320
N
303
D
614

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

3.9k Sightings
J
388
F
353
M
271
A
327
M
379
J
205
J
307
A
276
S
261
O
321
N
296
D
544

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

3.5k Sightings
J
360
F
286
M
234
A
299
M
312
J
162
J
256
A
222
S
228
O
285
N
294
D
526

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

3.5k Sightings
J
462
F
341
M
258
A
249
M
208
J
171
J
152
A
177
S
179
O
247
N
281
D
734

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

3.1k Sightings
J
343
F
310
M
220
A
282
M
306
J
156
J
209
A
226
S
150
O
196
N
225
D
501

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

2.8k Sightings
J
305
F
280
M
189
A
250
M
271
J
155
J
185
A
203
S
163
O
183
N
216
D
434

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

2.4k Sightings
J
259
F
243
M
107
A
206
M
264
J
122
J
179
A
153
S
165
O
197
N
186
D
358

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

2.3k Sightings
J
216
F
197
M
105
A
176
M
256
J
169
J
223
A
188
S
161
O
164
N
197
D
297

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

2.1k Sightings
J
293
F
154
M
120
A
111
M
215
J
143
J
188
A
154
S
142
O
109
N
163
D
346

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

2.1k Sightings
J
246
F
214
M
106
A
138
M
221
J
124
J
140
A
114
S
102
O
152
N
190
D
342

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

2k Sightings
J
218
F
212
M
130
A
185
M
162
J
136
J
147
A
115
S
117
O
131
N
169
D
291

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

2k Sightings
J
237
F
200
M
137
A
159
M
158
J
129
J
140
A
117
S
104
O
144
N
172
D
284

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

Total number of species approx.: 19

Bass

Bass

1.9k Sightings
J
199
F
244
M
345
A
135
M
60
J
43
J
37
A
24
S
97
O
174
N
276
D
263

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

1.5k Sightings
J
182
F
153
M
109
A
89
M
125
J
123
J
69
A
80
S
76
O
159
N
142
D
192

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

1.4k Sightings
J
118
F
107
M
64
A
88
M
201
J
79
J
79
A
100
S
88
O
119
N
133
D
234

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

1.3k Sightings
J
139
F
77
M
76
A
73
M
205
J
89
J
99
A
103
S
89
O
88
N
131
D
147

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

1.3k Sightings
J
137
F
141
M
65
A
60
M
178
J
87
J
119
A
117
S
51
O
77
N
72
D
163

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

1.2k Sightings
J
99
F
135
M
61
A
76
M
170
J
67
J
75
A
123
S
77
O
84
N
111
D
157

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

1.1k Sightings
J
99
F
104
M
39
A
82
M
152
J
80
J
86
A
76
S
55
O
104
N
94
D
130
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

860 Sightings
J
97
F
130
M
94
A
92
M
64
J
29
J
39
A
48
S
40
O
38
N
62
D
127

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

843 Sightings
J
75
F
68
M
59
A
90
M
58
J
87
J
57
A
70
S
63
O
80
N
56
D
80

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Carp

Carp

708 Sightings
J
95
F
96
M
150
A
37
M
22
J
14
J
22
A
14
S
26
O
48
N
106
D
78
Oceanic Blacktip Shark

Oceanic Blacktip Shark

602 Sightings
J
76
F
90
M
61
A
44
M
57
J
14
J
46
A
32
S
7
O
18
N
49
D
108

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

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

527 Sightings
J
55
F
35
M
23
A
17
M
44
J
54
J
51
A
27
S
71
O
62
N
39
D
49

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

524 Sightings
J
27
F
48
M
4
A
15
M
89
J
47
J
40
A
38
S
13
O
58
N
63
D
82

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

370 Sightings
J
23
F
25
M
12
A
26
M
69
J
16
J
21
A
24
S
25
O
46
N
40
D
43

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

332 Sightings
J
17
F
15
M
14
A
6
M
84
J
21
J
46
A
38
S
4
O
11
N
27
D
49

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

254 Sightings
J
7
F
8
M
3
A
13
M
34
J
23
J
21
A
27
S
19
O
9
N
27
D
63

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

Total number of species approx.: 9

Fur Seal

Fur Seal

231 Sightings
J
28
F
19
M
28
A
28
M
27
J
9
J
11
A
6
S
12
O
24
N
20
D
19

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

231 Sightings
J
20
F
26
M
4
A
10
M
38
J
39
J
6
A
7
S
17
O
8
N
24
D
32
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

223 Sightings
J
23
F
16
M
13
A
26
M
23
J
16
J
19
A
9
S
10
O
11
N
22
D
35
Blue Tilapia

Blue Tilapia

199 Sightings
J
42
F
18
M
37
A
14
M
0
J
8
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
25
N
26
D
29

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Underwater Beginner