reef

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Cathedral

Cathedral at Aliwal Shoal is exactly what it sounds like, a massive, arching reef structure that feels like swimming through a grand underwater church. We love the sheer scale of the place. Dropping in, you often find yourself finning over the top, around 18 metres, before descending into the main amphitheatre. Our favourite time to visit is during the winter months, May through October, when the ragged-tooth sharks congregate. And we mean *congregate*. You’ll often find dozens, just hanging in the current, looking prehistoric and utterly unbothered by your presence. The Potato Bass are almost always there, huge and inquisitive, sometimes nudging you gently. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we’ve spotted plenty of Orange-lined Triggerfish darting amongst the coral and, if you're lucky, a Freckled Anglerfish perfectly camouflaged on a sponge. The currents here can pick up, so it's best for divers comfortable with a drift. If you want to experience Aliwal's iconic shark aggregation, this is our top pick.