Selected as one of the top ten dives sites of the world by the Diver Magazine the Shoal offers almost anything a diver can wish for. All the diving is done from semi rigid boats fitted with twin 85 Yamaha motors. The RIBS are launched from the river mouth and through the surf for a twenty-minute ride to the reef.

During the months of June through to November you are sure to see Ragged Tooth Sharks as they congregate on the Shoal to mate. It is not uncommon to find 15 to 50 of these ferocious looking but docile animals on a single dive.

In summer you have every chance of seeing Tiger sharks and Hammerheads. Should you tire of the sharks, you can always dive on any of the wrecks or go hunting for the huge (and I mean huge) Brindle Bass. Other species (depending on the season) include Manta, Devil and other rays, schools of pelagic fish, whales, dolphins, and many, many more!

Visibility varies from 5 to 40 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 24+ ° C and in winter not colder than 19 ° C. The depths vary between 6 to 18 meters with 30-meter sites for the suitably qualified. The dives are all done without cages and afford the unique opportunity to see the sharks in their natural environment!

The top sites are:

Cathedral
This is a spectacular hole in the reef and is home to many large stingrays, moray eels and ragged tooth sharks, beginning with a depth of 28m (94ft), and continuing the dive up to 10m (34ft).

The Pinnacles
Average depth is 10 - 15 m (34ft - 50ft). It is best dived when there is little or no surge or current. Many caves, gullies and overhangs can be explored on this reef, and there are large shoals of fish.

Raggie Cave and Shark Alley
Average depth is 16 m. Best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter. Although they are not overly aggressive, they should never be approached too closely.

North Sands
With and average depth of 12m (40ft) and a maximum of 15m (50ft), this flat, sandy part of the reef provides the opportunity to see rays, skates and sand sharks of all sizes. In winter, groups of Raggies often congregate close to the large overhang on the southeast side.

South Sands
Like North Sands, this site is home to rays, skates, sand sharks and guitar sharks. Average depth is 15m (50ft) with a maximum of 18m (60ft).

The Produce (1974)
The wreck of the Produce, a Norwegian Bulk Molasses tanker, struck Aliwal Shoal on the NE Pinnacles in 1974, no lives were lost. She now rests in 30 metres of water (100ft) and makes an interesting wreck dive. Big game fish such as salmon, kingfish, brindle bass share the wreck with lionfish and many colourful tropical species.

The Nebo (1884)
The Nebo struck Aliwal Shoal in 1984 in fair weather and went down with its cargo of railway material. No lives were lost and she lies in 30m of water (100ft), still fairly intact. The wreck is home to an abundance of reef and pelagic fish.

Cape Town and environs has many excellent wreck, seal and kelp dives. Depending on conditions one can dive the Indian or the Atlantic Oceans, and often the site is only decided on the day of diving.

Visibility varies from 1 to 20 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 14 ° C and in winter down to 8 ° C. A dry suit is recommended.

The depths vary between 5 and 40 meters and the dives are done either from hard boats, RIBs or by shore entry.

Gansbaai is little holiday and fishing village situated a 160km from Cape Town. The area has several attractions for the nature lover with whale watching being the most popular.

Accommodation may be taken in any of the Bed & Breakfast establishments and the few restaurants offer good quality food. The daily cage diving/sighting trips are launched from the neighbouring Kleinbaai.

Dyer Island has become known as one of only two unique areas in the world where there is an exceptionally good chance to chances see the Great White shark.

Other wildlife species such as Cape Fur Seals, Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, Jackass penguins, whales and dolphins are also likely to be sighted.

Cage diving is strictly regulated by the authorities and conducted in an ethical way in accordance with international standards. It is absolutely safe and you need not have any diving experience at all, only a short course on safety and the use of the equipment.

The best time of the year is in April - September, when the sharks are particularly active in their feeding patterns (80-99%).

