The Diving
Two kilometres off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal is a town by the name of Umkomaas. Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef named after the sailing vessel Aliwal, which almost crashed on the rocks in 1849. The Shoal is a Marine Protected Area that caters for all diver skill levels and is a large, rocky area with many caves and overhangs in the middle of a vast, sandy plain. It attracts marine life from all around by offering shelter to smaller fish, which naturally attracts the larger fish looking for a meal. The warm, plankton-rich Agulhas current also feeds the marine life with nutrients. Divers can spot everything from tiny nudibranchs to massive whales, but the real treats for divers are the seasonal visits of migratory ragged-tooth sharks (locally known as ‘raggies’) between June and November and tiger sharks in the African summer months from November onwards. Two wrecks are also worth a visit, ‘The Produce’, which sank in 1974, and ‘The Nebo’, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1884. The former is a 15,000-ton Norwegian bulk carrier, whose rusted remains form a now-established reef, and the latter now lies hull side up and diving these wrecks are weather and ocean conditions dependant.
Dive Connection invites you to join us at on this dive trip at one of the best dive centres in Umkomaas that provide spectacular service, friendly and professional staff, have an excellent safety records, with superior boats and equipment!
The Resort
Diving with a premier dive operator on Aliwal Shoal, you are assured of only the best service. Set on beautiful grounds with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and Umkomaas Golf Course, the only operator with a Lodge, fully licensed sea view deck restaurant and bar all conveniently located at a short distance from the launch beach. Built in 1934, this grand old hotel building is a colonial styled icon of Umkomaas and the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast.
Accommodation
Twenty spacious newly renovated rooms – twin rooms, family rooms, double rooms and single rooms – all ensuite.
Onsite facilities include: restaurant and bar, buffet breakfast on weekends, renowned wood-fire pizza every day, 24/7 security and parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, sun deck and swimming pool.
