About the country
Aliwal Shoal is part of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, on the east coast. It’s a protected marine area.
Umkomaas (“cow whale” in Zulu) is the starting point for diving in the marine park, there are at least 4 dive clubs, and the small village sits a 45-minute drive from Durban airport.
Why cow whale ? Southern right whales used to come and calve in the estuary.
With a sporty shore entry, low visibility, current, and good-sized sharks that aren’t particularly shy, Aliwal Shoal will remain one of those guaranteed-thrills dive spots !
Here’s the map of the dive sites : .
Here’s the map of the marine parks of southern and southeastern South Africa : .
Our opinion
Difficulty
Visibility
Diversity
Atmosphere
Practical
In February 2018.
Scuba Addicts offers several South Africa and Mozambique packages. At Aliwal Shoal, a two-dive outing is offered in the morning.
Large zodiac, the skipper and guide have lived and dived in Umkomaas for more than twenty years, but the sea and weather are unpredictable on this stretch of coast, and visibility and temperature can drop drastically.
In February 2018.
The Scuba Addicts lodge is very spacious and comfortable. Every room looks out over the sea, there’s a small pool, and the dive club is right inside the lodge.
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi park (the oldest game reserve in the world) for a chance to spot the Big Five. Tours are led by a park ranger, fascinating.
Lake St Lucia to admire crocodiles, hippos and seabirds.