ScubaCo Diving & Travel

Dive Overview

A rocky reef about 5km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Aliwal Shoal is what remains of an ancient sand dune that has become fossilized!Inhabited by a variety of sharks, hard and soft corals, and a veritable smorgasbord of tropical and subtropical fish species. The Aliwal Shoal location is a one-of-a-kind recreational diving site.

Actually a world-famous dive spot, the shoal is named after the three-masted vessel it nearly sank the Aliwal, a ship captained by one James Anderson in 1849. Whether youre keen to explore wrecks, get up close and personal with some epic marine life or view some of natures underwater masterpieces; the Aliwal Shoal has a dive spot to satisfy absolutely everyone!

Shark Diving

The Aliwal Shoal is home to a wide variety of shark species. Throughout the year our waters are home to Oceanic Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Bull Sharks, and the famous ever-present but shy Tiger Shark.

Whether youre keen to do a baited shark dive at Howards Castle, in the hopes of spotting some Tiger Sharks, or are hoping for a more casual, chance encounter with a Raggie or two at a site like Outside Landers, ScubaCo has the inside scoop and can help you become one of the privileged few who can say theyve seen these creatures unobstructed and up close!

[Read More: South Africa Dive Travel Guide & Mozambique Dive Travel Guide]

Sardine Run

The Sardine Run, dubbed the Greatest Shoal on Earth by the BBC, is an annual phenomenon on the East Coast of South Africa. Massive schools of Natal Sardines move eastwards along the Wild Coast, taking advantage of temporary cooler waters along the Continental Shelf. Predators like dolphins, sharks, whales, and birds feast on this abundant food source, creating thrilling bait balls just below the surface. Whether you're a scuba diver, snorkeler, or adventure seeker, Mpame offers the ideal location to witness this remarkable event up close. Bull's Inn Lodge, a 6.5-hour drive from Durban International Airport or 3.5 hours from East London Airport, is your base for an unforgettable experience.

Depart from the beach between 7am to 7:30am and stay at sea until around 2pm, depending on conditions. We receive daily updates on marine life movement to ensure we follow the action, which may involve sardines, various shark species, Humpback whales, super pods of dolphins, and Cape Gannets during this ultimate Marine Migration experience. You'll be in and out of the water snorkeling to keep up with the fast-moving fish, and when a static bait ball forms, you can scuba dive to witness the phenomenon underwater. Note that 95% of Sardine Run experiences are on snorkel due to the dynamics of the bait ball formation.

Package & Rates

6 Nights / 5 Sardine Run Water Days 2024

Diver/snorkeler: R39,600p.p. sharing.

Diver/snorkeler: R44,000single person.

Non Diver: R2,500sharing (no boat days included)

13 Nights / 10 Sardine Run Water Days

Diver/snorkeler: R81,600p.p. sharing.

Diver/snorkeler: R95,100single person.

Non Diver: R2,500sharing (no boat days included)

Photography Boat:6 Nights / 5 Sardine Run Water Days

Diver/snorkeler: R48,200p.p. sharing.

Diver/snorkeler: R51,800single person.

Inclusions

• 6/13 Nights Accommodation (Fully Catered)
• 5/10 Sardine Run Boat Days (Including boat snacks)
• Experienced Dive Master & Skipper
• Boat Fuel for the Day
• Cylinder & Weights Included
• Shared aerial information

Exclusions

• Flights & Taxes
• Passports & Visas
• Personal Insurance
• Dive Gear (can be hired)
• Additional Meals & Beverages unless otherwise specified.
• Gratuities
• All additional afternoon activities and items of a personal nature

Aliwal Immersion Travel Package

The Aliwal Shoal Dive Package, which is fully customizable, is an Aliwal Shoal Diving adventure not to be missed! The Aliwal Shoal is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the Aliwal Shoal Big Five! If youre keen to spot Tiger Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Humpback Whales and the Brindle Bass, this is the dive trip for you!

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: To start your scuba diving adventure off nice and fine, day one will involve unpacking, settling in, and relaxing at 32on Harvey, ScubaCos very own Guesthouse in Umkomaas, where hospitality and friendliness is the name of the game, and the gorgeous tranquil setting will relax you completely!
• Resting up on whatever remains of day one is crucial because Days 2 through 6 will be jam-packed with underwater exploration, and as much adventure as you can squeeze into a less-than-100-hour period!
• Day 2- 6: Dive the Aliwal Shoal, including a Baited Shark Dive and reef or wreck diving.
• Afternoon: Choose between an afternoon Game drive, Valley of a Thousand Hills Cultrual Center or exploring Oribi Gorge and doing a short hike or seeing the Crocs at Crocworld during your afternoons. Our vehicle is available to take you out for an activity of your choice. In the Aliwal Immersion Package you get two outings of your choice.
• Day 7: As our time together draws to a close, well take you out one more time to explore the best of what the Aliwal Shoal has to offer. When all is said and done, we will also ensure you are safely transported back to King Shaka airport in time to make your flight.

