Raggedtooth Tiger Sharks breed at Aliwal Shoal
Voted as one of the top 10 diving destination in the world by both Jacques Cousteau and Diver Magazine, the Shoal continues to grow in popularity and international recognition. Named after the sinking of the Vessel ‘Aliwal’ in 1849, the Shoal comprises of a rocky reef 4-5km off the hibernating, East-coastal town of Umkomaas (The watering place of the whales). This name was given to the town by King Shaka Zulu in 1928.
Dive Sites
Because of its vast size, the shoal offers avid divers numerous locations, the ‘more famous’ being as follows:
- Cathedral: a spectacular hole in the reef, it is the hibernating area of stingrays, moray eels and significantly: the ragged tooth shark. This dive ranges from 10- 28meters.
- The Pinnacles: This site is best dived when there is ‘little or no current’, due to its many caves, gullies and overhangs (all safer to be explored in calmer conditions). The average depth of this dive is 10-15meters.
- Raggie Cave and Shark Alley: Named for its ‘housing’ of ragged tooth sharks during the winter months, this makes for an exciting 16 meter dive.
- North Sands: Constituting the ‘flat, sandy part of the reef’, this dive is ideal for viewing rays and sand sharks. In winter, groups of ragged tooth sharks are also known to ‘congregate’ near the overhang on the southeast side. The average depth of this dive is 12meters.
- South Sands: Similar to the North Sands, this site is also a popular ray, sand and guitar shark location. And also similar to the south, the average depth of this particular dive is 15meters in total.
- Wrecks: The Shoal has two wreck-doves. The first is called The Produce. A Norwegian Bulk and Molasses tanker, Produce sunk just off the coast in 1974. Deeper than most other dives in the region: the wreck lies at 30meters below the surface of the water. On display here would be the ‘Big game fish’ such as salmon, kingfish, brindle bass, lionfish; as well as a fair amount of other tropical species.
- The Nebo: In 1884, the Nebo (which had been carrying railway material etc), struck the shoal and sank. She now lies 30 meters below the surface.
Qualifications
In order to dive at the Shoal, one is required to have any one of the following: PADI, NAUI or a CMAS open water qualification. Furthermore, experienced divers are preferred.
Visibility
Visibility in this region varies from between 5-40 meters and as for the temperature; it hovers anywhere between 19-24 degrees Centigrade.
Wildlife If the aim is to get a glimpse of the ragged tooth shark, then one should definitely aim to dive anywhere between the months of July and November. Apparently, it is not uncommon to find 15-50 of these (actually docile) sharks on a single dive.
Other wildlife also to be spotted includes: dolphins, whales, 1200 different species of fish, turtles, rays, angel and butterfly fish. And besides the ragged tooth, other shark-sightings have also included great whites, tigers, white tips as well as whale sharks.
Finally, riding out to the shoal has been described as an adventure in itself, as the sea is often turbulent with swells and currents, rendering the launch a sometimes ‘bumpy one’.
Aliwal Shoal is located off the seaside town of Umkomaas, about one hour south of Durban on the East Coast of South Africa. Aliwal Shoal has made a significant contribution to the economic growth of the town as is evident by the property for sale in Umkomaas.
Aside: Who was Jacques Cousteau?
He was a renowned French undersea explorer, photographer, inventor of diving devices, and a writer.
