Aliwal Shoal - KwaZulu-Natal

Aliwal Shoal really shines as a big animal destination, particularly for shark lovers. We've spent many a dive here, hanging in the blue, just waiting for the next shape to emerge from the deeper water. It's a fossilized sand dune, now a rocky reef, sitting about 5km offshore, and that exposed position means you often get big currents. Don't let that put you off, though; it’s usually what brings in the action. Visibility can swing wildly, from glorious 30m days to a more challenging 8m, especially if there's been some weather. But even in murkier conditions, those ragged-tooth sharks (we call them 'raggies' here) are impossible to miss during their winter aggregation, a truly spectacular sight. You’ll also bump into honeycomb stingrays patrolling the sandy patches and the occasional oceanic manta ray gliding past. On the reef itself, look out for the vibrant Red Sea Half-and-half Chromis darting amongst the cauliflower corals and the inquisitive Talang queenfish. We'd suggest aiming for a morning dive; the light is better, and the boat traffic is usually a bit lighter. This spot is definitely one for the intermediate diver, comfortable with some chop and the possibility of a strong drift.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.270000, 30.850000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in KwaZulu-Natal

The warmest water temperatures in KwaZulu-Natal occur in January, averaging 27.0°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • February: 27.0°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.0°C (air: 24.0°C)
  • April: 27.0°C (air: 21.7°C)
  • May: 27.0°C (air: 20.1°C)
  • June: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
  • July: 27.0°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • August: 27.0°C (air: 18.2°C)
  • September: 27.0°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • October: 27.0°C (air: 20.3°C)
  • November: 27.0°C (air: 21.8°C)
  • December: 27.0°C (air: 23.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in KwaZulu-Natal

Nearest Dive Centres to Aliwal Shoal

Marine Life in KwaZulu-Natal

Home to 495 recorded species including 400 reef fish, 41 sharks & rays, 19 hard corals, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Aliwal Shoal

Based on average water temperature of 27.0°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories