Shark Experiences
Price range: R850.00 through R3,500.00
Baited Shark Diving & Predator Interactions on Aliwal Shoal
If you have always wanted to get up close with the predators of the deep, Aliwal Shoal offers one of the most exhilarating wildlife encounters on the planet. This is cage-free diving in its purest form.
At ScubaCo, we specialize in ethical, educational predator interactions. Whether you are a photographer looking for the perfect shot of a Tiger Shark, or a thrill-seeker wanting to drift among a shoal of Oceanic Blacktips, we provide a safe, controlled environment to witness these majestic creatures.
Why choose ScubaCo?
Boutique & Exclusive: We limit the number of divers per launch to ensure the sharks are not overcrowded and you have a clear view.
Expert Handlers: Our shark guides are behaviour specialists. We read the sharks’ body language to ensure a safe interaction for both human and animal.
Photography Focus: Our “drift” method keeps the sun at your back and the sharks in the blue, perfect for high-contrast underwater photography.
How the Baited Shark Dive Works
This is an oceanic drift dive, typically conducted at Howard's Castle or the Outside Edge.
The Method (Scent, Not Feeding): We use a specialised "drum" system to create a scent trail (chum slick) in the water column. This attracts pelagic sharks to the area without creating a feeding frenzy. The sharks remain natural and calm, investigating the scent while divers drift suspended at 8m to 10m depth.
No Cages: This allows for unobstructed viewing and photography.
Safety: Divers maintain a vertical column or line, while our Shark Safety Divers control the perimeter.
Duration: Dives typically last 50–60 minutes depending on conditions.
Choose Your Experience Level
You don't need to be a pro to see a shark. We offer four ways to join the adventure:
Baited Shark Dive: For certified divers (Open Water & above). You will be on scuba gear at 8m depth.
Shark Snorkel: For non-divers. View the action from the surface with a mask and snorkel.
Shark Try Dive: No certification? No problem. We combine a pool training session with a guided shark dive under the direct supervision of an Instructor.
Shark Watch: Prefer to stay dry? Join the boat crew for excellent surface viewing from the safety of the deck.
Meet the Locals: Shark Species of Aliwal
Aliwal Shoal is a biodiversity hotspot. Depending on the season, here is what you can encounter:
Baited Shark Dives
Oceanic Blacktip Shark
(Resident)
The Experience: The stars of the show. These energetic, inquisitive sharks are present year-round. They are bold and sleek, often approaching divers closely, making them a favorite for wide-angle photography.
Status: Year-round residents.
Baited & Reef Dives
Tiger Shark
(Summer Royalty)
The Experience: The "Striped Giants" of Aliwal. Growing up to 5m, Tigers are cautious and calculating. When a Tiger arrives, the mood changes-they command respect. We see them most frequently during the warm-water months (December - May).
Status: Seasonal (Summer).
Reef Dives
Ragged Tooth Shark / "Raggie"
(Winter)
The Experience: Also known as the Sand Tiger or Grey Nurse Shark. Despite their fearsome, toothy grin, Raggies are docile and slow-moving. They do not typically join the baited dives but are found resting in the caves during reef dives.
Status: Seasonal Mating Aggregation (July - November).
Baited & Reef Dives
Bull Shark / Zambezi
The Experience: Stocky, powerful, and imposing. The Bull Shark is a "Requiem Shark" known for its ability to thrive in both salt and fresh water. They are shy but occasionally join the baited drift, patrolling the deeper edges of the drum line.
Status: Year-round (mostly deep summer).
Reef Dives
Hammerhead Shark
The Experience: The oddballs of the ocean. We often spot schools of Scalloped Hammerheads on the launch to the dive site or passing in the deep blue during a drift.
Status: Summer migration.
Safety & Conservation
ScubaCo is proud of its 100% safety record. We adhere to strict protocols:
Respect
We do not touch, ride, or harass the sharks.
Education
Every dive begins with a comprehensive briefing on shark behavior and dive procedures.
Equipment
We recommend full-length wetsuits (5mm) and dark gear (gloves/hoodies) to minimize contrast.
Ready to take the plunge?
Combine your shark experience with a stay at our luxury diver villa, 32 on Harvey, located minutes from the launch site.
Shark diving experiences
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to Shark Experiences. If you are a certified scuba diver, Open Water and above you are welcome to join the Baited Shark Dive. If you have no scuba experience you are able to partake in the Try Dive with Sharks and we will teach you everything you need to know. Alternatively you can stay on the boat and watch the sharks or if you are feeling brave you can snorkel with them...which will you choose.
View dives and courses below
Diving
Price range: R850.00 through R3,500.00
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
