A shark diving adventure like no other! Discover two of South Africa’s most famous dive sites for incredible shark encounters and more. This trip is best suited to experienced divers and shark enthusiasts.
Several species of shark take centre stage on this week long trip idea suited to experienced divers.
The itinerary begins at Aliwal Shoal where encounters with oceanic black-tip sharks and raggies are prolific. Continue south to the seaside town of Margate, gateway to Protea Banks, an offshore reef fed by the flow of the Agulhas current. The nutrient rich waters and complex upwellings create perfect conditions for nurseries and fish spawning grounds attracting several species of shark. Expect to encounter Zambezi (bull), ragged tooth (raggies), oceanic black-tip and tiger sharks plus spectacular walls of scalloped hammerhead sharks in season.
This is an incredibly rewarding shark adventure for competent and experienced divers.
Ask us about extending your stay to include a topside safari.
Suggested Itinerary
Day1: Depart the UK for South Africa
Day2: Arrive and transfer to Umkomaas
You will be met on arrival and transferred to Umkomaas, south of Durban and the gateway to Aliwal Shoal dive site. Check-in to your accommodation for a two night stay. Later today prepare for the next two days including a dive briefing.
Days3-4: Aliwal Shoal dive experience
Over the next two days divers will head out to Aliwal Shoal completing four dives. Here you can expect to encounter several species of shark, most notably ragged tooth (raggies) and oceanic black-tip as well as tiger sharks. Explore the overhangs and outcrops filled with marine life of all sizes. Dive sites visited may include the famous Raggie Cave and Outside Edge.
After your final dive, transfer south to Margate. Check-in to your lodge for a four night stay.
Days5-7: Dive Protea Banks reef
Your dive package here includes six dives along Protea Banks reef where the marine life is predominantly large. Dive sites include north and south pinnacles in search of schooling hammerheads, bull sharks, raggies, guitar sharks and large rays. An adrenaline fuelled diving adventure for experienced divers who want to observe sharks.
Day8: Depart South Africa
Transfer back to Durban for your departure flight.
Day9: Arrive UK
Please note: Divers must be certified to advanced level and comfortable in currents to join this trip. It’s a great option for group travel. All images in our gallery courtesy of Steve Woods.
Key info
Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 daysfrom £1,845 pp
A must for divers, Aliwal Shoal is home to over 1,200 species of fish and an abundance of corals, as well as turtles, rays and pelagics. From June through to November ragged tooth sharks congregate to mate, while huge tiger sharks and hammerheads are also seen.
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Often described as the best shark diving site in the world, Protea offers exciting encounters with eight species of shark including ragged-toothed, hammerheads and Zambezi (bull). A location suited to experienced divers only, this is adventure diving at its best.
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Ideal for viewing: bull shark, tiger shark, pelagic thresher shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, common dolphin
