Go Scuba Diving In The Warm Indian Ocean
Adda Reef: The reef is approximately 1.5m offshore from Shelly Beach and has an average depth of about 18 meters. The attraction for this dive would be the deep caves with soft corals and a huge variety of tropical fish.
Aliwal Shoal: The site is 5 km from the Umkomaas beach and is one of the most well known dive sites on the Kwazulu-Natal coastline. It has a diverse variety of marine life and the ultimate attraction, the ragged tooth shark. The best location to spot these majestic marine creatures is at Cathedral, a 4m arch of rock.
Arena Reef: This is a shark lovers paradise located on Protea Banks and about 8 km off Shelly Beach. The average depth is approximately 28m. Access is strictly controlled and monitored by the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club. Ragged-tooth sharks, Hammerhead sharks, Zambezi sharks, Copper sharks (aka. Bronze Whalers), Threshers and even the Great White Shark have been spotted in this area.
Bo Boyi Reef: A five minute boat cruise from Shelly Beach with an average depth of 15m. Visibility can be poor in surge conditions. Attractions are caves, overhangs, large colonies of soft coral and abundant marine life.
Cathedral: A few kilometres from Umkomaas beach and on the eastern edge of the Aliwal Shoal dive site. The average depth is 27m. This site should be dived with caution when there is a surge. A spectacular hole in the reef is home to moray eels, ragged-tooth sharks and large stingrays. Divers must take great care not to create any unnecessary disturbance.
Cowrie Reef: In the Park Rynie area and most likely one of the best areas to dive in this vicinity. It’s home to some of the most magnificent plant life on the coast. Numerous caves, gullies and swim-throughs ensure an exhilarating dive. Marine attractions include Zambezi sharks, dolphins and various game fish. Maximum depth is about 26m. Although the site is only 2 km from the beach, visibility is remarkably good but on occasion can be very poor.
