Expedition to Shark Reef
Expedition to Shark Reef
Location:
Duration:
Next dates:
$3,200.00 – $3,500.00
Join me, shark biologist and Shark Week host — on an unforgettable 7-night expedition to one of the planet’s most legendary shark diving destinations: Aliwal Shoal, South Africa. Known as Shark Reef, this marine reserve was once ranked by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Over five full days of diving, we’ll explore the shark-rich waters of this iconic location, using a dedicated private boat and carefully planned dive times to maximize our encounters.
Our dives will take us deep (14–20m) into the shoal’s reefs, where ragged tooth sharks gather in incredible numbers during their annual breeding and pupping season. Near the surface, you’ll witness the fast-paced action of oceanic blacktip sharks, and explore famous wrecks like the Protea, teeming with shark life. One day, we venture south to the Protea Banks for a high-energy dive with powerful bull sharks. And if the sardine run moves north toward the shoal during our week, we’ll drop everything to chase the action — watching as massive predators converge on baitballs in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
BOOK ON Expedition
Join me on an unforgettable 7-night expedition to one of the planet’s most legendary shark diving destinations: Aliwal Shoal, South Africa. Known as Shark Reef, this marine reserve was once ranked by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Over five full days of diving, we’ll explore the shark-rich waters of this iconic location, using a dedicated private boat and carefully planned dive times to maximize our encounters.
Our dives will take us deep (14–20m) into the shoal’s reefs, where ragged tooth sharks gather in incredible numbers during their annual breeding and pupping season. Near the surface, you’ll witness the fast-paced action of oceanic blacktip sharks, and explore famous wrecks like the Protea, teeming with shark life. One day, we venture south to the Protea Banks for a high-energy dive with powerful bull sharks. And if the sardine run moves north toward the shoal during our week, we’ll drop everything to chase the action — watching as massive predators converge on baitballs in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
(7 Nights / 6 Days of Ocean Adventure)
Note: Activities are scheduled according to weather and ocean conditions to maximise safety and experience. If dives are not possible during the expedition, my team will ensure alternative land-based activities are included in the itinerary.
4 x Ragged Tooth Shark Scuba Dives
Location: Aliwal Shoal – Shark Reef
Time: Early mornings
Duration: Approx. 1 hour bottom time each
Explore one of South Africa’s premier shark diving reefs with thrilling close-up encounters with ragged tooth sharks (grey nurse sharks), which gather in large numbers over winter to rest and breed. One of these dives, weather permitting, includes the hauntingly beautiful wreck of The Produce — a rusted freighter that now hosts dozens of sharks drifting eerily in and out of its shadowy frame.
2 x Oceanic Blacktip Freedive Expeditions
Location: Offshore from Aliwal Shoal
Time: Mid-morning to early afternoon
Duration: Approx. 2 hours each
Jump in for an adrenaline-filled experience as you drift among packs of 20+ blacktip sharks. These sleek, confident animals often pass close — sometimes bumping into snorkelers — offering one of the world’s best habituated shark snorkels. Perfect for freedivers and photographers looking for unforgettable imagery.
2 x Oceanic Blacktip Shark SCUBA Dives
Location: Aliwal Shoal
Time: Morning dives
Duration: Approx. 1 hour each
Drop beneath the surface to see blacktips from a different angle — elegant, high-speed predators circling in the blue or weaving through reef structures. These dives add another layer of intensity and interaction, all under safe, professionally led conditions.
1 x Bull Shark Dive at Protea Banks
Location: Protea Banks
Time: Full-day outing
Duration: Single extended dive
Dive into one of the wildest shark habitats on the planet. Protea Banks is famed for its population of formidable bull sharks — raw, powerful, and thrillingly close. Depending on luck, we may also encounter tiger sharks, schooling hammerheads, or even a wandering white shark.
1 x uShaka Marine World Expedition
Location: Durban
Time: Afternoon outing
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Explore the world-class uShaka aquarium in Durban, with its cutting-edge exhibits and behind-the-scenes insights into shark care, marine conservation, and coastal ecosystems. A perfect land-based afternoon to complement our ocean adventures.
