The Aliwal Shoal is a sandstone reef formed thousands of years ago and lies 5 km offshore in the warm Indian Ocean on the East Coast of South Africa. Divers get taken to the reef in semi- rigid inflatable boats, which are launched through the surf. This in itself is an adrenaline raising experience unique to South Africa.

It attracts a myriad of fish and is best known for the annual visit to it by hundreds of spotted ragged tooth Sharks during the winter and spring (June to October). This forms part of their breeding cycle and makes for spectacular diving. The careful diver can literally come to within meters of these fierce looking creatures offering fantastic opportunities to the under water photographer. Shoals of hammerhead sharks, Zambezi sharks and Whale sharks are also regular visitors to the reef and surrounds.

The reef is in pristine condition and an abundance of hard and soft corals, reef fish and sponges awaits the diver. The depth on Aliwal Shoal ranges from 5 m on the “Pinnacles” to 27m in “Cathedral”. Visibility can range from 10m to more than 30m.