Diving with Sand Tiger Sharks
Ferocious Looking but Totally Docile
Sand tiger sharks may be the most ferocious looking of all the sharks due to their rows of jagged, sharp teeth that protrude in all directions, even when their mouths are shut. However, not to be confused with their cousin the tiger shark, they are actually non-aggressive and extremely docile. Due to their calm demeanor, scuba diving with sand tiger sharks is a common and enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, as with any species, you should be careful when diving with sand tiger sharks and treat them with respect.
Sand tiger sharks are unique in that they are the only species that can swallow air. Since sharks do not have a swim bladder, they have to keep moving so as not to sink. The sand tiger shark stores the swallowed air in its stomach, allowing them to float motionless in the water. These animals may look threatening, but it’s a fun experience to go diving with sand tiger sharks. Find out where to scuba dive with these animals here.
Dive Sites with this Animal View more on map
★★★★☆ Aliwal Shoal
Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized Sand Dune with interesting and unique mountain like reef structures that holds many swim throughs, gullies and crevices to explore. The reef is only accessible by boat, there is no shore entries. The surf launch is part of the adventure. Boats are 8.5m Rubber Ducks/Ribb
★★★★☆ Castle
This site is named Castle because of its pinnacles and castle like structures with swim throughs, gullies, and overhangs to explore. Maximum depth is 25m and the top of the reef is 12m deep.
★★★★☆ South Sands
South Sands consists of a large sand patch surrounded by reef structure. Maximum depth is 14m with an average depth of 11m. This is the perfect dive site to spot large groups of Rays or Guitar sharks.
★★★★☆ Flat Rock - Shark Alley
A deeper site for advanced divers, Shark Alley is a seasonal aggregation zone for endangered Grey Nurse (sand tiger) sharks. Being further out to sea, it is also a great place to see whales and other large pelagic marine life. Max depth is 28m with the reef rising to 12m on either side of the alley.
★★★★☆ Julian Rocks - Nursery
The perfect site for new divers, old divers, and snorkelers alike, with a protected shallow haven of 5-12m, this area is a very popular dive site.
★★★★☆ Cathedral
Cathedral is one of the most popular and impressive dive sites to visit on Aliwal Shoal. Maximum depth is 27m with 18m on top of Cathedral. Both big and small aquatic beauties decorate this unique reef structure.