South Africa dive holidays
Aliwal Shoal
Rated consistently as one of the world’s Top 10 dive sites.
Aliwal Shoal lies off the coast of Umkomaas, a sleepy little town on the East coast and only a short drive south of Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
An adventurous river mouth and surf launch takes you to, arguably, South Africa’s ‘shark capital’ . From May to November ragged tooth sharks congregate, gliding under overhangs, through caves and across the reef in numbers; a diver digging in the sand will often reveal some souvenir teeth. All-year-round dozens of black tips and the majestic tiger populate the area not to mention large brindle, potato bass, bull, hammerhead, dusky and many turtles.
Topographically fascinating with giant potholes, towering spires, caves, overhangs, walls and sand ripple sections the underwater landscape makes up an incredible underwater dive holiday destination. An added attraction off the northern point is the wreck of the ‘Produce’, which sank in 1974 and is now home to a couple of very large brindle bass.
Flights & Transfers
Call us now to discuss travel options and package updates
The reef inhabitants include the large brindle, potato bass, bull, hammerhead, dusky, guitar and white tip sharks, a variety of rays and eels, schools of tropical fish, leafy scorpion fish and many turtles.
Where to stay
Expertly selected accommodation choices, close to the underwater action.
Agulhas House & Diving
Agulhas House is home to world famous reef system of the Aliwal Shoal in Umkomaas. A warm welcome awaits scuba divers and shark enthusiasts.
Star Rating: Guest House
Number of Rooms: 14
Distance to dive centre: 1 mile
Distance to Airport: 30 mins by car
Blue Ocean Dive Resort
This hotel is the ’Grand Old Dame’ of the small seaside village of Umkomaas. Built in 1934, it has been restored to its original colonial glory.
Star Rating: 4*
Number of Rooms: 30
Distance to dive centre: onsite
Distance to Airport: 30 mins by car
Our Safe Payment Guarantee
Diverse Travel is a Member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), part of The Travel Network Group. This means that when you book your holiday with us, we give you a guarantee that 100% of your money is protected against our or our suppliers’ failure, under our ATOL.
Ask our dive experts
Because we’re not a mass tourism company, you’ll get a highly personalised service. Think of us as your personal travel consultant – don’t be shy, ask us for anything and leave the rest to us.
Offers
INDONESIA DIVING
RAJA AMPAT LIVEABOARD OFFER
24 May – 02 June 2026
NOW from JUST £2450pp
BALI DIVING
RESORT OFFER
01 – 12 June 2026
NOW from JUST £1765pp
MALDIVES DIVING
RESORT OFFER
09 – 17 June 2026
NOW from JUST £1865pp
CARIBBEAN DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
15 – 22 August 2026
NOW from JUST £1685pp
PHILIPPINES DIVING
RESORT OFFER
12 – 20 September 2026
NOW from JUST £1995pp
MALDIVES DIVING
LIVEABOARD OFFER
16 – 23 May 2027
NOW from JUST £1760pp
The Dive Diaries
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