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
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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
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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
MALDIVES DIVING
SPIRIT OF MALDIVES LIVEABOARD OFFER
25 May – 1 June 2026
NOW from JUST £1,499pp
RED SEA – EGYPT DIVING
EMPEROR ASMAA LIVEABOARD OFFER
20 – 27 June 2026
NOW from JUST £989pp
MALDIVES DIVING
EMPEROR VOYAGER LIVEABOARD OFFER
4 – 11 July 2026
NOW from JUST £1,895pp
INDONESIA DIVING
MERMAID II LIVEABOARD OFFER
18 – 25 July 2026
NOW from JUST £1,939pp
CARIBBEAN DIVING
BELIZE AGGRESSOR III LIVEABOARD OFFER
8 – 15 August 2026
NOW from JUST £2,199pp
CARIBBEAN DIVING
CARIBBEAN EXPLORER II LIVEABOARD OFFER
15 – 22 August 2026
NOW from JUST £1,749pp
The Dive Diaries
Insights, recommendations and dive experiences from our team
Introducing Sarah, our new Sales Executive
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