Sharks Galore in South Africa & Mozambique!

Here at the Regaldive office, our colleague John Butland has just returned from an exciting East Coast Sharks trip in South Africa and Mozambique. He shares his Trip Report with us here...

There's nothing better than finishing a diving holiday with a feeling of satisfaction and that's how it was at the end of  my recent trip to South Africa. Knowing you've had a great trip, seen some amazing creatures, been looked after well and made some great new friends is what it's all about. From the moment I was met at Durban airport and was reassured to see the sign with my name, it was an almost perfect trip. 

Scuba Addicts Lodge Aliwal Shoal is just an hours drive from Durban Airport, overlooking the Indian Ocean, on the edge of the town of Umkomas. More warm welcomes on arrival there were swiftly followed by a beer and a Braai, or barbecue to you and me. Needless to say, I slept exceeding well that night, dreaming of what was to come. The dive centre is on site at the lodge and after kitting up there's a 5 minute ride down to the beach, where the fun really starts.

After climbing aboard the spacious RIB, you have to hang on while the boat handler negotiates the surf, luckily they have had years of practice. An exhilarating start to the days diving. But after a 15 minute RIB ride we reached the famous Aliwal Shoals for our two morning dives. The exhilaration continued as we very quickly encountered two big sharks, the whole reason for the trip. They patrolled the reef and came and went a couple of times during the dive. 

The following morning was also a very special dive, as we got up close and personal with Blacktip Sharks. This was on the baited dive that many of the local operators have undertaken there for quite a few years. As soon as we entered the water we were surrounded by a good few sharks and the numbers increased as the dive progressed. 25 was my estimate,  but to be honest they are all around and move so quick it's impossible to actually count them.  Certainly a great way to end the first part of the trip before we move on to Mozambique the following day.  

Although the drive up to Scuba Addicts Lodge Ponta Do Ouro takes a while it's great for seeing a bit of the South African countryside. Good roads right up to the boarder, then the road turns to sand, but it's only an interesting 20 minutes ride over the sand dunes to the lodge. Like previously the lodge is very comfortable, with a nice view over the ocean. Ponta Do Ouro means 'Tip of Gold' as it faces east and it's worth getting up a bit earlier to catch the sunrise to find out why.

The following 5 days of diving where a feast of Sharks and Rays with encounters on every dive. More Blacktips, Grey Reef Sharks, more Bulls, a lone Zebra Shark and quite a few Hammerheads. Four types of Rays too, Manta and Ribbon Tail, but mainly good size schools of Mobula & Eagle rays. The area is also well known for its game fish too, which is why the Sharks are there of course. The diving in Mozambique is quite deep, so Advanced Open Water and a reasonable amount of experience is required. As an added bonus the water was a very pleasant 26 degrees.

Of course other types of Sharks are often seen in both locations, such as Tiger Sharks and Silvertips, but just my luck they turned up for the group after mine! But that's nature for you.  The last night is spent back in South Africa at a lovely lodge near the St Lucia Wetlands. That's quite an interesting experience too, as you can drive around after dark looking for Crocodiles and Hippos. It's very strange passing a Hippo grazing the grass on the edge of town like you would see a sheep or cow in the UK.

I can't emphasise enough how well Scuba Addicts look after their guests on this trip. It was almost like being on a liveaboard really, but on land. You are looked after from arriving at the airport to being dropped back there 10 days later. You dive and stay with the same group of divers for the duration, random day divers are not catered for at all. Although it's booked on a B&B basis, very reasonably priced lunches are available at both lodges and they will happily drive you to and from local restaurants for dinner in the evening. As an added bonus, it's a great value trip at the moment due to the rate of exchange with the Rand, and you get a lot for your money whilst there. A bottle of beer works out at around £1 at the moment. Great diving and hospitality, and cheap beer, what more could you ask for? 

10 & 12 DAY TRIPS

Regaldive offer 10 and 12 day itineraries for East Coast Shark Diving trips in South Africa and Mozambique, allowing you to experience the best marine life this area has to offer. The 12 day trip also gives you the opportunity to experience the Big 5, at a game reserve.

We also offer a Great White Shark Cage Diving trip extension in Gansbaai which may be combined with your East Coast Shark Diving holiday. 

Want to find out more? Contact the Regaldive team on 01353 659999 or email us to plan your twin centre shark diving adventure.