Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal - KwaZulu-Natal

Roman Rock has always been one of our favourite False Bay dives. It’s a good 20-minute boat ride out, but once you’re down, it’s a whole different world from the kelp forests closer to shore. Dropping to a maximum of 18 metres, you’re greeted by a landscape of large boulders and rocky outcrops, which gradually give way to a coarse, shelly sand bottom. We love the way the light filters through the water here, illuminating the vibrant reds and oranges of the feather stars that cling to the steeper rock faces. You’ll see plenty of sea fans swaying in the gentle surge, and if you look closely, we often find sand slugs making their slow way across the sand. Keep an eye out for curious bellowfish darting among the rocks and the occasional common pipefish blending perfectly with the reef. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of a reef, perhaps after a few dives on the classic kelp sites. Visibility can be a bit variable, averaging around six metres, so pick a calm day if you can. It’s a relaxed dive, usually with minimal current, allowing you to really take your time exploring.

Location
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-30.241900, 30.834600
Type
reef

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 Outside Edge, 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 Outside Edge, 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