1 x Shark Science Presentation
Location: Cutty Sark Conference Room
Time: Evening
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Enjoy a captivating presentation by a scientist from the Shark Research Unit. Learn about South Africa’s shark populations, research methods, and the vital role sharks play in marine ecosystems. Q&A included!
1 x Big Five Game Drive Safari (Half Day)
Location: Nearby private reserve
Time: Early morning
Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours
Trade fins for footprints as we head inland for a classic African safari experience. Track lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — along with giraffe, zebra, and antelope — on a guided morning game drive. A powerful reminder that South Africa’s wild wonders stretch far beyond the sea.
Evenings: Dinners, Briefings & Media Reviews
Evenings are relaxed and social. Over a hearty meal in town or at the Cutty Sark’s sea-view restaurant, we’ll review the day’s dives, share footage, and enjoy informal talks on sharks, ocean science, and conservation photography. Bring your questions, photos, and appetite!
What’s Included
Accommodation
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7 nights at the Cutty Sark Hotel in Scottburgh
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Deluxe ocean-view rooms, either shared or single (based on your booking)
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Easy access to dive launch site and beach
Meals
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Daily breakfast at the Cutty Sark restaurant
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Evening dinners at either the hotel restaurant or selected local eateries
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Light snacks and hot drinks provided during and after activities
(Please note: alcoholic beverages are not included)
Ocean-Based Activities
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5 full days of exclusive shark diving at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks
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Private dive boat charter for our group only
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Shark-focused scuba dives (conditions and sites permitting)
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Visit to the iconic “Produce” wreck and possible sardine run encounters
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One dive day at Protea Banks targeting bull sharks
Scuba Gear
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All scuba equipment provided: wetsuit, BCD, regulator, fins, mask, tanks, and weights
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(Please bring your own dive computer if you have one)
Photography & Videography Support
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Daily support and feedback from me on capturing sharks and underwater scenes
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Informal image reviews and guidance on improving storytelling and technique
Permits & Entry Fees
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Marine park permits and all relevant access fees
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Entry fees for local excursions, including aquarium visits
Expert Leadership & Education
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Full-time guidance from me, Ryan Johnson — shark biologist and Shark Week host
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Daily briefings on shark behavior, dive planning, safety, and ocean conservation
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20+ years of insights into the reefs, sharks, and seasonal marine dynamics
What’s Not Included
International & Domestic Flights
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Flights to and from King Shaka International Airport, Durban
Travel Insurance (Required)
Comprehensive coverage for:
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Emergency SCUBA, evacuation and medical treatment (recommend DAN insurance)
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Trip cancellation and delay
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Loss or theft of personal items and equipment
Personal Equipment
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Cameras, underwater housings, SD cards, hard drives
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Dive computers (if preferred)
Alcohol and Speciality Drinks
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Beverages purchased at the hotel bar or off-site
Optional Activities
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Spa treatments and non-expedition excursions
Gratuities
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Tips for dive staff, crew, and hotel personnel (at your discretion)
Visa and Entry Fees
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Any travel documents or visas required for entry into South Africa
I spent ten years running shark diving trips at Aliwal Shoal, and it remains one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences of my career. There’s something truly special about encountering large sharks—like blacktips, bull sharks, and grey nurse sharks—completely free from the confines of a cage. The diversity and density of sharks here is unmatched, and the feeling of sharing open water with them is simply electric.
While cage diving with great whites in the southern Cape gets a lot of attention, I honestly believe that if cageless shark encounters are what you’re after, Shark Reef at Aliwal Shoal offers the best diving on the planet. No barriers, just you, the ocean, and the sharks. Here are five unforgettable highlights of the Shark Reef Expedition:
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Up Close with Oceanic Blacktips – Be surrounded by more than 20 oceanic blacktip sharks at once. These agile, curious predators are incredibly habituated, often swimming close enough to gently bump divers and snorkelers, offering thrilling, up-close encounters.
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Grey Nurse Shark Aggregation – Dive alongside over 30 grey nurse (ragged tooth) sharks as they gather on Aliwal Shoal for their winter breeding and pupping season. These graceful sharks cruise slowly through the reef, creating a surreal and peaceful underwater experience.
