Plongée à Aliwal Shoal — South Africa

Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized sand dune 5km offshore that attracts an extraordinary density of shark species. Ragged-tooth sharks fill the caves from June to November, tiger sharks patrol year-round, and the annual Sardine Run passes right through. Not for the faint-hearted — conditions are rugged and launches through surf are the norm.

Score
57.9
Visibilité
5–18m
Température
19–25°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July, August
Back to directory
World Class
Intermediate
Aliwal Shoal
South AfricaIndian Ocean
57.9

SCORE

-30.2667°N

30.8333°E

Aliwal Shoal is a fossilized sand dune 5km offshore that attracts an extraordinary density of shark species. Ragged-tooth sharks fill the caves from June to November, tiger sharks patrol year-round, and the annual Sardine Run passes right through. Not for the faint-hearted — conditions are rugged and launches through surf are the norm.

South Africa's Shark Capital

Visibility5–18 m
Temperature19–25°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$60
Best MonthsJune, July, August, September
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML78.0CH32.0VIS55.0SV28.0TMP56.0DA56.0OP73.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL63.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

78.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
96
Megafauna Encounters
100
Reef Fish Abundance
98
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
50
Marine Life Diversity
78.0
Coral & Reef Health
32.0
Visibility & Conditions
55.0
Dive Site Variety
28.0
Water Temperature
56.0
Depth & Access
56.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
63.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

sardine run snorkeling (Jun-Jul)Umkomaas beachCrocworld centresugar cane field drivesVernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Crocworld Conservation Centre

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber50 km — St. Augustine's Hospital Chamber, Durban
Nearest Hospital30 km

Chamber in Durban (45 min drive); hospital in Scottburgh (20 min)

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Blue Ocean Dive Resort

PADI

4.7
210 reviewsNITROX

Aliwal Dive Centre

PADI

4.6
160 reviewsNITROX