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Looking for the ultimate adventure holiday destination? Look no further than South Africa! Here, you can experience heart-pumping activities like adrenaline shark diving, wreck diving, and exploring amazing reefs. If you’re more interested in land-based thrills, you can take part in a luxury big game safari or go abseiling down Table Mountain. And when you’re ready to slow down and take in the local culture, cosmopolitan Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve are waiting to be explored. With so much to do and see, South Africa offers the adventure of a lifetime!
At Scuba Dive Adventures we offer a unique and personalised travel service that sets us apart in the diving industry. Our bespoke adventures are carefully crafted to cater to your individual preferences and desires taking you on exhilarating journeys to the all corners of the world. Our passion for creating unforgettable experiences is evident in every trip we plan. Our commitment to excellence ensures that your adventure is truly unique and unforgettable.
At Scuba Dive Adventures we have created a unique brand and culture that permeates every aspect of our business. We are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our clients from our unparalleled customer service and top quality liveaboards, to our carefully selected global destinations. Our focus on safety, agility and adventure allows us to push boundaries and set high standards in the diving industry. Join us for an unforgettable journey that exceeds your expectations at every turn.
At Scuba Dive Adventures we are committed to sustainable travel, wildlife conservation and supporting local communities. We believe that responsible exploration of the oceans is crucial and strive to promote and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the underwater world. Our passion for the ocean is reflected in our core values, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we visit. Join us in our mission to protect our oceans for generations to come.
Aliwal Shoal has been personally ranked by legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. With just one dive, you can catch a glimpse of up to 7 species of rays, 9 species of sharks, eels, turtles, dolphins, whales, and macro marine life. The reef at Aliwal Shoal is the crown jewel of the Marine Protected Area, providing a thriving ecosystem for marine creatures to flourish.
One of the most captivating sightings at the shoal is the Raggies or ragged tooth sharks, which are regularly spotted between August and November as they come to mate. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are known for their docile nature, and there has never been a recorded shark attack in the history of diving at Aliwal Shoal. These sharks are often seen near the famous ‘raggy caves’, but it’s not just the prospect of seeing 15 to 20 sharks at once that draws divers to this site.
n addition to the incredible array of marine life already mentioned, Aliwal Shoal is also home to magnificent mantas, moray eels, huge stingrays, sweetlips, and the impressive potato groupers, also known as potato bass or cod. If you’re lucky and visiting during certain times of the year, you may even encounter playful dolphins, humpbacks, whale sharks, and hammerheads. Let’s not forget about the schools of pelagic and coral fish that inhabit the 5-kilometer long reef or shoal.
Water temperatures at the shoal are comfortable year-round, with average temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius during summer and not dropping below 19 degrees Celsius in winter. This is due to the shoal’s location on the inner edge of the Mozambique current. With such ideal conditions and diverse marine life, Aliwal Shoal offers a truly unforgettable diving experience.
Shark dives
Experience the unique and thrilling baited shark dives at the Aliwal Shoal, a must-do activity during your visit. Two baited drums filled with local sardines and fish oil create a scent trail that attracts resident oceanic black tip sharks for a close encounter. During the summer months (November to March), tiger sharks are frequently seen, and sometimes accompanied by shy bull sharks. Witness the migration of hammerheads and the occasional sighting of great white sharks. This dive offers a positive and safe way to interact with sharks and capture the experience on camera, without any feeding or touching. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures.
Cape Town, renowned as Africa’s most magnificent city, is the destination of our luxurious Boutique Hotel stay. From this prime location, we will revel in the beauty of this historic city and explore its many wonders. Our itinerary includes a thrilling Cape Peninsula tour, showcasing the most breathtaking views of the rugged terrain. We will visit the charming Boulders Beach, which is home to a lively colony of African Penguins, before culminating our journey at the iconic Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. This is the southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula, where the merging of two oceanic currents creates a captivating spectacle.
Experience the excitement of Table Mountain with the choice to either climb or take a thrilling ride to the top. For the daring souls, abseiling from the peak is also an option. Bask in the beauty of Camps Bay’s stunning beaches or take a leisurely stroll through the iconic V&A Waterfront, steeped in history. And of course, no visit to Cape Town is complete without indulging in the exquisite wines of the region. With an array of activities to choose from, Cape Town truly offers something for everyone.
Experience an unforgettable Scuba Adventure with Scuba Dive Adventures!
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
The package includes transfers, scuba diving, and specified land-based activities, as well as accommodation for:
7 nights in Umkomaas (Full Board)
Optional Extra
4 nights in Cape Town ( Bed & Breakfast) £799
Please note that international flights, non-specified activities, and tips/gratuities are not included. Single supplements may apply.
Please be advised that all activities and launch times are subject to change due to local environmental conditions, and the order in which they are conducted may also change.
For more information or to book this fabulous Scuba Adventure, please contact the Scuba Dive Adventures team at 0113 4508606 or sales@scubadiveadventures.co.uk
Aliwal Shoal is home to a diverse range of shark species that can be observed year-round. However, it’s important to note that sightings are subject to the unpredictable nature of wildlife.
Some of the species that can be spotted include the Guitar shark (March to October), Dusky shark (May to September), Hammerhead shark (October to March), Tiger and Bull shark (November to May), Whale shark (December to February), and Whitetip Reef shark (December to May).
Additionally, the Ragged Tooth shark, which uses Aliwal Shoal as a mating site, can be seen, sometimes in large numbers, from June to November. The Oceanic Blacktip shark is a frequent sight throughout the year, along with dolphins and turtles. The Humpback whale can also be observed from June to November.
A diving trip from Umkomass, South Africa, allows you to dive the wreck of a Norwegian carrier, the MV Produce,On 11 August 1974, this 176 m long vessel, carrying a cargo of molasses, grounded on a shoal while the master was napping. Within 30 minutes, the crew abandoned the vessel, which sank four hours later. The merchant ship SAS Oranjeland and an Air Force helicopter picked up the entire crew.
This very popular wreck is located 1 km northwest of Aliwal, at the mouth of the Mkomazi River, in a marine protected area where a diving permit is required.The north-facing MV Produce lies on its starboard side at a depth of 32 m, with its superstructure rising to 14 m below the surface. The remains of the wreck cover the bottom for a distance of about 100 m while the average visibility is 10 m. Nevertheless, you can explore the bow and stern of the boat during the same dive.
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula boast two stunning coastlines that offer an array of beaches, perfect for any occasion or mood. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant beach scene with buzzing bars, tranquil coves for seclusion, safe swimming areas, or a romantic spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a picnic, you’ll find it all here.
If you’re in search of a beach in Cape Town where you can spend a leisurely day lounging and unwinding, then look no further than Camps Bay Beach. This renowned stretch of sand is known for its reliability and is a popular, family-friendly destination that attracts hundreds of visitors during high season. Its coveted Blue Flag status only adds to its allure.
Along the powdery white sands, you’ll find an abundance of cafes, bars, and restaurants, creating a trendy and fashionable atmosphere that makes it the place to be.
With a winemaking history spanning over 300 years, South Africa has firmly established itself as one of the leading wine-producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. The country’s wine industry seamlessly blends the old and new, resulting in a diverse range of styles that have garnered international recognition and acclaim. In fact, South Africa ranked as the world’s seventh-largest wine producer in 2016, accounting for an impressive 3.9% of global wine output.
South Africa boasts a broad selection of red and white grape varieties, with white grapes comprising 55% of the country’s 96,000 hectares of vineyards. This rich variety of grapes has allowed South African winemakers to create wines that are both exceptional in quality and excellent value. As a result, South African wines are now considered among the best in the world, consistently competing at the highest level.
