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Scuba Diving in UmkomaasZA
The KwaZulu-Natal town behind Aliwal Shoal, a protected fossil-dune reef with one of the world's most reliable seasonal shark aggregations.
Why here
Aliwal Shoal, a fossilized dune five kilometers off Umkomaas, hosts one of the most reliable shark aggregations in diving: ragged-tooth sharks gather to mate on the reef from July to November, tiger and blacktip encounters run alongside, and the Nebo and Produce wrecks round out a site routinely listed among the world's top ten. The whole reef sits inside a Marine Protected Area, and winter adds the sardine run's energy offshore and humpbacks on migration. Getting there is part of the story: zodiacs surf-launch through the Umkomaas river mouth, and the ride out is a workout before the first descent.
Best months
June to November is the season: raggies aggregate July to November, sardine-run energy peaks June to July, and winter brings the best visibility. Open Water is the minimum and Advanced is recommended (18-27m with current); baited shark dives are for experienced divers. Surf launches are physical and conditions-dependent.
Getting there & around
Forty-five minutes south of Durban. Both dive resorts bundle lodging and boats; book the raggie season ahead. Expect early launches timed to the river mouth and the swell.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Aliwal Dive Centre & Lodge
OutfitterPADI 5 Star dive resort in Umkomaas running daily shoal launches, shark and wreck dives, and the full PADI course ladder.
Blue Ocean Dive Resort
OutfitterPADI 5 Star resort with lodging above the river mouth, running raggie-season dives, baited shark trips, and certification courses.