Aliwal Shoal "Tiger Express"
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On our way toward the sardine run, we will stop for two nights in Scottburgh to dive the spectacular Aliwal Shoal to see macro, wrecks, and most of all, Tiger sharks. This will be a great chance to get four dives in andget reacclimated and ready for the adventure of the sardine run.
Comfortable Oceanside
Scottburgh Beach is where our hotel and the dive guide's home base are located.
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Oceanside, you will enjoy very comfortable accommodations and incredible cuisine at this stop on our adventure.
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The dive shop is attached to this beautiful resort hotel, for our convenience.
Aliwal Shoal History & Sites
The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune about 3 miles off the beach. The reef is inhabited by many kinds of hard and soft corals, and other marine invertebrates, and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species.
Aliwal Shoal was named after the near-sinking in 1849 of the three-masted vessel Aliwal, captained by James Anderson. There are two wrecks near the reef that are popular recreational dive sites. The Norwegian bulk carrier MV Produce sank in 1974, and SS Nebo sank in 1884.
Aliwal Shoal has diverse marine life, and is known especially for its abundance of sharks.
Tiger Express
Two wreck/reef dives, as well as two shark-feeding dives are planned with all types of sharks arriving, including tiger, nurse, and reef sharks depending on the day.
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This is a great opportunity to do weight checks, get the gear sorted and ready for the "main event" in a few days.
We will also be introduced to South African surf launch protocols and get acclimated to this dive environment - which is all helpful prep for the sardine run dives.