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Aliwal Shoal with Africa Tour |
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Page 1 of 2 ALIWAL SHOAL
Situated on the south coast of KwaZulu Natal and rated as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Aliwal is a site where one can experience seeing all the tropical fish, whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and rays. A real adventure!
Aliwal Shoal was named after the sinking of the three mast vessel known as the "Aliwal" captained by James Anderson in 1849. The Aliwal Shoal is now recognized as one of the finest dive sites in the world, with the prime attraction being the famous Ragged Tooth shark, fondly known as “Raggies”. These fierce looking but amiable sharks have made the shoal their home during South Africa's winter months and it is common to dive among the packs of 15-20 Raggies.
Once the Ragged Tooth sharks leave during the month of November, the other sharks make their presence felt. Schooling hammerheads are abundant in the summer months. The occasional Zambezi (bull shark) pays a visit and you may be blessed with a large tiger shark.
The tiger shark, so named on account of the tiger-like stripes that cover much of its body, is one of the most striking of the world’s large sharks and is considered to be the second most dangerous after the white shark.
Until recently the tiger shark was considered mainly as a nuisance by anglers and spearfishermen. They are caught in the shark nets that protect some of the most famous bathing beaches in South Africa. However, a few years ago a professional diver from the coastal village of Umkomaas, found ways to work with these magnificent animals and since then some dramatic footage has been shot. One four metre female tiger shark, affectionately named “Betty”, has visited the same spot each season and appears to be the dominant shark in the area.
Besides the sharks, aliwal shoal also offers two wreck dives:
1)"The Nebo" is reported to have been carrying materials for the Van Stadens river bridge back in the 1800's when she sunk due to incorrect loading. She was very top heavy and when she encountered rough seas she, went belly up and sank. The wreck, which is over 100 years old, is broken into two main parts.
2)"The Produce" is an old cargo vessel that was allegedly carrying molasses. It is 119m long and lies facing North. She has come to rest on her starboard side and her back is broken leaving her mid ship very flat and scattered. Her propeller has been salvaged, however her spare prop can still be seen on her bow. In addition the Produce also host to Giant Brindle Bass, which are massive fish approx 2m long, and 1.5m wide.
ALIWAL SHOAL SHOULD NOT BE DIVED BY INEXPERIENCE DIVERS
Photographs courtesy of Africa Tour
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