Even though you still have a good chance of seeing the sharks during the other months (October - February), their feeding patterns are different and sightings are less consistent (80%).

The Mediterranean style seaside town of Mossel Bay is situated on a sun washed peninsula embraced by the Indian Ocean. The Guinness Book of Records features the town as having the mildest year round climate in the world, second only to Hawaii.

Mossel Bay is a very rich area with its abundant sea life of diverse fish, seals, whales, penguins and other sea birds, dolphins, the occasional Orcas and of course a plentiful supply of the Great White shark.

Mossel Bay is not an industrial town but a delightful place with beautiful north facing beaches, good surfing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking trails, dive spots, bungi jumping and is central to the Garden route with an abundance of things to do and see. There is accommodation to suit all pockets, with a variety of restaurants available.

Statistics kept of Great White sightings over the last five years help to pick the best possible time of the year being April to July and September to November.

Protea Banks is rated as one of the world's best shark diving spots. All dives are boat dives. Divers are taken to the reefs in semi rigid boats that are launched directly from the beach and through the surf. The launches have been likened to white water rafting in wet suits. All dives are drift dives and are lead by local dive masters who know the reef intimately.

Visibility varies from 5 to 40 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 24+ ° C and in winter not colder than 19 ° C. The depths vary between 30 and 40 meters and one must be an experienced diver for these often 3 knot mid-water drift dives. This is adventure diving at it's best but for experienced divers only.

Species encountered on the reef include:
Bull (Zambezi), Tiger, Hammerhead, Thresher, Copper, Dusky, Ragged Tooth, Black Tip, and even the odd Mako shark. There is also a variety of reef fish, ribbon tail skates, moray eels, spotted eagle rays, manta rays and large schools of pelagic fish. Depending on the season one can also see dolphins and whales.

Ragged Tooth Sharks (grey nurse or sand tigers) come to Protea Banks in Kwazulu-Natal in spring (August/September) as part of their breeding ritual. Placid and slow moving, the "Raggies" accept the divers without fuss. November brings the game fish and they are followed by the Zambezi (bull) Sharks, classed as a dangerous species.

Hammerheads do not follow any seasonal pattern. They are shy and keep their distance. Tiger sharks are a often seen in summer but they tend to keep their distance. The sardine run in June/July brings the copper sharks. They scan the surface for the sardine shoals. Quick but shy, they are the smallest of the 7 species of shark commonly found in this area.

THE NORTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 28-38m
With its rare pink soft coral, this area hosts many reef fish, including potato bass and many pelagic fish like tuna and yellow tails. There are also two cave areas called "hole in the wall" and "hole in the floor" attracting Ragged Tooth sharks in large numbers during mating season in the winter. As spring goes into summer, large shoals of scalloped hammerheads and now and then a Great White is seen on inside ledge. Best time: June to November

THE SOUTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 26-35m
This is definitely the place to go if you want to see Zambezi (Bull) sharks. One expect them from November, reaching its peak in March, and remaining in their numbers until May, while one should not forget that April and May are the best time to spot the tiger sharks. The scalloped hammerheads often occur like a "blanket" on top of the divers. Drop-offs close to sandy areas are often frequented by single and schools of hammerheads.

Summer is also the time for game fish when schools of Yellowtail, Kingfish, Pike and Tunny are often encountered. March and April are good months for manta rays - Huge ones too! Be prepared to visit the Kingfish Gully for a spectacular treat of a large kingfish concentration. The Sand Shark Gully is also the best "gathering" place for various species of sharks.

One of South Africa's best kept secrets, this group of reefs lies between two and four kilometers offshore and at a depth of twenty to forty meters it is for advanced divers only.