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Sardine Run: Traditional Fishing Meets Shark Conservation – Witness the incredible moment when sardine shoals reach the Durban coast and are netted by artisanal fishers. Watch as sharks caught in the nets are carefully released by hand — a unique blend of cultural tradition and shark respect.
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Protea Banks Adventure – Explore the wild, unpredictable reef of Protea Banks, known for its strong currents and heavyweight predators. Dive among bull sharks and potentially spot hammerheads, tiger sharks, blacktips, or even a migrating great white.
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The Produce Wreck Dive – Descend to the eerie depths of the famous Produce wreck, where in winter months, ragged tooth sharks gather in large numbers. It’s a moody, atmospheric dive packed with shark encounters and a strong sense of ocean history.
During our expedition, you’ll stay at the beautifully located Cutty Sark Hotel in Scottburgh, right on the edge of the Indian Ocean. We’ll be based in the hotel’s deluxe rooms, either single or shared depending on your preference, offering a comfortable and relaxed space to unwind after thrilling days on the reef. Each morning, a hearty breakfast will be served at the hotel’s on-site restaurant to fuel you for the day’s diving. In the evenings, we’ll either dine together at the Cutty Sark or explore some of the great local restaurants around Scottburgh. Between dives, you’re free to enjoy the hotel’s pool, bar, or even book a spa session — the perfect way to recharge during our shark-filled adventure.
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Frequently asked questions
While no wildlife experience can ever offer a 100% guarantee, Aliwal Shoal is one of the most reliable shark hotspots in the world. I’ve personally led shark diving expeditions here for over 10 years as the owner of Blue Wilderness, and in all that time, we’ve never gone to sea without seeing sharks. Ragged-tooth sharks and oceanic blacktips are especially consistent — they’ve been the stars of every trip I’ve run.
In my experience leading shark expeditions for over a decade, we’ve never had a single bite or injury to a guest or staff member. Sharks at Aliwal Shoal are wild but generally calm and curious, not aggressive. While there have been rare incidents in the area, these have almost always involved unsafe practices like hand-feeding or trying to manipulate the sharks — things we absolutely avoid. Our approach is safe, respectful, and focused on natural encounters.
Yes, most of our scuba dives require at least an Open Water certification. For the deeper dives — like the 32-metre descent to the Produce wreck — you’ll need an Advanced certification. If you’re not certified, no worries! You can still experience amazing shark encounters on my Sardine Run or Air Jaws expeditions, which focus on snorkeling, surface action, and shark behaviour from the boat.
It’s not particularly tough and well within the ability of most qualified scuba divers. The launches are surf launches, so things can get a little bouncy at the start, and Aliwal Shoal is famous for its currents, so there may be times when you’ll need to kick to maintain your position. But the rewards are huge: in June and July, the water is typically clear, the temperature is a comfortable 18–20°C (64–68°F), and the boat ride to the reef is only about 10 minutes.
The good news is that our trips to sea during the Shark Reef Expedition are relatively short — usually just a couple of hours at a time. If you do start feeling sick while scuba diving, you can return to the surface and rest on the boat until the rest of the group finishes their dive.
That said, preparation is key. If you’re prone to seasickness, I strongly recommend taking proven motion sickness medication before launch and following your usual preventative strategies — like staying well hydrated, eating light before the dive, and skipping alcohol the night before. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure you get the most out of this incredible experience.
Bad weather is always a possibility and can affect one or more of our sea days. I use a highly accurate marine forecast service and plan the expedition schedule around it — we head out to sea when the weather is good, and slot in land-based activities like the Big Five safari or the Ushaka Aquarium visit on poor-weather days.
If we lose more sea days than expected, I will do my best to arrange meaningful alternatives, like visiting local wildlife sanctuaries, such as Crocworld. However, because the expedition costs are committed well in advance, I’m not able to offer refunds for weather-related cancellations. That said, I design the trip to ensure we get the most adventure possible, rain or shine.
