cave

Log This Dive

Cathedral

Cathedral, on the Aliwal Shoal, isn’t just a swim-through, it’s a proper experience. We love dropping down into that main chamber, the light shafts punching through the openings in the reef above. It feels vast in there, like a subterranean church. This is definitely for the advanced diver; the depths hit 27m, and there can be a decent current sweeping through the archways, especially if you’re heading deeper towards the back exits. What makes it special for us is the ragged-tooth sharks. From July to November, they congregate, sometimes dozens of them just hanging motionless, their mouths slightly agape. You can hover quietly, watching them circle. Beyond the sharks, we often spot giant trevally patrolling the entrances, and if you’re lucky, a curious common eagle ray might glide past. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the Pearlscale Butterflyfish fluttering along the walls. The water often has a greenish hue from the plankton, which the sharks obviously appreciate, but visibility can still push past 20m on a good day. Our insider tip? Go early, before the crowds, and really take your time inside the main cavern. It’s a completely different vibe when it’s just you and a few sharks.