The best spots are:

Landers
Big pinnacle, large boulders, crevices and huge gullies with small sand patches in between the reefs, caves and overhangs.
· Average Depth = 21 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 32 Meters

Butchers
Boulders, rocks with big crevices and gullies are characteristic of this reef north of Landers. The reef has a wall like formation that is approximately 6 meters high. Tropical fish like Trumpetfish, Geometric Moray Eel, Natal sea catfish, speckled shrimpfish, Batfish and False stonefish are just some of the species found here. There is a resident Loggerhead turtle that sleeps in one of the many caves and overhangs. This reef is also known as the Juvenile Nursery. Many species of hard and soft coral.
· Average Depth = 18 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 25 Meters

Cowry
Big boulders scattered around with sand patches in between and ledges with overhangs and small holes in the reef where Triggerfish hide. There are quite a number of different species of Cowry shells on this reef sitting next to or on the big sea sponges. Coral life consists of soft coral like Dead-man's finger, various colors of Polyp coral swinging in the surge, Black coral trees as well as Green Fern coral with clouds of Goldies swimming around it. Also be on the look out for Nudibranchs; various colors and sizes. Hard coral consists of Smooth horned coral and Leather coral.
· Average Depth = 19 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 25 Meters

Outside Landers
A wall of reef that run from North to South. On the ledge you can find Pinnacles that form an enclosure for marine life. The boulders create nice swim through's and gullies. Most of the common tropical fish species seen here although this is one of the deeper dives and there tend to be thermo clines here and there. Batfish, Fusiliers, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Nudibranchs and Rock Lobsters are a common sight amongst the many coral species.
· Average Depth = 20 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 28 Meters

Umzamai wall
Huge boulders, with big crevices, scattered rocks and gullies to swim through. On the inshore side there is a wall almost 20 meters high with ledges and a cave on the northern side. Large black coral trees, Polyp coral, White and Pink Thistle coral, Green Fern coral and lots more to be seen on this untouched reef. The fish in this area are inquisitive and not used to divers. Big Moorish Idols, Snappers, Triggerfish, Model Tobies, Boxy's, Tiger Angelfish and lot's more.
· Average Depth = 23 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 39 Meters

Chard reef
Rock formations forming a wall, with small ledges and gullies with sand patches surrounding the rocky reef. White Kingfish roam this area and is keen on inspecting new visitors. Devil Fire fish together with Red Fanged Trigger fish, Moorish Idols and Snappers, Nudibranchs of different sizes, types and colours, Polyp coral, Dead-man's finger coral, Sea urchins and Whip coral in different colours are a few of the species encountered. Crayfish are found in the holes in the reef and Rays seem to be keeping an eye on everything on this reef.
· Average Depth = 23 Meters
· Maximum Depth = 38 Meters

It is widely accepted that Sodwana Bay is the Mecca of diving in South Africa. The bay is situated in a marine reserve that now forms part of the World Heritage classified Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, and makes for safe and relaxed diving. You can expect to see an abundance of tropical fish, hard and soft coral, sponges, moray eels, large schools of pelagic fish, potato bass, turtles (hawksbill, loggerhead, green, leatherback) and depending on the time of year, whales (southern right, humpback), whale sharks and dolphins.

Visibility is rarely less than 15 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 24+ ° C and in winter not colder than 19 ° C. The depths vary between 12 to 18 meters with 30 and 50-meter sites for the suitably qualified. The dives are all done from semi-rigid boats, with exiting launches through the surf!

Two Mile Reef:
The excellent light penetration and shallow depth have created a beautiful underwater garden with a magnificent range of coral and invertebrate life. Anton's Reef is a favourite site with dense schools of tropical fish and coral heads and overhangs forming interesting topography.

Five Mile Reef:
Five mile is an extremely delicate, large flat reef hosting an astounding variety of fine coral, which is remarkably intact. The multitudes of colourful tropical fish that swarm over the reef and around divers create the sensation of diving in an endless aquarium.

Seven Mile Reef:
This wonderful little reef is popular because of its great diversity of tropical marine life, the drop-offs and mushroom shaped pinnacles. The larger specimens found here include Turtles and Rays, and there are regular sightings of bottle-nosed dolphins. The coral formations are delicate and in good condition.

