SOUTH AFRICA DIVE EXPEDITION 2026
€2600
This 13-day expedition takes you along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal to some of South Africa's best diving destinations. We will be diving in the incredible Sodwana Bay, Aliwal Shoal, and Protea Banks. While enjoying some of the raw beauty of this coastline with excursions like a full day of game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa.
12 Days/13 Nights
Dates: 4 - 16 December
Price: €2600
Spots: Only 7 spots available
Certification Required: Advanced Open Water
We begin this journey in Sodwana Bay, diving on Africa’s southernmost tropical coral reefs. December also brings Leatherback Turtle nesting season, offering a rare chance to witness these giants along the coastline.
From here, we head to St. Lucia, exploring Cape Vidal and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, before a full day of safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, one of South Africa’s most iconic reserves.
Our next stop is Aliwal Shoal, known for its dynamic reef systems and frequent shark encounters, before heading further south to Protea Banks. Here, we dive in the powerful Agulhas Current, combining baited shark dives and drift dives with the chance to encounter hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and large schools of oceanic blacktips.
We finish the journey with one last trip to enjoy the views of the incredible Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland Reserve.
Traveling during peak shark season, each destination brings in different species, making this a truly diverse shark-focused expedition.
This trip includes 14 dives: 4 dives in Sodwana Bay, 4 dives in Aliwal Shoal, and 6 dives in Protea Banks. They will be a mix of reef, deep, shark, and drift dives.
The trip also includes a full safari day in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, along with additional excursions that showcase the natural beauty of this region: from the ocean to the bush.
This experience is designed for divers with at least an Advanced Open Water Certification (for Protea Banks, it is recommended to have logged at least 30 dives)
Trip Highlights
🐠 4 Dives on various reefs in Sodwana Bay
🌊 4 Dives on Aliwal Shoal
🤿 6 Dives on Protea Banks
🦈 Diving across dive sites known for sharks!
🦁 Safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozo
🐢 Chance to spot nesting leatherback turtles
🦛 Adventure in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Dive Details
Amount of dives: 14
Types of dives: Reef, deep, and boat
Minimum Certification Required: Advanced Open Water
We will have 7 double-tank dives across our trip. 2 double-tank dives will take place in Sodwana Bay, where we will decide the best spots based on the conditions.
We will have 2 double-tank dives in Aliwal Shoal, where we will decide the best spots based on the conditions.
We will have 3 double-tank dives in Protea Banks, which is a mix of deep drift dives across Protea Banks and baited shark dives.
All three of these destinations will bring different species during December. For Sodwana Bay, December is great for Ragged Tooth Sharks. For Aliwal Shoal, this month brings a variety of species. And for Protea Banks, December brings higher chances of seeing Hammerheads and Tiger Sharks.
SODWANA BAY
Sodwana Bay is one of South Africa’s most iconic dive destinations and home to Africa’s southernmost tropical coral reefs. Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this protected area offers some incredible and diverse reef systems, many species of tropical fish, and seasonal species.
St lucia
St. Lucia is a small coastal town set within South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This will be our base for a few days of adventure! Ranging from an exciting day of safari in the renowned Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to a trip out to the wild shores of Cape Vidal. We will also explore the estuary by boat, where we will have the chance to encounter some of the area’s most iconic residents: hippos.
aliwal shoal
Aliwal Shoal is a renowned dive site located about 5 kilometers offshore from Umkomaas. Formed from an ancient fossilized sand dune, the reef is now a dramatic underwater landscape of ridges, caves, and swim-throughs. The reef lies within the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area and attracts a wide variety of marine life, including large pelagic species.
PROTEA BANKS
Protea Banks is lesser known than Aliwal Shoal and Sodwana Bay among most divers, but for those who know it, this site has a serious reputation. Located around 8 kilometers offshore from Shelly Beach, this deep reef system offers fast-paced drift dives along the powerful Agulhas Current. Protea Banks is especially famed for its sharks, including large numbers of oceanic blacktips and bull sharks, as well as seasonal sightings of hammerheads, tiger sharks, and even ragged-tooth sharks.
