South Africa Shark Coast Expedition

• 9 nights shared accommodation
• 14 planned dives across three of South Africa’s top diving destinations including 2 baited shark dives
• Diving at Sodwana Bay, Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal
• Tanks and weights for included dives
• Ground transport throughout the expedition
• Transfers between all three diving destinations
• Airport collection and drop-off at the designated expedition times
• Selected meals during the expedition, including all breakfasts, and 7 dinners
• Local dive guides and dive centre services
• Expedition hosting by the AquaMatt Diving team

Day 1 – Arrival in Durban & Travel to Sodwana Bay
Meet the AquaMatt Diving team in the Durban area and begin the journey north to Sodwana Bay. After checking into the accommodation, we’ll have an expedition briefing, prepare equipment and get ready for the first days of diving.

Day 2 – Diving Sodwana Bay
Our first day underwater exploring the tropical reefs of Sodwana Bay. Expect warm water, colourful coral reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity. Dive sites will be selected according to conditions and the experience level of the group.

Day 3 – Diving Sodwana Bay
A second day exploring Sodwana’s extensive reef systems. With a wide variety of sites and depths available, each dive offers a different side of this unique marine environment.

Day 4 – Diving Sodwana Bay
Our final day of diving in Sodwana Bay before beginning the journey south. Another opportunity to explore its reefs and encounter the diverse marine life that makes this area one of South Africa’s most famous diving destinations.

Day 5 – Travel to the South Coast
We leave Sodwana Bay and travel south towards the Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal region. After checking into our accommodation, we’ll prepare for the next stage of the expedition and assess the forecast and ocean conditions for the days ahead.

Days 6–9 – Protea Banks & Aliwal Shoal
The final four diving days will be split between Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal, with our daily destination chosen according to weather, ocean conditions and where we believe the best diving will be.

Rather than following a rigid schedule, we keep this part of the expedition flexible. If conditions are better at Protea Banks, we head there. If Aliwal Shoal offers the better diving that day, we switch locations.

Protea Banks offers adventurous offshore diving and the possibility of encounters with a variety of shark species and other pelagic marine life. Aliwal Shoal offers a different experience, with reefs, wrecks and its own incredible diversity of sharks and marine life.

This flexibility allows us to make the most of the conditions and give the group the best possible diving experience throughout the expedition.

Day 10 – Return to Durban & Departure
After breakfast, we travel back towards Durban and King Shaka International Airport, marking the end of our 10-day journey along South Africa’s Shark Coast.

Please note:
A total of 14 dives are planned across Sodwana Bay, Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal. The exact number of dives at each destination, dive sites and daily schedule may change depending on weather, ocean conditions, marine activity and operational considerations. Safety always takes priority, and encounters with wild marine life can never be guaranteed.

• PADI
• SSI

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Experience level
This expedition is designed for certified divers who are comfortable diving in open-ocean conditions. Some dives may involve currents, blue-water diving, negative entries, deeper profiles and challenging surface conditions.

Divers must hold a recognised scuba certification and provide accurate information about their certification level, number of logged dives and recent diving experience. Certain dive sites may require additional experience or certification, and participation may be adapted according to conditions and diver ability.

Booking exclusions
The expedition price does not include:

• International or domestic flights
• Scuba equipment rental
• Travel and diving insurance
• Visas or entry requirements where applicable
• Meals and drinks not specifically listed as included
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities or excursions
• Accommodation before or after the expedition
• Transfers outside the designated expedition pickup/drop-off arrangements

All diving is weather and ocean dependent. Dive sites and the distribution of dives between Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal may change according to conditions. Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed.

Life happens so we keep cancellations simple. Enjoy free cancellation for 14 days from the time of booking or find an equally qualified suitable replacement up to 30 days prior to diving.