Nine Mile Reef:
The dramatic scenery of Nine Mile offers drop-offs, pinnacles and big coral trees. Due to the distance from the launch site, this reef is not dived as often as the more accessible ones and is in excellent condition. The marine life is diverse and includes most of the tropical fauna typical of the region as well as big schools of passing game fish.

And then of course there are a number of special spots that you will not find in any guide book...

Ponta Malongane is situated in southern Mozambique just north of the South African border.

Dive any of the hardly known coral reefs, 10m to 30m deep, with caves and gullies, giant turtles, scorpion fish and whale sharks, a colourful variety of tropical fish, dolphins and sharks. Visibility is generally around 40m.

Warm sunshine and kilometres of deserted beach. The dive camp lies tucked away in the jungle; only some shrubs separate it from the launch site from where the dive-boats start through the surf.

Accommodation in simple rustic huts under shady trees. Indescribably brilliant night skies, friendly people and exquisite seafood.

 
 
 

Open Water Sites	Depth
Bread Loaf: If you want to explore and see pinnacle rocks, sand gullies, plate coral and a variety of fish life especially rays and scorpion fish then this is the reef to experience.	10 - 12m
Crèche: This dive is ideal for student & novice divers or those people who would like to dive a shallow reef. It has been named crèche due to the abundance and wide variety of juvenile fish that can be seen.	10 - 12m
Doodles: A fantastic dive with a massive variety of marine life. Octopus, mantis shrimp, potato bass, rays, honeycomb moral eels and game fish.	15 - 17m
Paradise: For the chance to experience paradise under the sea - superlative corals, moray eels, tremendous gullies and overhangs await you, not to mention the wide variety of reef fish.	12 - 18m
Ridge: Here is the chance to discover a ledge, which is approximately 4m high with plenty of magnificent corals (soft and hard). Also discover the cave on this reef. The marine life is plentiful and you have a chance to spot the turtles and kingfish.	12 - 16m
Shallow Malongane: The opportunity to see all types of corals, grand turtles and large crayfish. On the southern part of this reef there are many gullies and caves that await your investigation.	12 - 14m
Texas: As the name indicates this is one of our larger reefs. For the adventurous diver, central to this reef is a large gully with swim thoughts, overhangs and arches. Turtles, scorpion fish, rays, eels and soft corals can also be found.	12 - 16m

Advanced Sites	Depth
Maverick's: One of Malongane's deeper dives. In the middle of the sand is a awesome pinnacle rock that is 20m across & 30m long with its residents. Find honeycomb morays, smaller morays, leaf fish and other sea wonders.	25 - 28m
Three Sisters: The 3 sisters of the sea are 3 pinnacle rocks about 50m apart. A prospect not to be missed where there are huge amounts of fish life - black cheek moray eels, honeycomb morays, lionfish and large rays are just some of the examples.	21 - 25m
Anchor: Not only do you get the joy of exploring the anchor on the southern end of Kev's Ledge that gave this reef its name but also 2 parallel ledges with an abundance and variety of reef fish.	18 - 21m
Pinnacles: Imagine being able to dive on the edge of a continental shelf with sharks - Hammerheads, Zambezi and Dusky not to mention large game fish and manta rays. Summer is the ideal time to dive this reef.	28 - 42m
Bass City: Bert is famous throughout the waters of southern Mozambique and is in residence at Bass City. There are 4 other large potato bass on the 5 out croppings of rock that make up this reef but Bert is the only one who will come and swim with you. Come and discover other sights.	20 - 25m
Rianna's Arch: Your dream of swimming through an awesome arch with a rich and spectacular variety of fish is possible on the northern side of Kev's Ledge.	18 - 24m
Kev's Ledge: For the inquisitive person - the many and varied crevices of a 6m rocky ledge is heaven and is yours to explore with its wide and varied marine life. It is similar to a wall dive.	21 - 24m