Get face-to-face with the ocean’s top predators on this all-inclusive, 7-night shark diving adventure in South Africa. Designed for thrill-seekers and marine life enthusiasts, this expedition brings you to two of the best shark diving hotspots in the world — all in one unforgettable trip.
Over 6 full diving days, you’ll might encounter over six shark species, five types of rays, massive potato and goliath groupers, and an incredible variety of tropical and pelagic marine life. From reef scenes to adrenaline-pumping open-water baited dives, every dive delivers action, biodiversity, and world-class photo opportunities.
This seasonal package runs from May to November, when conditions are ideal for both reef and shark diving along South Africa’s legendary coastline.
Why South Africa?
Because nowhere else can you combine Big 5 wildlife safaris with world-class shark diving in one trip. Dive among coral reefs teeming with life in the morning and track lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in the afternoon. It’s the ultimate safari-dive experience, with biodiversity that few destinations on Earth can match.
Aliwal Shoal – The Shark Diving Capital
Home base for the expedition is Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned Marine Protected Area and official Mission Blue Hope Spot. This vibrant reef system offers:
Year-round shark sightings
Diverse reef life from nudibranchs to tiger sharks
Two baited shark dives for close encounters with pelagic species
Opportunities to see bull sharks, hammerheads, and more during the summer season
Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot or simply seeking the thrill of sharing water with apex predators, South Africa’s Shark Expedition is a must-do dive trip.
Adventure. Diversity. Big animals. One epic journey.
Day 1: Arrival in South Africa
Arrive at King Shaka International Airport (Durban). Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Blue Ocean Dive Resort in Umkomaas (approximately 1-hour drive). Settle into your room, relax by the ocean, and meet the team for a welcome briefing and gear check.
Day 2: Aliwal Shoal – Reef & Baited Dive
Start your adventure with one reef shark dive and one baited shark dive at Aliwal Shoal, a world-famous Marine Protected Area. Expect encounters with ragged-tooth sharks, oceanic blacktips, dusky sharks, and maybe even tiger sharks. The baited dive brings you up close in blue water for an unforgettable shark experience.
Day 3: Protea Banks – Advanced Shark Diving
Enjoy two deep, adrenaline-filled shark dives at Protea Banks, known for its open-ocean pelagic action. You may see bull sharks, blacktips, dusky sharks, hammerheads, and more. This site is ideal for advanced divers who love blue water drifting and large marine life.
Day 4: Aliwal Shoal – Wrecks and Reefs
Return to Aliwal Shoal for two more dives exploring its rich reef systems. Sites may include the Cathedral, Raggie Cave, or the famous wreck of the MV Produce, all home to sharks, groupers, turtles, and colorful reef fish.
Day 5: Protea Banks – Baited Dive & Exploration
Head back to Protea Banks for one baited shark dive and one reef dive. The baited dive offers close interactions with large shark species, while the reef dive gives a deeper look at this wild underwater environment.
Day 6: Aliwal Shoal – Final Baited and Reef Dive
Today includes one baited dive and one reef dive at Aliwal Shoal. This is your chance to get those final thrilling encounters and photos of sharks in action, with the chance to see blacktips, raggies, and other species one more time.
Day 7: Aliwal Shoal – Final Shark Dives
Wrap up your dive week with two final shark dives at Aliwal Shoal. Revisit your favorite dive sites or explore new ones with your guide. Enjoy your last day in the water surrounded by South Africa’s most iconic marine life.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, we transfer you back to King Shaka International Airport (Durban) for your return flight home or to your next destination. Optional Big 5 Safari extensions are available on request.
Get closer than ever before during two baited shark dives, designed for safe and up-close encounters with pelagic predators. Capture unforgettable photos as sharks swirl around you in the blue.
SHARK DIVING PACKAGE
ADD A BIG 5 SAFARI PACKAGE
Aliwal Shoal is a designated Mission Blue Hope Spot, recognized for its ecological importance and vibrant biodiversity. Every dive supports marine conservation awareness.
Your Gateway to Aliwal Shoal’s Marine Wonders
Nestled in the coastal town of Umkomaas, about a 45-minute drive south of Durban International Airport, Blue Ocean Dive Resort offers an unforgettable stay in a charming colonial-style lodge set amongst lush tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean and local golf course.
