Inside Edge - Aliwal Shoal

Aliwal Shoal's diverse pinnacles and marine life

Boat Access
10m Avg Depth
20m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Inside Edge at Aliwal Shoal, is renowned for its stunning underwater topography. The site is characterized by a series of dramatic pinnacles, gullies, swim-throughs, and caverns rising from the sandy seabed, creating a complex and exciting environment to explore. Divers can navigate through a labyrinthine network of underwater features, discovering hidden crevices and dramatic drop-offs. The shoal's formation is a result of ancient coral reefs and natural geological processes.

Marine life is incredibly abundant at this site. Clownfish inhabit vibrant anemones, while colorful nudibranchs crawl among the coral. A wide variety of fish species, including reef fish, pelagic fish and larger animals can be observed. Sharks, rays, and turtles are regular visitors, while the surrounding waters may occasionally host whale migrations (depending on the season).

The best time to visit Aliwal Shoal is during the warmer months (October to April), when visibility is typically excellent and marine life is most active. For freedivers, the shallower sections of Inside Edge offer opportunities for breath-hold dives, while divers can explore the deeper parts, always keeping in mind the moderate currents that can be present. Always check local weather and current conditions before entering the water.

Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Famousness Famous

Plan Your Visit

drift divesharkturtlecoral reefswim-throughcavernmacro photographywide anglesouth africaumkomaas

Marine Life

reef fishpelagic fishclownfishnudibranchshard coralssoft corals

Things to Note

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Moderate currents and varied depths require experience.

Hazards:
strong currentsmarine life
Current Strength:

Moderate

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