Inclusions

• 6 Days Scuba Diving on the Aliwal Shoal, including tank & weights.
• 7 Nights Accommodation, including dinner, bed & breakfast.
• 1 Nights included seafood braai
• Airport transfer to and from King Shaka Airport
• Transportation to and from all included activities and accommodation.

Shark Watch & Shark Snorkeling

One of the best places to view sharks is right on the deck of a boat. There is no need to get into the water to have a great view of sharks unless you really want to. ScubaCo have designed a day trip to do just that because sometimes the best view of these majestic sharks is right from the deck of a boat. They provide shark watching trips for those that prefer to watch sharks from the deck of a boat or for the more adventurous you are able to get into the water and snorkel with them. This is your opportunity to watch these magnificent sharks but not get too close. Learn about them from the comfort of a boat and get all the pictures your heart desires.

 

 

Pricing

Shark Watch: R825 per person

(1,5 hour Ocean safari & admiring the oceanic black tip sharks in action.)

Shark Snorkel with Equipment: R1,650per person

(1,5 hour Ocean safari & snorkeling with the Oceanic Black Tip sharks in action.)

Dive & Safari Travel Packages

These packages are perfect if you want to see the best South Africa has to offer by land and by sea. The Aliwal Shoal is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the Aliwal Shoal Big Five! If youre keen to spot Tiger Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Humpback Whales and the Brindle Bass, this is the dive trip for you! And if you land up on this tour, you'll see the Big Five; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Buffalo among many other fascinating creatures and critters at Nambithi Private Game Reserve.

Fully customizable, the standard itinerary for the Dive and Safari Package includes 9 Days/8 Nights worth of fun!

 

 

 

 

Nambithi Game Reserve

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Your included airport transfer shuttle will be waiting for you upon your arrival at King Shaka Airport in Durban.
• You will then be transported to 32 on Harvey, ScubaCos very own Guesthouse in Umkomaas, which will be your home base for the dive portion of your Dive and Safari Package.
• You will have some time to relax and unpack while surrounded by gorgeous views, before starting your diving adventures tomorrow.
• Youll need the rest and soon be grateful for some down-time as Days Two through Six are simply jam-packed with oceanic exploration!
• Day 2 - 6: Dive the Aliwal Shoal
• Day 7: Day Seven starts with an early morning transfer to Nambithi Game Reserve, in Ladysmith, a privately owned game reseve, which is home to Africas land Big Five, just like the Aliwal Shoal is home to our countrys marine Big Five!
• Day 8: Enjoy a three hour morning and evening game drive. Spend the day relaxing in the African sun while you enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
• Day 9: After your morning game drive, sadly the trip comes to a close and after an exhilarating holiday, your return transfer to the airport will drop you off at King Shaka Airport. Flights need to be later than 4pm.

Inclusions

• Return transfers to King Shaka Airport.
• Transportation to and from all included activities and accommodation.
• 8 Nights Accommodation including breakfast.
• Cylinder rentals, air-fills and weights.

Exclusions

• Airfare and associated/other travel costs to and from Durban to join the group.
• Passports and Visas
• Personal Insurance
• Dive Gear (although we do have gear available for hire)
• Lunches, Dinners and beverages
• All additional activities and items of a personal nature (though we would be happy to organize these activities for you and to customize your package ahead of your stay with us).
• Marine Protected Area Permit (+/- ZAR 65)

Best Bits Of Africa Travel Package

Every ScubaCo's longest standard itinerary package, and definitely not a trip for the faint of heart, this package is for those who want to experience the African coastline, wild- and marine-life in all their natural, resplendent glory; like a local, and all in one go! An action-packed trip that runs just short of two weeks, this trip departs once a month with Saturday arrivals, so you will need to book accordingly.

The Aliwal Shoal is home to a wide variety of marine life, including the Aliwal Shoal Big Five! If youre keen to spot Tiger Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Humpback Whales and the Brindle Bass, this is the dive trip for you! And if you land up on this tour, you'll see the Big Five; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Buffalo among many other fascinating creatures and critters at The Hluhluwe-Imfalozi Game Park and its neighbour, the Falaza Game Reserve.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1: Your included airport transfer shuttle will be waiting for you upon your arrival at King Shaka Airport in Durban.
• You will then be transported to 32 on Harvey, ScubaCos very own Guesthouse in Umkomaas, which will be your home away from home for about half of your trip. You will have some time to relax and unpack while surrounded by gorgeous tranquil setting, before starting your diving adventures tomorrow.
• Youll need the rest and soon be grateful for some down-time as Days Two through Six are simply jam-packed with oceanic exploration!
• Day 2 6: Dive the Aliwal Shoal
• Day 6: The adventure is only just beginning!
• On day six we whisk you away to St. Lucia for a night at the Elephant Lake Hotel on the shores of the St. Lucia Estuary. Here you will be treated to a relaxing boat ride, and will have the opportunity to recuperate from your week spent scuba diving by relaxing in the stunning accommodation options provided.
• Day 7: Day Seven starts with an early morning transfer to the Falaza Game Reserve which neighbours the world-renowned Hluhluwe-Imfalozi Game Park, which is home to Africas land Big Five, just like the Aliwal Shoal is home to our countrys marine Big Five!
• On Day Seven you will have the opportunity to take part in two game activities where you will be able to spot a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, a wide variety of buck, zebras, giraffes, and so many more creatures and critters alike!
• By the end of Day Seven, we depart for Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique! Famous for its pristine beaches and warm water, you will have the opportunity to get settled in at the Coco Rico Resort before exploring everything this stretch of coastline has to offer.
• Day 8 11: Explore the crystal clear waters off Mozambique.
• Day 12: Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and on Day Twelve we depart for Durban again, where you will be transferred to King Shaka Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight home.

