Aliwal Shoal
South Africa · KwaZulu-NatalAn ancient sandstone reef with caves, gullies and pinnacles, about 40 minutes from Durban. Its best-known feature is The Cathedral, an amphitheatre-shaped sandy depression where grey nurse sharks gather by the dozen in season. The depth is around 25 m and it is manageable at Open Water level.
Depth
5–30 m
Recommended level
Advanced Open Water
Average visibility
15 m
Water temperature
23 °C
Current
Moderate to strong
Access
Boat
Best time
June-November
Recommended certification
Advanced Open Water
Approx. price
70 USD / dive
Protection status
Área Marina Protegida de Aliwal Shoal
Did you know
El arrecife se beneficia de la corriente cálida de Agulhas, que trae agua azul índigo y grandes pelágicos. Se bucea sin jaula.
Sources consulted: Wikipedia (Sodwana Bay National Park / Protea Banks MPA); iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority; SeaCrush; Mozambique Experience; Jenman Safaris
Location
See on the interactive map22 species documented in Aliwal Shoal
Least ConcernBallena jorobada
Megaptera novaeangliae
Near ThreatenedTiburón tigre
Galeocerdo cuvier
Near ThreatenedTiburón toro
Carcharhinus leucas
Critically EndangeredTortuga carey
Eretmochelys imbricata
EndangeredTortuga verde
Chelonia mydas
Anjova
Pomatomus saltatrix
Calderón gris
Grampus griseus
Carabela portuguesa
Physalia physalis
Cazón
Galeorhinus galeus
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
Least ConcernDelfín mular
Tursiops truncatus
Dragón azul
Glaucus atlanticus
Ecosystem
Similar spots
Which other dive sites are like this one?
Cape Vidal
South Africa
Hasta 25 m · Advanced Open Water
Dolphins · sharks and seabirds during the Sardine Run
View dive siteMismo país: South Africa
Sodwana Bay
South Africa
Hasta 30 m · Open Water
Tiger sharks · manta rays
View dive siteMismo país: South Africa
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about Aliwal Shoal.
Your rating
How many stars would you give Aliwal Shoal?
Comments
Share your experience diving or sailing at Aliwal Shoal.
Be the first to comment.