Diving on The KZN South Coast Aliwal Shoal & Protea Banks!
Our little South Coast paradise has some of the best diving sites in the entire world. KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast offers locals, visitors and those travelling some thrilling adventure when it comes to diving on our beautiful, sub-tropical shoreline. Did you know that Protea Banks and the renowned Aliwal Shoal in KZN are two of the world’s finest diving destinations? These diving spots offer endless stunning beaches to explore, rocky coves to explore as well as excellent fishing, snorkeling and spearfishing options?
With some extra luck and great timing, you could find yourself at our annual sardine run. More commonly known as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth” It usually starts to take place in May, but in the latter times of June you will know for sure that you won’t miss anything! We actually wrote a blog about our annual Sardine Run, so make sure that you check that one out, too!
Aliwal Shoal, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Aliwal Shoal is a stunning rocky reef which is the remains of an old sand dune. Roughly 5km off the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal from Scottburgh/Umkomaas. Aliwal Shoal measures about 1.5km long and 1km wide. You’ll find its beautiful fossilized sand dune of sponges as well as soft and hard coral. A lot of wreck and other dives, from a 3m to 37m roughly in depth! If you are searching for some more adventure, then the option of a “Raggie Cave”, is where you will glide alongside a fair amount of large and ragged-tooth sharks.
Protea Banks, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Then of course, we simply cannot forget the stunning, world class we must say, Protea Banks! This is the beauty of a dive site along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. Roughly about 7.5km off of Shelly Beach, this dive spot offers and is ranked one of the best shark and gamefish dives around. You will not be disappointed with a visit here! Measuring roughly 6km x 800m.
Protea Banks offers an excellent variety of caves, caverns, ridges, amphitheatres and pinnacles to explore! At depths of about 27m to 40m diving along the southern and northern reefs will be a massive adventure for those seeking it. You’ll find on your adventure swimming alongside a large number of different sharks! To name a few you’ll have your hammerheads, massive shoals of ragged tooths glide in from about June to November. Alongside the hammerheads you will also see tigers, bulls, copper, maco oceanic reef and guitar sharks!
A memorable journey and dive for sure! So make sure you plan your trip and enjoy the experience! Another interesting fact! Protea Banks homes the Sting and Marble Rays as well as the Giant Manta! With the large variety of game fish you’ll swim alongside during your adventurous dive, you will also swim with King Fish, YellowFin Tuna, Spanish Mackerels or known locally as Barracudas. Protea Banks also has numerous species of colourful tropical reef fish and the occasional turtle you’ll be spoiled to see every now and again! While closer to the shore are a ton of other interesting reefs, too.
