Question 1

When is the best time to see ragged-tooth sharks at Aliwal Shoal?

Accepted Answer

Ragged-tooth sharks, locally known as 'raggies,' congregate at Aliwal Shoal between July and November for their annual mating season. During these months, divers can observe dozens of sharks resting in the Cathedral and other overhang formations. Some sharks are present year-round, but winter and spring offer the most reliable encounters.

Question 2

What certification do I need to dive Aliwal Shoal?

Accepted Answer

Most dive sites on Aliwal Shoal range from 12 to 27 metres, so an Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Some shallower sections of the Crown are accessible to Open Water divers. Boat launches through the surf can be rough, so some experience with ocean diving is advisable.

Question 3

How do you get to Aliwal Shoal and where do boats launch from?

Accepted Answer

Aliwal Shoal is accessed from the small town of Umkomaas, about 50 kilometres south of Durban on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Dive operators launch rigid inflatable boats directly through the surf from the Umkomaas river mouth. The ride to the reef takes approximately 10 minutes. King Shaka International Airport in Durban is the nearest major airport.

Question 4

What makes Cathedral Rock different from Two Mile Reef at Sodwana?

Accepted Answer

Cathedral Rock is located on Seven Mile Reef, further from shore than the popular Two Mile Reef. It features dramatic vertical pinnacle structures reaching from 27 metres up to about 12 metres, creating natural archways and swim-throughs that give the site its cathedral name. The reef formations are taller and more three-dimensional than Two Mile Reef, and the greater distance from shore typically means fewer divers and better visibility.

Question 5

Can I see ragged-tooth sharks at Cathedral Rock?

Accepted Answer

Ragged-tooth sharks, known as grey nurse sharks in Australia, aggregate in the overhangs and caves of Sodwana's deeper reefs during the winter months from June to October. Cathedral Rock is one of their preferred habitats, and divers regularly encounter groups of five to fifteen sharks resting motionless in the shelter of the overhangs. These are docile animals that pose no threat to divers, and the sight of multiple sharks in a single overhang is unforgettable.

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Aliwal Shoal

Cathedral Rock Sodwana Bay

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