 

 

 

Inclusions

• Return King Shaka Airport Transfers
• All Transportation to and from Included Activities / Accommodation
• 4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Umkomaas
• 1 Nights Accommodation at Elephant Lake Hotel incl. Breakfast
• 1 Boat Cruise at St Lucia
• 2 Nights Accommodation at Falaza Game Reserve incl. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• 2 Falaza Game Activities
• 4 Nights Accommodation at Coco Rico Resort in Ponta do Oura, Mozambique incl. Breakfast
• 7 Diving Days incl. Cylinder & Weights

Custom Travel Packages

You can custom build an itinerary to suit your needs. Choose how many dives, days, locations, travel destinations, and accommodations are included in your unique travel package!

Optional destinations in your Custom Package include:

Aliwal Shoal (Umkomaas)

This is one of Africas most biologically diverse dive sites, and conceivably one of the best places in the world for cageless shark diving experiences. During the year, the reef is also filled with loads of other marine life from colourful tropical fish, turtles cruising around and pods of bottlenose dolphins, to humpback whales!

Umkomaas boasts a great variety of shark species too, which of course means that our very famous seasonal visitors, the Tiger shark, Ragged tooth sharks and Blacktip sharks will come to show their faces.

Port St. Johns (Transkei)

Situated on the Wild Coast in the Transkei, Port St Johns is a gorgeous little rustic town where you are surrounded by Africas finest fauna, flora, and undisturbed wilderness.

Port St. Johns offers wonderful diving adventures, particularly during June & July during the annual Sardine Run where much activity takes place on the open waters.

Ponta Do Ouro, Mozambique

Ponta do Ouro is a town in the south of Mozambique, lying on the Mozambique Channel south of Maputo and just north of the border with South Africa. It is known for its gorgeous stretch of pristine white beach.

There are also plenty of dolphins and opportunities for offshore diving. Ponta do Ouro offers more than just diving: you can also go on an ocean safari, sunset cruise on a boat, swimming with dolphins and just so much more to keep you busy!

Falaza Game Reserve, Hluhluwe (St. Lucia)

Falaza Game Reserve is neighbouring the World Heritage Site of St. Lucia, the renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve (home to the African Big Five). There are endless activities and opportunities to explore within a close radius of the Reserve. Falaza Game Reserve is a mere four hour pleasing drive from Umkomaas. Here you can enjoy the true African experience and kick back, relax and have a good time!

Valley Of A Thousand Hills

The breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills is an exciting component of Durban and South Africas province of KwaZulu-Natal the Kingdom of the Zulu. The Valley of 1000 Hills is one of those few holiday destinations that has something for everyone. Unspoilt nature, wildlife, magnificent scenery, wining and dining, and warm country hospitality just a half an hours drive from the centre of Durban. The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River, which flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the warm inviting Indian Ocean.

Tala Game Reserve

Tala is a wildlife sanctuary spanning over 3000 hectares with many diverse natural environments. The reserve features over 380 bird species, with big game that includes kudu, hippo, giraffe and eland Care to explore?

 

 

 

Crocworld Conservation Centre

Escape into a world of natural beauty and wonder at Crocworld Conservation Centre. Enjoy an exciting and educational experience, getting up close and personal with these wonderful creatures.

The animal farm & playground and walk-through bird aviary are open daily with crocodile feedings taking place twice a day. Snake demonstrations happen on Saturdays & Sundays.

Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Adventures

Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge offers a variety of adrenaline-high adventures! From the Wild Gorge Swing, which is the ultimate rush, to river rafting, abseiling, zip-line sliding through the gorge, and even walking across the suspension bridge; you are bound to find an activity to suit your adrenaline junkie needs!

Accommodation Overview

32 on Harvey Guesthouse

ScubaCo's guesthouse "32 On Harvey" offers upmarket accommodation to guests with all the amenities that you would expect, allowing them to offer a complete package. "32 On Harvey" boasts 4 en suite rooms downstairs, and a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment upstairs. In addition there is a 3 meter deep swimming pool and an outdoor entertainment area which comfortably accommodates 20 guests.