| Aliwal Shoal |
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| 11 to 14 November 2010 |
| R2 290.00 |
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| This trip is a 3 night, 5 dive weekend |
| Please note all prices are subject to change according to airfare/airport tax/operator/currency/seasonal fluctuations without prior notice. |
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50 kms south of Durban lies Umkomaas, on the banks of the Mkomazi River. (uMkhomazi means the place of the Cow Whales) due to the large numbers of whales which once used the estuary of the river as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows and lolling around in the warm waters.
The Aliwal Shoal is situated 5kms off the village of Umkomaas.
Some divers who regularly dive Aliwal say the dive is second only to the boat ride through the breaking surf to get to the shoal, some divers use up all their air on the ride out - before they even enter the water!
Depths very from 6 to 27 meters and offer a tapestry of diversity. The Cathedral area of the reef is one of the more spectacular dives. Its inhabitants include the Ragged Tooth Shark, Loggerhead Turtle and Ribbon Tailed Rays.
For the more daring diver the reef sports a landmark of international importance - Raggie Cave - one of three locations on the reef famed for its shark diving; the other two being Cathedral and Shark Gully. From July to December the Shoal is the congregation point for Ragged Tooth Sharks, where up to 60 sharks have been encountered at ant one time.
In the history of diving the Shoal there has been no recorded incidence of aggression or attack between the thousands of sharks and the hundreds of divers frequenting the reef.
The Aliwal Shoal is not just a vivid pageant of marine life but it is also the final resting-place of two unfortunate ships, which were once ripped asunder by the upper reaches of the reef. The Produce (1974), once a 2000 ton bulk carrier, lies on the sandy bottom at 30 meters and its rusted framework has formed an established reef, home to many species of fish, including 20 tame Brindle Bass. The Nebo which sank on its maiden voyage in 1884 lies at 25 meters.
The Aliwal Shoal is like a magnet, inextricably drawing countless ocean species into its realm - now it extends the same invitation to you.
Water temperatures vary from between 19º C to 25º C
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| ACCOMMODATION |
| We stay in bathroom-en-suite rooms single and double are available. Full breakfast is included in the package and they have a fully serviced restaurant on the premises. |
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| DIVING |
We dive with a reputable dive Charter who have invested a fair amount into making our diving experience with them a both enjoyable and memorable one. The dive shop and kit-up area has been revamped.
The shower, toilet and kit-up area has been modernised, painted and tiled and a waterproof roof has been installed to ensure you and your kit stay dry whilst you are kitting up. We have increased the storage capacity for gear so you'll have more than enough space for all your stuff.
Tea, coffee and rusks are available at the dive centre as well ice cold fridges stocking your favourite foamy beverages and USN Energy drinks.
Your safety is their No.1 priority. They will not hesitate to cancel a dive if the weather or surf conditions do not allow for a safe launch or a safe dive.
PLEASE NOTE: No refunds whatsoever are given. Dive credit will only be given is the dive is cancelled by the Charter, if you opt not to do the dive there will be no credit.
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