SMALL-GROUP DIVING EXPEDITION
South Africa’s
Shark Coast
Journey along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, from deep offshore reefs and rugged sandstone formations to warm subtropical coral systems.
20-29 November 2026 27 January – 5 February 2027
10 days · 9 nights · 14 scheduled dives · Maximum 8 guests
€2,490 per person
Based on two guests sharing a twin or double room. A private-room upgrade may be requested for an additional supplement, subject to availability.
THE JOURNEY
Three Destinations. One Shark Coast.
This expedition follows the KwaZulu-Natal coastline through three contrasting marine environments, from the deep offshore reefs of the south to the subtropical coral systems of the north.
14 dives are planned across these three regions. The exact number of dives at each destination may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and where the best diving opportunities are during the trip.
TROPICAL REEF DIVING
Sodwana Bay
Start the expedition in warm water and colourful coral reefs. Sodwana Bay brings tropical diving, incredible biodiversity and an easy start to the adventure.
Possible encounters (depending on the season): Turtles · Eagle Rays · Manta Rays · Reef Sharks · Hammerhead sharks · Potato Bass · Dolphins · Macro
DEEP OFFSHORE DIVING
Protea Banks
Deep blue water, strong currents and serious shark country. Protea Banks is a dramatic offshore reef where the diving feels wild, unpredictable and completely different from the tropical reefs of Sodwana.
Possible encounters (depending on the season) : Bull sharks · Scalloped hammerheads · Ragged-tooth sharks · Oceanic blacktips · Humpback whales · Tiger Shark · Rays · Potato bass · Game fish
REEFS, WRECKS AND SHARKS
Aliwal Shoal
A legendary sandstone reef system shaped by caves, ridges and wrecks. Aliwal packs sharks, dramatic underwater landscapes and plenty of variety into one seriously fun dive destination.
Possible encounters (depending on the season): Ragged-tooth sharks · Tiger sharks · Bull sharks · Oceanic blacktips · Turtles · Manta Rays · Eagle Rays · Potato Bass · Game fish
Where We Stay
Sodwana Bay
Our first base is a quiet lodge-style stay near Sodwana Bay, surrounded by the rural landscape of northern KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a relaxed place to settle into the expedition, with spacious accommodation, private bathrooms, air-conditioning and plenty of communal space to unwind after a day on the reef. Outside, there’s a jacuzzi, braai area and pool table — ideal for slow evenings, sharing stories from the day and getting ready for the next morning’s dives. A comfortable, laid-back base for our time in Sodwana.
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Protea Banks & Aliwal Shoal
Rather than changing accommodation every few days, we use one comfortable coastal base for both Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal. We stay here for five nights in relaxed self-catering chalets close to the beach, giving the group time to settle in and enjoy a little more comfort between dive days. The property offers spacious chalet-style accommodation, private living areas, access to the beach, an outdoor swimming pool and a communal braai area. It gives us a convenient base for both dive regions while avoiding unnecessary packing and accommodation changes during the expedition.
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Accommodation is based on shared rooms. Solo travellers will be paired with another guest of the same sex, while couples can share a double room.
Private rooms are available on request for an additional charge, subject to availability.
Is This Expedition for You?
Certification
Open Water Option
Experience
Advanced Open Water or an equivalent certification is required to participate in all scheduled dives.
Open Water divers with at least 30 logged dives may apply and complete the required Advanced Open Water training during the expedition.
A minimum of 30 logged dives, recent diving experience and good buoyancy control are required.
A Little Adventurous
Final Participation Assessment
Some dives may involve current, negative entries, deeper profiles and open-ocean ascents.
Participation remains subject to weather, ocean conditions and the assessment of the local dive operator.
What’s Included
Included
Not Included
- 9 nights’ accommodation
- Shared twin or double room as standard
- 7 dinners
- Breakfasts
- Collection from King Shaka International Airport or an agreed location within the Durban or Ballito area*
- Return transfer to King Shaka International Airport or an agreed location within the Durban or Ballito area
- Planned ground transport during the expedition
- 14 scheduled dives across three diving regions
- Cylinders and weights
- Marine park, permit and launch fees connected to the included dives
- AquaMatt expedition coordination
- Pre-departure information and preparation support
- International or domestic flights
- Equipment rental
- Nitrox unless specifically confirmed
- Lunches
- 2 restaurant dinners
- Travel and diving insurance
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
*Arrival in Durban
To join the group transfer, guests must arrive at King Shaka International Airport (Durban) by 12:00 PM on Day 1.
If your flight arrives later than this, we recommend arriving the day before and staying overnight near the airport, in Durban or Ballito.
The group will depart from the airport area shortly after midday, so late arrivals may need to arrange their own onward transport.
Ready to Explore South Africa’s Shark Coast?
Tell us about your diving experience, certification and accommodation preference. We will review your request and contact you to discuss suitability, availability and the next steps.
Next expedition: 20–29 November 2026
10 days · 9 nights · 14 scheduled dives
Maximum 8 guests
€2,490 per person
Based on two guests sharing one twin or double room. A private-room upgrade may be requested for an additional supplement, subject to availability.
Travelling with your own group? Private expeditions are available too.