Accommodation & Atmosphere
A beautifully restored 1934 heritage building with 20 spacious en‑suite rooms, including singles, twins, doubles, and family options, accommodating up to 54 guests, with no single supplement fees
With complimentary Wi‑Fi, 24/7 security, a small swimming pool, and a sun deck offering sweeping sea views and sunset moments over the waves
Restaurant & Bar
On-site sea-view restaurant and bar serving breakfast, wood‑fired pizzas, local seafood dishes, and drinks beneath the palm trees
A relaxed gathering spot for social evenings — think “braai” BBQ-style dinners, dive debriefs, sunset drinks, and video sharing around the fire
Dive with a highly experienced team who specialize in shark behavior, baited diving, and underwater safety, ensuring thrilling encounters with confidence and control.
There are many daily flights to Durban International Airport (KSIA / DUR), some are direct international flights (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar via Doha, BA via Heathrow, Turkish Air via Istanbul).
There are daily flights to Durban from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT)
You will find all year round sharks at Aliwal Shoal 🙂
South African Rand (ZAR)
English (and Afrikaans ofcourse 😉 )
Yes. This expedition is designed for certified and confident divers with at least 30 logged dives and experience in drift diving and blue water conditions. Some dives take place at depths exceeding 25–30 meters with strong currents, so comfort and control in open water are essential.
You can expect to see a wide variety of shark species, including:
Ragged-tooth sharks (sand tigers)
Oceanic blacktip sharks
Dusky sharks
Bull sharks
Tiger sharks (seasonal)
Scalloped hammerheads (seasonal sightings)
Baited shark dives involve placing bait drums in the water to attract sharks using scent trails. Divers remain neutrally buoyant at depth in open water, with experienced guides monitoring the environment at all times. These dives are highly controlled, well-regulated, and conducted by professionals, ensuring safety and respect for the animals.
Aliwal Shoal is a shallower reef system (18–30m) known for reef sharks, shipwrecks, and excellent biodiversity. It’s suitable for both baited and reef dives.
Protea Banks is deeper (up to 40m), more advanced, and known for big pelagic sharks and drift diving. It offers thrilling encounters with bull sharks, hammerheads, and seasonal tiger sharks.
We recommend bringing your own gear for familiarity and comfort, but rentals are available upon request.
Mask, snorkel, and fins (full-foot fins are ideal for boat entries)
Wetsuit (5mm to 7mm recommended for South Africa’s winter ocean temperatures of 17–21°C / 63–70°F)
Dive computer (required for all scuba divers)
BCD and regulator set (DIN or yoke – confirm compatibility)
Booties and gloves (for warmth and protection)
Weight belt (optional – we provide weights if needed)
Surface marker buoy (SMB/DSMB – highly recommended)
Underwater torch or dive light
Dry bag or waterproof box for personal items on the boat
Spare parts kit (mask strap, fin strap, mouthpiece, O-rings, etc.)
The climate is mild to warm, but early mornings and evenings can be cool. Dress for layering and comfort.
Lightweight T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts
Long pants and warm layers for cool evenings
Light fleece, hoodie, or jacket for wind and warmth
Waterproof or windbreaker jacket for boat rides
Swimsuits (bring at least two)
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses with UV protection (polarized if possible)
Reef-safe sunscreen with high SPF
Lip balm with SPF
Toiletries (consider biodegradable options)
Travel-size laundry detergent (optional for hand-washing)
Capture your experience while protecting your gear from the elements.
Waterproof camera, action cam, or GoPro
Underwater housing and accessories
Extra batteries and memory cards
Laptop or tablet (optional, for backups or editing)
Power adapter for South Africa (Type M plug, 230V)
Headlamp or flashlight (useful for early mornings and evenings)
Any personal medication (with a copy of prescriptions)
Motion sickness medication (Dramamine, Stugeron, or similar)
Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, antihistamines, etc.)
Rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Tissues or wet wipes
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages)
Dive certification card and/or logbook
Proof of travel and dive insurance (required for divers)
Flight details and travel confirmations
Credit/debit card and a small amount of cash in South African Rand (ZAR)
Pen for customs and entry forms
Waterproof pouch or document wallet
Book, Kindle, or travel journal
Reusable water bottle or thermos
Power bank or portable charger
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Quick-dry towel or compact beach towel
Small backpack or waterproof day bag for excursions
Snacks or energy bars for long boat days
Cooler bag or insulated bottle for cold drinks
You should be in reasonably good health and have the recommended vaccinations or be up to date before arriving in South Africa.
