WORLD CUP SOCCER 2010

We are organising world cup accommodation,wildlife  combination  tours some of these itineraries
can be modified to suite your requirements please contact us for more information

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Aliwal Shoal

The World Famous Aliwal Shoal (quoted as being one of the top ten dive sites in the World) was formed thousands of years ago from fossilized sand dunes during the times when sea levels were much lower than they are today.

The Aghulas Current which runs south along the east coast of Africa brings with it warm water and a huge diversity of tropical sea life.

DIVE SITES ON ALIWAL SHOAL

Cathedral
- Maximum depth Depth 27m - Advanced divers
A very popular dive for the Ragged Tooth Shark enthusiast. During the "Raggie" season it is possible to see up to 40 of these placid sharks resting within the amphitheatre. A fantastic photo opportunity! Please read the "Raggie Ettiquette" information at the bottom of this page. During the summer months look out for hammerheads above, and see the stingrays which take up residence when the Raggies depart.

Aliwal Dive Centre - Aliwal Shoal - Potato Bass
Raggies Cave
- Maximum depth Depth 18m - Open Water divers
The most popular dive site here on Aliwal Shoal. As its name suggests this is the best place to view the Ragged Tooth Sharks during the shark season.

Entry into the cave is not permitted when the sharks are here but there is an excellent viewing area at the entrance where divers can safely kneel and watch the sharks activities. When the sharks have departed this is a very good place to hunt for sharks teeth in the sand. Please note that teeth are the only items that divers are permitted to take from the Shoal.

The sand patch in front of the cave is a good place for Instructors to take students (out of shark season of course) for skills practice as it is quite sheltered from the overhead currents. There are many resident potato bass found in the surrounding overhangs as well as many types of moray eel.

Howards Castle
- Maximum Depth 27m - Advanced divers
This recently discovered and pristine site is not often dived as it requires a longer boat ride and sea conditions need to be calm. There are loads of interesting gullies and overhangs as well as a wide diversity of marine life.

Aliwal Dive Centre - Aliwal Shoal - Turtle
Inside Edge
- Maximum depth 22m - Open Water divers
This section of the reef encompasses the entire inshore edge of the shoal. Although many large species of fish, sharks, dolphins and rays may be found here, it is particularly good for finding smaller things such as octopus, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, firefish, cowfish, nudibranchs and eels.

The top of ledge is at about 14 to 16m and open water divers can therefore enjoy this dive site providing they level off.

Outside Edge
- Maximum depth 27m - Open Water to Advanced divers (depending on the area)
This is the dive site for viewing the big stuff, and it is always a good idea to keep an eye out at midwater where schools of hammerheads, game fish or the odd tiger shark may be found.

Aliwal Dive Centre - Aliwal Shoal - Triggerfish
Eelskins
- Maximum depth 18m - Open Water Divers
This dive site is superb example of the fossilized rock formations. Situated near the south western tip of the reef there are lots of clusters of reef with plenty of sand gullies and lovely swim throughs.

Many cowries can be found here and as the gullies offer shelter from the currents you will often find Raggies during the season and lots of shoaling tropical fish.

North Eastern Pinnacles
- Maximum depth 14m - Open Water Divers
A very easy and gentle dive site for open water divers and beginners. Lots of potholes forming sheltered nurseries for small fish. Many anemones with clown fish to watch, also a good site for octopus. You may see some large potato bass sheltering from the current.

North Sands and South Sands
- Maximum depth 15m - Open Water Divers
These two large sand patches are an ideal location for students to practice their skills and for divers to descend and pause to adjust buoyancy before exploring the reef. An ideal pace to find sand sharks and often groups of dolphins can be found playing and rubbing themselves on the sand. Truly an amazing sight !

Manta Point
- Depth 15 – 22m - Mainly Advanced Divers
Lots of nooks and crannies where crayfish and cleaner shrimp hide. Good area to find rays of all varieties especially Manta Rays during the season.

FOR THE WRECK ENTHUSIAST:

Aliwal Dive Centre - Aliwal Shoal
MV Produce
- Maximum depth 32m - Advanced Divers
This steel cargo ship was carrying molasses when it hit the reef and sunk in 1974. It is lying on its hull in 3 sections. The stern and bow are more or less intact but the centre section has collapsed. A favourite haunt of Lion Fish, and everyone who dives here is hoping for a glimpse of the two giant Brindle Bass which are rumored to weigh around 400 Kg ! Look out for the big moray eel which lives in the wreck toilet. The very rare Harlequin Goldie (which is indigenous to this area) has been seen here. You may be lucky enough to see a Tiger Shark if the visibility is good.

Nebo
- Maximum depth 27m - Advanced Divers
The wooden wreckage of this old steamer which sunk in 1884 lies approximately 1 Km north west of Aliwal Shoal. It is still possible to see the propeller and the boiler on the wreck. There are many eels and large shoals of baitfish at all times of the year. You will see many different species of shrimps around the boiler area. Keep an eye open for Barracuda and Tuna which are hunting the smaller fish which shelter here. There have been sightings of paper fish and frog fish on the wreck.
Protea Bank           Aliwal Shoal              Sodwana Bay