Yes, diving with large cameras is suitable at Aliwal Shoal, and why Shark reef is a favourite for professional film crews and photographers. Just keep in mind that the currents can be strong at times, so you may need to kick a bit more to hold your position while shooting. The boats and hotel are well equipped to handle camera gear and housings, but I recommend bringing a soft protective bag to store your camera safely on the boat deck. Also, please note that camera housings cannot be opened at sea because the boats are wet and exposed to the elements, so plan accordingly.
June and July are truly magical months on Aliwal Shoal. Water visibility is at its best, the reef is buzzing with ragged-tooth (grey nurse) sharks, and blacktips are everywhere in the water column. It’s also the time when there’s a good chance the giant sardine shoals reach the Durban coastline — bringing with them even more predator action. Another big advantage is that most day-trip dive boats move south to Port St. Johns for the sardine run, so the shoal is unusually quiet. Fewer boats means fewer divers, which means calmer sharks and better encounters — often with the reef all to ourselves.
I totally understand that not everyone can commit to a full expedition, but the short answer is no, I don’t offer shorter versions of the trip.
I guide a maximum of two expeditions to Shark Reef each year, and every group I take out becomes a close-knit team. We work together daily to explore and experience shark reef, share insights, and support each other both in and out of the water. Throughout the week, I provide hands-on guidance with videography, photography techniques, and help you understand the incredible dynamics behind Shark Reef.
Allowing guests to come and go for shorter stays would disrupt that shared experience and the group dynamic I work hard to build. My priority is to give every participant a full, immersive adventure—so if you’re joining me, I want you there for the whole journey.
For most travellers joining this expedition, a visa isn’t required in advance. South Africa offers a 90-day tourist entry permit on arrival to passport holders from many countries. This is usually issued automatically at the airport.
To be sure, you can check your country’s visa status here. If your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, please contact your nearest South African embassy or consulate to arrange a tourist visa before travel.
You’ll need to fly into King Shaka International Airport (DUR) near Durban, South Africa. I’ve arranged a private shuttle to collect you from the airport and bring you straight to our base near Aliwal Shoal. At the end of the expedition, we’ll get you back in time for your departing flight — easy, safe, and hassle-free.
South Africa is far from Malaria areas, and there are no strange African diseases which you could pick up (that is if you respect the same safety rules as anywhere else in the world).
Please ensure that you bring any medication required. If you will require medication whist in South Africa, please contact us to ensure that it is available.
Here’s a recommended packing list for the Shark Reef Expedition at Aliwal Shoal.
Footwear
Waterproof sandals (e.g. Crocs, Tevas — for beach launches) Casual shoes for evenings Flip-flops / light sandals for around the hotel
Swim & Dive Gear
(Optional) 5mm wetsuit (perfect for the 18–20°C / 64–68°F water temps) (Optional) Hooded vest or extra layer if you feel the cold easily (Optional) Mask, snorkel, and fins (Optional) Booties (thick-soled for launch walks) Dive computer Towel or poncho towel (quick-dry preferred)
Photography & Video Equipment
GoPro / action camera DSLR or mirrorless camera with underwater housing Spare batteries & memory cards Dry bag or Pelican case Soft padded camera bag (for boat deck storage) Microfiber cloths Lanyards, clips, or floats
Personal Items
Reef-safe sunscreen Lip balm with SPF Personal medications Sea sickness tablets or patches Reusable water bottle Daypack or backpack Travel adaptor (Type M/South Africa plug) Insurance documents (print and digital)
Optional but Recommended
Laptop or hard drive (for backing up photos) Notebook or journal (to log dives and sightings) Binoculars (for dolphin/whale watching from shore) Ear plugs / eye mask (for better rest)
Yes, you’ll need travel and medical insurance to join the expedition. For SCUBA divers, I highly recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) for dive-specific medical and evacuation coverage. Your insurance should also include protection for your equipment, including theft, damage, or flooding of cameras, dive gear, or personal belongings. These things can and do happen, and it’s best to be prepared.
Security notice: If you’re clearing customs at Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport, I strongly advise wrapping your checked luggage in plastic and keeping valuables (like camera housings, electronics, and dive computers) in your carry-on. This helps minimise the risk of loss or theft during transit.
Participants can participate for a minimum period of two weeks and a maximum period of three months.
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