Raggies Cave (★4.3)
Raggies Cave is a large overhang with a swim-through and is renowned for the sand tiger sharks that congregate here during winter and spring. The maximum depth is 18m, with an average depth of 11m.
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.
Minimum Open Water Diver Certified - Card to be presented
Excludes items of personal nature eg swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and personal Equipment (full rental facility available on site)
· Currency Restrictions:
You can bring in or take out a maximum of R25,000 in cash. Foreign currency is allowed if declared. Most establishments do have Visa and Mastercard Facilities
Tipping:
Tipping is customary in South Africa, with 10-15% being standard for good service in restaurants and other service industries.
Health:
Medical Facilities: Private hospitals are generally better equipped than public facilities. Private Hospitals are easily accessable
Safety and Security:
Crime: South Africa has a high crime rate, particularly in urban areas. Take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Most crime is petty crime. Check with your locals
Emergency Contacts: Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you and have emergency contact information readily available.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers theft, medical emergencies, and other potential incidents
5. General Tips:
Be prepared for load shedding:
South Africa experiences power outages (load shedding) from time to time, so be prepared for this, travel with a power bank
Stay informed:
Check the latest travel advisories from your country's embassy or consulate before and during your trip.
TIMEZONES
South Africa is:
2 hours ahead of GMT
1 hour ahead of Central European wintertime
7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard wintertime (USA)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s telecommunications sector is regarded as one of the most advanced in Africa. It boasts high mobile penetration, growing internet penetration and significant growth in connectivity infrastructure. South Africans have access to free social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram. The country has taken great strides to increase access to broadband capabilities, with the leading players significantly increasing their footprint in household and business connectivity. Telkom is the largest company in South Africa providing both fixed line and wireless telecommunication packages. The organisation is partially owned by the state.
The main mobile phone providers in South Africa are:
•Vodacom
•MTN
•Cell C
•Virgin Mobile
•8ta (subsidiary of Telkom) Both ‘Pay As You Go’ SIM cards and contract deals are available.
DRINKING WATER IN SOUTH AFRICA
Tap water in the major cities and large towns of South Africa is generally safe to drink.
Maintenance of water supply infrastructure has deteriorated in recent years in South Africa so if you are concerned about the quality of water in the country to be on the side of caution and drink bottled water. You can get bottled water everywhere in South Africa.
Please be conscious of the problems associated with single-use plastic and plastic litter that is destroying the environment. If possible, re-use your disposable water bottle if you have access to clean drinking water
3 Day Open Water Diver course
Explore new depths with ScubaXcursion