There is a place not far away, where the warm Agulhas current winds its way on a never ending journey south, bringing with it clean water and nutrients to feed the abundance of life it supports. It is here that we are given the chance to explore the wonders of the Indian Ocean. Where Humpback Whales pass by on their annual migration north to their breeding grounds and Bottlenose Dolphins frolick behind the waves all year round. It is here where our love for the oceans and all its wonders were born, and out of passion continues to grow.
Eco Adventure
Join us on a 2-hour journey of exploration and education into the warm Indian Ocean, to uncover secrets of the deep... we'll go in search of marine life to give you the best chance of encountering dolphins, whales, sharks, whale sharks, rays or birds! Cruising the backline most days of the year are our resident pods of Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphins, and from June to November Humpback and Southern Right whales grace us with their majestic presence on their long journey north from their Antarctic home.
The annual sardine run in the winter months is a buzz of common dolphins, sharks, whales and game fish, while the Cape Gannets put on a crazy aerial diving show. Specialised Hydrophonic equipment is used on board to listen to the Whales and Dolphins, a truly memorable experience!
TIMETABLE
- Summer Early Bird @ 08h00(meet 07h30, back 10h00) &
- Mid Morning (meet 07h45, back 10h00)
- Winter Early Bird @ 09h00(meet 08h30, back 11h00) & Mid Morning (meet 08h45, back 11h00)
- Light breakfast on the backline included. Suitable for ages over 10.
Ocean Discovery
Experience the thrill of a surf launch then cruise out into the open ocean and see the world from a different perspective... we'll take you on a 1-hour predefined route along an exquisite stretch of untouched African coastline, past the Umhlanga Nature Reserve then out into the open ocean for a closer look at visiting ships lying at anchor.
Imagine local wreck sites as we stop along the way at interesting spots. There is a good chance that we may come across one of the resident pods of dolphins on the trip, and you'll have the opportunity to check out the shark nets and learn more about what the Sharks Board does to keep you and our beaches safe.
TIMETABLE
- Summer 10h00, 11h00, 12h00, 13h00
- Winter 11h00, 12h00, 13h00
Quick Flip
Need an adrenalin rush? This trip is all about you experiencing the exhilarating power of ocean wave action. We'll thrill you with the surf launch, then jump waves in the open sea... and to finish off you'll chase the swell back in shore for an exciting ride up onto the beach.
TIMETABLE
- Summer 12h00 - 16h00 - Tide Dependant
- Winter 11h00 - 14h00
THINGS TO NOTE:
All of our trips are on a comfortable, sporty 8m Superduck. If you're launching in Umhlanga then barefoot is best! You may have to get your feet wet before you get into the boat, so you can leave your shoes on the beach - please also wear shorts or trousers you can roll up. Its best to go barefoot and wear shorts or pants that can be rolled up! If the wind gets up waterproof windbreakers are recommended especially in winter! Cameras are stored in a watertight container untill out at see so yes, please feel free to bring them. Optional extras to bring along: camera, towel (especially for the Quick Flip) You can leave your valuables in the office on the beach.
PADI Dive Courses:
- Openwater Scuba Diver (4-5days)
- Advanced Openwater (2-3days)
- Rescue (4-5days)
- Divemaster
Fontao
Depth: 17-27m || Boat ride: 5 minutes
Mozambican trawler - sunk by Ocean Research Institute in 1990 - 80 different fish species including two resident brindle bass. Swim-throughs, and penetration possible for advanced divers. Moray eels and and East Coast rock lobster.
The Fame
Depth: 8-14m || Boat ride: 35-40 minutes
Old fishing trawler which sank in April 2000 after running aground. Numerous tropical fish species and crayfish.
T-Barge
Depth: 16-27m || Boat ride: 15 minutes
Originally used to support a floating crane in Durban Harbour. - sunk by the Ocean Research Institute in 1990. 3 tall towers are covered in beautiful white soft corals and surrounded by goldies, Moorish idols and many other tropical species. Huge rays often seen on the sand.
Dolphin Reef and Cuda Ledge
Depth: 16-24m || Boat ride: 10-15 minutes
2km stretch of reef situated off Umdloti North (also known as Chainpool Reef & the Drop-off). Amazing array of soft corals, sponges and gorgonians. Cuda Ledge situated on the drop-off of Dolphin Reef with many interesting gulleys and overhangs - also a popular spot for sharks and gamefish.
Selection Reef
Depth: 3-16m || Boat ride: 10 minutes
Inshore reef following a series of ledges, reef breaks the surface a low tide. Numerous caves, gullies and overhangs provide shelter for an abundance of tropical fish.
The Rock (Advanced divers only)
Depth: 24-30m || Boat ride: 10-15 minutes
Artificial reef made of old anti-submarine caisson blocks that were exploded and sunk in 2005. Host to an amazing amount of fish life and soft coral.
No. 1 Reef
Depth: 25-30m || Boat ride: 15-20 minutes
Popular amongst ski-boat fisherman of days gone by - consists of boulders and anchor chains around its main pinnacles. It is home to many interesting reef fish and is also a popular feeding spot for sharks and big game fish.
WHERE: Grannies Pool Launch Site, Umhlanga Surf Lifesaving Club, Main Beach, Umhlang