Trip Leader

For Shaun, shark diving along South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal coast is something of a homecoming.

Growing up just 40 minutes from Aliwal Shoal, Shaun has a long history with these waters. He was training and diving around here nearly 20 years ago. It's an area he knows well and one he always enjoys returning to.

A scuba instructor since 1998 and a PADI Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Instructor, Shaun brings decades of diving experience and a particular passion for sharks, their behaviour and their conservation.

As co-founder of Savage Travel Co., Shaun joins this expedition not just as your guide, but as a fellow diver who genuinely loves these waters and the animals that inhabit them.

For him, Shark Week is about more than getting close to big sharks. It's about understanding them, respecting their place in the ocean and sharing an experience that might just change the way you look at these incredible animals.

South African Shark Week – Into the Wild

Some dives stay with you long after you've surfaced. Diving with wild sharks in South Africa's Indian Ocean is certainly one way to make a few memories.

In October 2027, we're heading to KwaZulu-Natal to explore two of the country's best known shark diving destinations, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks.

This is open ocean diving for experienced divers. Surf launches, drift dives, changing currents and the chance to see some of the ocean's most impressive predators in their natural environment.

No cages. No guaranteed encounters. Just wild sharks, experienced local dive teams and a healthy respect for the ocean.

Aliwal Shoal – More Than Just Sharks

Just offshore from Umkomaas, south of Durban, lies Aliwal Shoal.

The reef takes its name from the sailing ship Aliwal, which nearly struck it back in 1849. Today it's one of South Africa's best known diving locations and part of a Marine Protected Area.

Aliwal is particularly famous for its seasonal gatherings of Ragged-Tooth Sharks, affectionately known as Raggies. These impressive animals can often be found around the reef's caves, ledges and overhangs during their migration.

But Aliwal has plenty more to offer.

Oceanic BlackTip Sharks, Rays, Turtles, schooling fish and colourful reef life all share these waters. The reef itself is full of interesting gullies, rocky formations and coral covered ledges.

One minute you're exploring the reef, the next you're checking the blue water to see what's coming past.

And sometimes, that's where things get interesting.

Protea Banks – The Wild Side

Further south, off Shelly Beach, lies Protea Banks.

This offshore reef is influenced by the powerful Agulhas Current, making drift diving a big part of the experience.

Protea has earned a serious reputation among shark divers. Bull Sharks, also known locally as Zambezi Sharks, Hammerheads, Oceanic BlackTips, Ragged-Tooth Sharks and Tiger Sharks are among the species recorded here, although sightings vary considerably with the season and conditions.

The underwater landscape is dramatic, with deeper reef systems and plenty of open water.

This isn't always easy diving. Currents can be strong, visibility can change and divers need to be comfortable following their guides in moving water.

But for those with the right experience, Protea Banks offers something special: the chance to explore a wild part of the Indian Ocean where you never quite know what's going to appear.

Shark Encounters in Open Water

Not every shark encounter happens the same way.

Some take place during normal reef and drift dives. Others may involve specially organised scent attracted dives, where the local operator uses a scent source to draw sharks into the area.

There are no cages. Divers receive a thorough briefing, follow the local team's procedures and observe the animals without touching, chasing or attempting to interact with them.

These are wild sharks, not trained performers. Their behaviour and the conditions on the day determine how the encounters unfold.

The aim is to enjoy the experience while keeping diver safety and respect for the animals firmly in focus.

More Than Just Sharks

Sharks might be the main attraction, but they're certainly not the only things worth looking at.

Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks are home to Turtles, Rays, large game fish and a surprising variety of reef life.

Dolphins are sometimes spotted and migrating Humpback Whales can make an appearance along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

There's plenty to enjoy above the surface, too. Warm coastal weather, relaxed seaside towns, South African hospitality and some good stories over a cold drink after diving.

It's a pretty decent way to spend a week.

Is Shark Week Right for You?

This trip is designed for divers who already have some experience behind them.

Both destinations involve surf launches and open ocean diving, with the possibility of strong currents, deeper profiles and changing conditions.

You should be comfortable with drift diving, confident in your buoyancy and able to follow dive procedures in challenging conditions. Recent diving experience is important, too.

Final suitability and dive planning remain with the local dive team.

If you've got the experience and you're looking for something a little different from a relaxed tropical reef holiday, this could be right up your alley.

Starting From Sek 39 995.00 (approx. €3,580)

Diving Experience Required = Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and a minimum of 30 logged dives.

Shark Week involves open ocean diving with potentially strong currents and challenging conditions.

Includes:

• Return flights from Scandinavia to Durban

• All transfers in South Africa

• 7 nights accommodation in a shared twin room at Blue Ocean resort 

• Full board at the resort 

• 8 dives on Aliwal Shoal (6 x shark dives + 2x scented shark dives)  

• 4 dives at Protea banks (3x shark dives + 1 scented shark dive) 

• Tank and weights (12 or 15L tank) 

• Free Nitrox for certified divers 

  Departing from another European country? Contact us for flight options and an

  individual quotation from Scuba Travel. Euro prices are indicative and may vary

  with exchange rates.

Excludes:

• Diving equipment rental 

• Activities, meals and drinks not specified above 

• Tips for guides and staff, recommended but not required

• Extra dives beyond the above specification 

• Cancellation protection, diving and travel insurance 

  Insurance & Diving Safety

  Please ensure you have appropriate travel and diving insurance covering your

  planned activities, emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment.

  Bring proof of insurance, your diving certification and your logged dive history.

  Any required medical clearance and final diving suitability will be confirmed by the local dive operator.

 Possible extensions: 

3 extra nights at Blue Ocean resort with full board and unlimited diving: 
+ 8700 SEK per person 

3 nights Safari*: 
+ 10,900 SEK per person

4 nights Safari*: 
+12 200 SEK per person 

* These prices are based on two people sharing a room.

Single room supplement is available if desired. 

Fancy starting your adventure a little earlier?

Start with the coral reefs and wildlife of Sodwana Bay before heading south for our South African Shark Week adventure.

14 October – 1 November 2027

Explore Sodwana Bay →

Combined itineraries and prices are arranged individually through Scuba Travel, including the overnight transition in Durban. The listed Shark Week price covers Shark Week only.

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HELP KEEP OUR OCEANS CLEAN

Want to give something back to the ocean?

CleanSea removes plastic, discarded fishing gear and other rubbish from Sweden's seas and coastline.

You can support their cleanups through an optional contribution. According to CleanSea, 300 SEK helps fund the removal of approximately 3 kg of marine litter — equivalent in weight to around 300 plastic bottles.

Find out more at CleanSea.