Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal: The Ultimate Underwater Adventure!

Ready to dive into an unforgettable underwater adventure? Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime diving expedition to Sodwana Bay & Aliwal Shoal, two of South Africa’s most legendary dive destinations!

This small & exclusive trip (10 divers + 1 guide) is designed for those who crave adventure, discovery & epic marine encounters.

Sodwana Bay

Located along the beautiful coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is known for its stunning reefs & rich marine life. The reef is home to over 1,200 known fish species & has become one of the most sought-after dive destinations in the world. Here, divers can experience an abundance of underwater life, from colourful tropical fish to impressive predators such as Sharks, Manta Rays & Turtles. The many dive sites offer a variety of experiences, each with its own unique character, making every dive a new adventure.

One of the most enticing aspects of diving in Sodwana Bay is the chance to encounter some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Whale Sharks, Humpback Whales, and Sand Tiger sharks are among the iconic species you may spot here. The Whale Shark season runs from December to February, making this an especially exciting time for divers who want to experience the enormous, peaceful Whale Shark up close. Humpback Whales are most visible between June & October as they migrate through the waters. Similarly, Sand Tiger Sharks gather in the area to give birth between December & February.

Another fascinating experience in Sodwana Bay is witnessing the hatching of Turtle eggs. During this trip, you will embark on an evening Turtle tour to search for Turtle nests, hoping to witness a hatching or even a Turtle laying eggs.

The dive guides in Sodwana Bay are highly trained & knowledgeable about the area’s marine life. Before each dive, divers receive detailed information on the dive sites Whether you’re interested in diving with Whale Sharks, observing large schools of colourful fish, or simply exploring the rich underwater world, Sodwana Bay promises an unforgettable & adventurous diving experience.

In summary, diving in Sodwana Bay is an incredible opportunity for both experienced divers & beginners to explore one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine environments. With its stunning reefs & impressive marine wildlife, it offers one of the most memorable diving experiences available.

You will contribute to important research on the biodiversity & distribution of nudibranchs on Sodwana Bay’s reefs. By collecting photographic data, researchers aim to better understand their role as bioindicators of reef health & the impact of climate change. Your work will help protect these fragile ecosystems & provide valuable insights into the overall well-being of coral reefs & the marine environment.

Oct 26 – Transfer from Durban to Sodwana Bay.
Oct 27 – 1 Nudibranch Research Dive & 1 Reef Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Oct 28 – 1 Nudibranch Research Dive & 1 Reef Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Oct 29 – 1 Nudibranch Research Dive & 1 Reef Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) 1 Turtle Tour. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Oct 30 – 1 Nudibranch Research Dive & 1 Reef Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Oct 31 – Full Day Safari to Hluluwe Game Park. Breakfast & Lunch Included.
Nov 1 – Transfer from Sodwana Bay to Durban.

Aliwal Shoal

Aliwal Shoal, located about 5 kilometers off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is one of the world’s most popular & impressive dive destinations. This rocky reef, once a sandbank, has transformed into a thriving marine ecosystem known for its dramatic underwater landscapes & rich biodiversity. The reef consists of a unique mix of hard & soft corals, creating an ideal habitat for both tropical & subtropical fish species. Divers can encounter an incredible variety of marine life, from vibrant reef fish to majestic pelagic species.

Aliwal Shoal is particularly famous for its spectacular shark diving, which is a key focus of this trip. Among the many shark species found here are Tiger Sharks, Oceanic Blacktips, Hammerheads & Sand Tiger sharks, to name a few. For those seeking a true adrenaline rush, this is one of the best places on earth to get up close with these magnificent predators. It’s not uncommon for divers to encounter up to 40 sharks at once, making it one of the most breathtaking destinations for shark diving in the world.

The most fascinating shark species at Aliwal Shoal is the Sand Tiger shark. These large, powerful sharks can grow up to 3 meters long & gather here between August and November to mate. Sand Tiger sharks are known for their striking appearance as they glide through the water in large groups. During this period, Aliwal Shoal offers a unique opportunity to witness these impressive creatures in their natural environment. However, even larger predators such as Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks & Great White sharks frequently pass through the area, adding to the excitement of shark dives—you never know what might appear out of the blue!

In addition to the thrilling shark diving, Aliwal Shoal also offers a variety of other fantastic dive experiences. One of the most popular activities here is wreck diving. There are two well-known wrecks near the reef that attract divers from around the world. One is the Norwegian bulk carrier Produce, which sank in 1974 after being affected by a storm. The other is Nebo, a ship that went down as early as 1884, making it a fascinating historical dive experience.

Aliwal Shoal is also famous for its stunning coral gardens & the vast number of fish species that thrive here. You can spot large schools of Barracuda, Jackfish & other pelagic species swimming through the waters. In the protected areas around the reef, vibrant reef fish & other tropical species flourish.

Beyond the more common marine life, you may also catch a glimpse of rarer creatures such as Octopus, Moray Eels & Eagle Rays. At certain times of the year, you might even be lucky enough to witness Dolphins playing in the water or Whales passing through the area during their annual migration.

Nov 1 – Transfer from Durban to Umkomaas
Nov 2 – 1 Baited Shark Dive (No Cage) & 1 Reef or Wreck Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast Included.
Nov 3 – 1 Baited Shark Dive (No Cage) & 1 Reef or Wreck Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast Included.
Nov 4 – 1 Baited Shark Dive (No Cage) & 1 Reef or Wreck Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast Included.
Nov 5 – 1 Baited Shark Dive (No Cage) & 1 Reef or Wreck Dive (Dive Site is Weather Dependant) Breakfast Included.
Nov 6 – Transfer from Umkomaas to Durban. End of Dive Trip.

Who Is This Trip For?

Certified divers (ADV +30 Dives) looking for an exclusive & action-packed dive experience.
Ocean lovers passionate about marine life, conservation & adventure.
Thrill-seekers ready for bucket-list shark dives & breathtaking coral reefs.
Divers who enjoy small group camaraderie & personalized experiences.