African Sharks Holidays experience - Elite Diving Agency '25

South Africa – African Sharks

The Ultimate Predator Adventure

One Coastline, Five Species and a Hundred Stories To Tell

Dream in blue and live for the wild with this epic trip where real encounters become lifelong memories

This is an expedition into the heart of predator territory—where every descent brings you face to face with nature’s most formidable creatures.

Welcome to the southern coast of South Africa, home to two of the most thrilling dive sites on Earth: Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. These nutrient-rich waters are a magnet for Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Oceanic Blacktips, Hammerheads, and the seasonal Ragged-Tooth Sharks, creating an unmatched theatre of motion and power beneath the surface.

But sharks are just the beginning.

Drift through kelp-lined canyons, explore ancient submerged sand dunes, and swim alongside turtles, rays, dolphins, and a spectacular diversity of subtropical reef fish. Every dive here is layered with drama and discovery.

Supported by expert local guides and your own Personal Diver, you’ll experience unforgettable dives tailored to maximize encounters and comfort. These are not aquarium conditions—this is the ocean in its wildest, most awe-inspiring form.

And because every grand dive trip deserves a powerful ending, we’ve added one final, land-based surprise.
Before your flight home, enjoy a desaturation day with a game exploration in the African bush, a moment to reflect, reconnect, and carry the ocean’s energy into the savannah.

This is a journey for thrill-seekers, and ocean romantics.
A deep dive into the wild—both below and beyond.

Umkomaas

Umkomaas is a small coastal town located 48 km south of central Durban on the subtropical south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, beside the mouth of the navigable Mkhomazi River. A large number of whales once used the estuary as a nursery, giving birth in the shallows. The Zulus named the river after this spectacle (Umkhomazi means the place of cow whales).

Occasionally, raft races, canoeing, and other sporting events are held on the river. The river is a popular white-water rafting destination. Umkomaas’ official animal is the Whale. Other wildlife seen in the area include many snakes, most of them harmless varieties like the Red-Lipped Herald and the Brown House Snake. Monkeys here are less common than in Scottburgh, but the birdlife is abundant, with the gregarious and friendly Hadeda Ibis a regular sight. Small wild cats like the Genet and Civet have also been reported, though only on very rare occasions. The crocodiles found near Freeland Park and the lower Amahlongwa, 8 kilometres south, are not present in Umkomaas. Duiker abound and can be seen in Empisini. The much larger and very beautiful Bushbuck is also seen in the vicinity.

Aliwal Shoal

The Aliwal Shoal coral reef was formed about 80,000 years ago. It is most renowned for the superb shark diving opportunities created by the Shoal, at about 5 km offshore.

The local port in Umkomaas is made from the Mkhomazi river, these offers a comfortable environment to load the scuba gears and jump on the 7,5 meter rubber boats that will take us diving.

The adrenaline starts right in the morning when we “launch” from the river, into the big waves and out at sea.

Aliwal Shoal is just 15 minutes aways and this is the place where we do the two daily dives.

First dive is the “shark dive” where we dive with up to 20 to 30 blacktip sharks and, if we’re lucky, one or two tiger sharks.

The second dive is on one of the most attractive reef dives like "Cathedral" or "Raggies Cave", home to the Ragged Tooth Sharks and a number of other species that can be found in the Shoal!

Protea Banks

Protea Banks is the second most popular attraction for shark diving in South Africa. The situation here is quite similar to Aliwal Shoal. We have the same type of speedboat but we launch directly from the sea front.

The first dive usually is a shark dive. We will see blacktip sharks, and we will have great chances to see bull sharks, dusky sharks and hammerheads.

We then rest for breakfast on the restaurant terrace overlooking the ocean and get ready for the second dive on the reef.

Drifting into the blue and spotting ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks and much more.

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

An Exceptional Safari Destination in KwaZulu Natal

Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers a world-class safari experience. This 22,000-acre, malaria-free conservancy is home to the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards – as well as giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, and over 30 species of plains game.

The reserve’s rich biodiversity, featuring thornveld, acacia trees, and expansive grasslands reminiscent of Central Africa, creates an ideal haven for nature enthusiasts.

The reserve’s abundant water system, with perennial rivers and a striking waterfall along the Sundays River, attracts rare bird species, raptors, and vultures, enriching the diverse wildlife experience.

This extraordinary location promises an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the heart of the African wilderness.

Enhance Your Sardine Run & African Sharks Trip

Adding the Nambiti Private Game Reserve to your Sardine Run & African Sharks trip will elevate the experience by offering a thrilling safari adventure alongside the awe-inspiring marine experiences of the Sardine Run and African shark diving.

With the Big Five, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, the reserve provides a unique contrast to the underwater excitement, allowing you to immerse yourself in both land and sea environments.

This addition provides exceptional value, combining two of South Africa’s premier wildlife experiences—an unforgettable safari and exhilarating marine encounters—into one dynamic trip. It allows participants to experience the full spectrum of South Africa’s natural beauty, blending terrestrial and marine wildlife into a single, comprehensive itinerary.

