Diving Shelly Beach: Dive Sites

PROTEA BANKS:

PROTEA BANKS offers an exceptionally exciting specialty SHARK dive.  Situated 7,5km off Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast, PROTEA BANKS allows ADVANCED divers the opportunity to experience a shark dive that is completely unique.

During the summer months the Bull Shark (Zambezi) makes PROTEA BANKS its home. Hammerheads are often seen overhead and not just one or two, we are talking hundreds …. yes hundreds. Guitar Sharks, Dusky and Blacktips frequent this reef with a select few getting the privilege of seeing the elusive Tiger Shark.

In the winter months the Ragged-Tooth Sharks congregate on PROTEA BANKS to mate.

Aside from sharks PROTEA BANKS, also boasts a vast number of gamefish such as Barracuda, Snappers, Yellowtail, Kingfish and Potato Bass to name but a few.  Rays are also a common sighting.

BAITED SHARK dives are now done on Protea Banks, with great success with Zambezi and Blacktips being the most common sharks seen on these dives.

SOUTHERN PINNACLES:  Depth 26 to 40m

Dived mainly in the summer months, this site is home to the notorious Bull Shark (Zambezi) which brings a great deal of notoriety to this world-renowned dive location.  Other sharks frequenting PROTEA BANKS include Hammerheads, Blacktips, Dusky, Guitar Sharks and a variety of rays.  For a fortunate few there is even the possibility of sighting the Tiger Shark.

NORTHERN PINNACLES:  Depth 28 to 38m

This site, normally dived in winter months during the Ragged-Tooth mating season, allows divers to view “Raggies” in close proximity on their annual migration route. The area consists of two cave systems in which the “Raggies” congregate. At times it is impossible to see the mouth of the caves as it is completely obscured by masses of sharks!

DEEP SALMON:   28m

DEEP SALMON is a pristine reef for those wishing to see Nudibranchs and reef fish.  With caves, overhangs and coral structures, it is not to be missed for those interested in photographing the smaller things and exploring all the nooks and crannies.  You are assured of a unique diving experience, without overcrowding.  Better viz when dived out of the rainy season.  ADVANCED qualification needed.

BOBOYI:  18m

BOBOYI is ‘treasure hunt’, with stunning structure and something new in every nook and cranny.  With and abundance of Nudibranchs and reef fish, this is a reef dive you want to experience.  You are assured of a unique experience.  Although it only lies at 18m, it is advised to only dive this when you have a bit of sea diving experience behind you as there are often currents. Better viz when dived out of the rainy season.

ORANGE ROCKS, SAVANNAH and FISH AND CHIPS:   10 to 18m

Used as training dives for Open Water divers, these dives offer a great diving experience for first timers in the sea. All totally different, they offer something for everyone.  Better viz when dived out of the rainy season.

Due to currents and depth, Protea Banks is reserved for experienced Advanced divers.   Please adhere to this.