ITINERARY
13 Days/ 12 Nights South Africa Dive Expedition
(This itinerary is a guideline to give you a clear sense of the trip. As we work closely with nature, dives, sites, and activities may change depending on weather, ocean conditions, and logistics. We will always adapt to ensure the safest and best possible experience.)
DAY 1 - THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
Friday 4 December
Arrival in Durban
Group transfer to Sodwana Bay
Settle into our guesthouse
Traditional South African braai as a welcome dinner
Dive briefings
Meals: Welcome Dinner
DAY 2 - DIVING THE REEFS OF SODWANA
Saturday 5 December
Light breakfast
2 Dives on Sodwana Bay
Time to relax
Evening trip to view the nesting Loggerhead and/or Leatherback turtles
Meals: Breakfast
Optional activities available:
Extra dives in the afternoon
Full list upon request
DAY 3 - REEFS & HEART OF THE BUSH
Sunday 6 December
Light breakfast
2 Dives on Sodwana Bay
Group transfer to St. Lucia
Check into local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - LET’S GET WILD
Monday 7 December
Light breakfast
Morning trip to Cape Vidal and iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Late afternoon boat trip through iSimangaliso to see the hippos before sunset.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional activities available:
Nighttime game drive through iSimangaliso, where there’s a chance of spotting elusive wildlife such as leopards, as well as grazing animals like the hippos. As a Big 5 reserve, iSimangaliso always holds the potential for the unexpected and experiencing it after dark is a different experience compared to the day.
Full list upon request
DAY 5 - deep into the bush
Tuesday 8 December
We will spend a full day on safari in the iconic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, exploring the reserve on guided game drives in search of its incredible wildlife. Home to the Big Five, the park also offers the chance to encounter rarer species such as wild dogs and cheetahs.
All meals will be provided while we are in the park.
Meals: All meals
DAY 6 - BACK TO THE OCEAN
Wednesday 9 December
Light breakfast
Group transfer to Umkomaas
Time to relax and reload
Briefing for the days ahead
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - the shoal is calling
Thursday 10 December
Light breakfast
2 Dives on Aliwal Shoal
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 - LET’S GO OFFSHORE
Friday 11 December
Light breakfast
2 Dives on Aliwal Shoal
Group transfer to Shelley Beach
Check into self-catering accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - THE POWER OF AGULHAS
Saturday 12 December
2 Dives on Protea Banks (the dives across the 3 days on Protea Banks will be a mix of deep drift and baited shark dives. With snacks and sandwiches on the boat.
Time to relax and recharge
Meals: Boat snacks and sandwiches
DAY 10 - sharks, sharks, & more sharks
Sunday 13 December
2 Dives on Protea Banks (the dives across the 3 days on Protea Banks will be a mix of deep drift and baited shark dives. With snacks and sandwiches on the boat.
Time to relax and recharge
Meals: Boat snacks and sandwiches
DAY 11 - ONE LAST ROUND
Monday 14 December
2 Dives on Protea Banks (the dives across the 3 days on Protea Banks will be a mix of deep drift and baited shark dives. With snacks and sandwiches on the boat.
Time to relax and recharge
Meals: Boat snacks and sandwiches
DAY 12 - FINAL ADVENTURE
Monday 14 December
Light breakfast
Trip to Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland Reserve to soak up the incredible views from the famous Leopard Rock and suspension bridge, which is suspended 100 meters above the gorge.
Farewell dinner - Traditional South African braai
Optional activities available:
Zipline at Lake Eland
World’s highest gorge swing (165 meters!) at Oribi Gorge
Full list upon request
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 13 - Time to say goodbye
Sunday 13 December
After an incredible trip along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal it is time to say goodbye.
A group transfer back to Durban King Shaka International Airport will be provided.
✅ What's included?
