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Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal

Outside Edge isn't always top of mind when you think Aliwal, but we love it for its sheer wall and reliable big fish action. Dropping to 27 metres, this site means business. You’ll find yourself on a vertical limestone face, often with a decent current pushing you along, which brings in the pelagics. We’ve had excellent encounters with blackfin barracuda here, sometimes in swirling schools that block out the sun for a second. The wall itself is riddled with crevices and overhangs, perfect for spotting the shyer stuff. Look closely for Rama Rao's scorpionfish tucked into the rock and eroded cowries clinging to the underside of ledges. Bass and slinger seabream are common, often schooling together, creating a silver curtain. While Aliwal is known for sharks, Outside Edge gives you a different flavour; it’s more about the reef fish and predators that patrol the deeper reef. Dive it when the visibility is up, around 15 metres, and you’ll appreciate the drama of the drop-off. It's a solid Advanced Open Water dive and a strong contender for a second dive of the day if you want something with a bit more punch.