Cnr. Moodie & Reynolds Roads, Umkomaas // 039-973-2578 + 039-973-0161+ 079-527-77 05
Click Here For bookings + www.info@oad.co.za

 

 

Welcome to
Oceans Alive Diving

Rated one of the top 10 dive sites on earth, the Aliwal Shoal is well worth the trip to discover exactly what this popular reef has to offer.

Ranging in depth from 9m to 27m, with visibility anywhere between 2m to 30m on the day, the Aliwal Shoal is located approximately 5km offshore, between Umkomaas and Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The reef forms part of an extensive offshore reef system that runs along most of KwaZulu-Natal; a system formed by dunes submerged some ten to eighteen thousand years ago.

 


SHARKS GALORE
Renowned for its excellent shark diving, the Aliwal Shoal is a gathering ground for large numbers of ragged-tooth sharks, where a dive amongst these spectacular creatures is truly an unforgettable experience. Shoals of hammerhead sharks have also been sighted while other species, such as Zambezi and Great Whites, are also occasionally spotted. Whale sharks are quite common and are always a pleasurable experience.

But sharks are not the only excitement off our coast. Aliwal Shoal also teems with loads of other fascinating sea life. Here you can also see big sea turtles, huge potato bass and hoards of local game fish.


Scuba Courses
We offer NAUI and PADI dive courses from
Open-water to Instructor, as well as a variety
of Speciality courses. If interested, simply
e-mail us at info@oad.co.za


WRECK DIVING
Besides the beautiful reef, for those interested in wreck diving, Aliwal Shoal offers some formidable experiences. The 'MV Produce', a Norwegian bulk molasses carrier, struck the Shoal’s northeast pinnacle on 11 August, 1974 and then drifted off to her present resting place where she broke in two.

Lying at an average depth of 30m, diving 'The Produce' is the perfect opportunity to do an Enriched Air Program, a Wreck Specialty, or a Deep Diving specialty.

'The Produce' also offers the added bonus of viewing rich and varied marine life. While exploring the wonders of this huge and simply magnificent shipwreck you can also swim amongst salmon and kingfish, colourful scorpion fish and a huge variety of tropical fish.

Dive Shop / Facilities / Gear

On site equipment features a Bauer compressor with Nitrox, our own branded Lizzard wetsuits, new Scubapro rental gear and Faber cylinders.

 

To ensure your Oceans Alive Diving experience is both enjoyable and memorable, our dive shop and kit-up area are designed with comfort in mind. The modern shower, toilet and kit-up area also has plenty of safe, dry storage capacity for your gear.

While we are not a fully-fledged Scuba gear retailer, if you do require something we don’t have we will gladly order it for you.

Coffee, tea and rusks are always on hand, plus ice-cold fridges stocked with a selection of favourite foamy beverages and USN Energy drinks.


We also stock a range of the latest Firefish Divewear, as well as books on the Aliwal Shoal and its inhabitants.


Useful information and how to find us


The Aliwal Shoal lies 50km / 31 miles south of Durban. 5km / 3 miles offshore, between Scottburgh and Umkomaas. The boat trip from launch sites are 5 to 7 km.
Visibility: 6 to 30 metres / 20 to 100ft - average 15 metres / 50ft. Sea temperature : Jan – Jun: 22 – 28°C = 3 to 5mm wetsuit advised. Jul – Dec: 18 – 24°C = min. 5mm wetsuit advised.


 



+ From Durban, on the N2 South, take the Umkomaas turn off (exit 117)
+ Follow signs to Umkomaas
+ At four-way stop turn right into Robinson Street
+ Take the 3rd road left into Harvey Street
+ Carry on straight until Harvey Street crosses Reynolds Street
+ We are at No 1. Reynolds Street

As we share the same premises as the Lala Manzi Hotel, this would be your logical choice for accommodation.
- to find out more
 
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