Aliwal Shoal or Protea Banks for Shark Diving

[DavidG 1]

Hi everyone,

I read few articles about Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks but because I am only going to be in that area for three or four days I will like to know what of the two locations is better for shark encounters and photography.

Thanks

David

[Drew 0]

When are you going?

[CamDiver 5]

Protea Banks has suffered big time from illegal fishing over the recent years. Very few sharks there now unfortunately. Aliwal shoal at the right time of year is good for Tiger Shark, Dusky, Silky and Blacktip Sharks. Mantas, Whale shark migrations and the occasional passing whale. I would say Aliwal, depending on your planned time of year.

 

My 5c

Mark.

[scubaseven 1]

Protea Banks has suffered big time from illegal fishing over the recent years. Very few sharks there now unfortunately. Aliwal shoal at the right time of year is good for Tiger Shark, Dusky, Silky and Blacktip Sharks. Mantas, Whale shark migrations and the occasional passing whale. I would say Aliwal, depending on your planned time of year.

 

My 5c

Mark.

 

I heard the same about Protea. Aliwal is good for raggies and black tips all year and tigers in season.

[Drew 0]

While it is true that Protea is relatively unprotected from fishing (especially the big game fishermen and spearos). However because of the estuarine environment of the various rivers, you get the bulls (which have dwindled in numbers) and hammers off the deep end. A few ops have now started baiting for sharks, which means all the sharks that Aliwal get is at Protea too. but usually in open water drift dives.

Without baiting, you get sharks like Rhinobatus Djiddensis which are pretty darn cool sharks. They aggregate at a few sites. I saw about 10 last year. Then on the safety stop, we were buzzed by a bull shark and several C. Limbatus, Brachyurus and Obscurus.

All this depends on when you are going and what you are after.

[DavidG 1]

Thanks for your replies,

I will be there in October.

Thanks.

David

Edited August 7, 2009 by DavidG