The Itinerary

Diving on the edge of the extraordinary

Day 1

Arrival Day

Arrival in Durban, pick up
Accommodation in Umkomaas, at Agulhas House.

Days 2-3

Aliwal Shoal

Early morning – Shark Dive (Tiger Shark – Oceanic Black Tip)
Second Dive – Aliwal Shoal (Sand Tiger A.K.A. Ragged Tooth Shark)
Accommodation at Agulhas House

Days 4-5

Protea Banks

Early morning transfer to Shelly Beach
Shark Dive (Bull Shark – Hammer Head)
Second Dive – Protea Banks
Accommodation at Agulhas House

Day 6

Aliwal Shoal

Early morning – Shark Dive
Second Dive – Reef Dive on Aliwal Shoal
Accommodation at Agulhas House

Day 7

Meet The Big Five

Transfer to Game Park
Afternoon Game Drive
Accommodation at Game Park "The Springbok Lodge"

Day 8

Departure Day

Early morning Game Drive
Transfer to Durban International Airport for Departure
NOTE: DO NOT book a departure flight before 14:00
End of the “African Sharks"

We aim to follow the outlined program; however, as this is a nature-based expedition, some adjustments may occur due to ocean conditions or logistical considerations.

About The Trip

Highlights & useful information

If you’re looking for an unforgettable scuba diving experience, look no further. Our company offers world-class dive tours, expert training, and personalized service that set us apart from the rest. Here’s why you should choose us as your gateway to the underwater world:

What’s included

Personal Diver

As this is a Group Experience, an ÉDA Personal Diver will accompany you throughout the trip

Accommodation - in Double/Twin Room:

6 nights at Agulhas House
1 night at The Springbok Lodge

Meals - full board:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Dives - as per program:

- 3x Shark Dives in Aliwal Shoal
- 3x Reef Dives in Aliwal Shoal
- 2x Shark Dives in Protea Banks
- 2x Reef Dives in Protea Banks
  (all dives will be on EANx - if certified)

Diving Insurance:

- DAN Short-Term Insurance, providing emergency coverage for scuba diving activities during your stay.

Game Drives - at Nambiti Private Game Reserve, according to schedule:

Afternoon Drive
Early Morning Drive

Equipment:

Tanks and Weights

Transfers:

from and to Durban International "King Shaka" Airport (on defined dates)
- NOTE: DO NOT book a departure flight before 14:00
all internal transfers related to the program

Please note that any unused services or activities included in the package are non-refundable.

DIVING INSURANCE - DAN

How You Are Protected on Your Trip

At Élite Diving Agency, your safety is our priority. That's why every trip includes DAN Short-Term Insurance, providing emergency coverage for scuba diving activities during your stay. This means:

Emergency medical treatment for diving injuries
Hyperbaric therapy & evacuation
Travel disruption support in case of a diving accident
Worldwide coverage including your country of residence
No action required — we’ve got you covered.

This short-term policy is fully included in your package, so you can dive with peace of mind.

Want Full-Year Coverage? Upgrade with DAN Sport Silver

For divers looking for extended protection, we suggest an optional upgrade: the DAN Sport Silver annual plan.

With this upgrade, you’ll enjoy:

365-day coverage for diving activities, anywhere in the world
90 days of non-diving travel emergency coverage
Legal support, third-party liability, and more
Ideal for divers who travel or train year-round

This policy is managed directly through DAN, and you can purchase it in a few clicks using our partner link below:

Buy DAN Sport Silver

We highly recommend this option to any diver pursuing certifications, professional training, or multiple dive trips throughout the year.

Why We Trust DAN

DAN (Divers Alert Network) is the world’s most trusted name in diving safety and emergency assistance. With over 40 years of experience and global support centers, DAN gives divers peace of mind wherever their fins take them.

What’s not included

International Travel

Single room supplement

Drinks

Dives not listed

PADI Certification: Enriched Air “Nitrox” PADI Certification

Insurance: Travel insurance is not included

Other: All that is not mentioned above

What to bring and wear

Being prepared will elevate your African Sharks experience. Here’s what we recommend:

Personal Gear: Mask, snorkel, fins, and your dive computer are ideal your own best comfort. Your dry or semi-dry wetsuit is also recommended.
Warm Layers: Waterproof jacket, fleece, hat, and dry clothes for boat rides
Dry Bag: For keeping towels, clothes, and electronics safe and dry
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat
Camera Gear: If you’re a photographer, this is a dream shoot—bring underwater gear

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an advanced diver?
No, but you must be comfortable in open water with moderate current. Advanced Open Water Certification is preferable.

What’s the diving schedule like?
We aim for 2 dives per day, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Is diving with sharks safe?
YES! As long as you follow your guide's instructions and directions. We will never offer a dangerous experience to our divers!

How do I get around?
Transfers to destinations during the trip are included. Other transfers can be arranged upon request.