Sodwana Bay
Group transfer from Durban King Shaka International Airport to Sodwana Bay,
2 nights accommodation,
Welcome dinner (traditional braai) and light daily breakfasts,
2 double tank dives (4 dives total),
Dive cylinders and weights,
Conservation fees,
Nighttime excursion to watch nesting turtles,
Group transport St. Lucia.
St. Lucia
3 nights accommodation,
Light daily breakfasts,
Trip to Cape Vidal and iSimangaliso Wetland Park,
Late afternoon boat trip to see hippos before sunset in iSimangaliso,
Full day of game drives in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, which will include all meals,
Conservation fees,
Group transport to Umkomaas (Aliwal Shoal).
Aliwal Shoal
2 nights accommodation in Umkomaas,
Light daily breakfasts,
2 double tank dives (4 dives total),
Conservation fees,
Group transport to Shelley Beach (Protea Banks).
Protea Banks
5 nights accommodation,
3 double tank dives mix of baited shark and deep drift
(6 dives total),
Nautilus Lifeline GPS,
Snacks and sandwiches on the boat during dive days,
Trip to Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland Reserve,
Farewell dinner (traditional braai),
Group transfer to Durban King Shaka International Airport.
❌ What's not included?
Sodwana Bay
Full dive gear (available for rental for an extra fee),
Extra dives (available upon request),
Meals outside of those previously mentioned.
St. Lucia
Selection of additional activities (available upon request),
Meals outside of those previously mentioned.
Aliwal Shoal
Full dive gear (available for rental for an extra fee),
Extra dives (available upon request),
Meals outside of those previously mentioned.
Protea Banks
Full dive gear (available for rental for an extra fee),
Extra dives (available upon request),
Selection of additional activities (available upon request),
Meals outside of those previously mentioned.
General
Single room supplement (if you require a single room in any of the locations, send us a request, this will be for an additional charge),
Flights to and from Durban King Shaka Internation Airport.
Visa for South Africa,
Medical, travel, and dive insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic beverages,
Gratituities,
Additional dives and activities not listed.
⚠️ Important information
Airport: This trip will start from Durban King Shaka International Airport. At the end of the trip, this will also be the drop-off point.
Visas: Please make sure to check the visa requirements for South Africa well in advance of your trip, and arrange any necessary visas through your local embassy.
Dive gear: Weights and cylinders are included for all dives. As well as a Nautilus Lifeline GPS while diving on Protea Banks. If you require any additional diving equipment, this can be rented at an additional cost. Please enquire with us during your booking for a full list of rental items and pricing.
Dive Certification: For this trip, you are required to be at least an Advanced Open Water diver. We also expect everyone to have relevant medical, travel, and dive insurance.
Due to the strong currents on Protea Banks, it is advised to have logged at least 30 dives before to diving here!
Payment plan: Payment plans are available. Please make sure to inform us during your booking process.
🤿 Who is this Dive Expedition for?
This is for advanced divers who are craving more than just easy, relaxed dives.
For those who don’t mind a bit of current, depth, or challenge! And know that’s exactly where the magic happens.
This journey brings together some of the best diving South Africa has to offer, from powerful drift dives to deep reefs and unforgettable shark encounters.
Above and below the surface, you will experience the raw beauty of this part of the country! From wild coastlines to iconic African landscapes.
This trip is especially for shark lovers.
For those who feel a pull towards these misunderstood animals and want to witness them in their natural environment.
Expect a range of diving experiences: boat dives, reef dives, deep dives, drift dives, and shark dives.
For divers who like a bit of adrenaline.
💰 Refunds & Cancellation policy
To secure your spot, a full payment is required. However, if you need a payment plan, please reach out by email.
Cancellation refunds are calculated based on the full amount owed:
Cancellations made before 5 September 2026 will receive an 80% refund.
Cancellations made between 6 September and 4 October will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made between 5 October and 3 November 2026 will receive a 25% refund.
Cancellations made after 3 November 2026 are non-refundable. All costs will have already been committed.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
NEED MORE INFO?
NEED A PAYMENT PLAN?
SEND ME AN EMAIL: connect@talesofodyssey.com
We can send you the full itinerary overview or share payment plan details.