Destination snapshot
Best time
May–Jul (sardine run); year-round elsewhere
Water temp
62–78°F
Visibility
20–80 ft
Skill level
Advanced
Flight time (US)
Long-haul
Great for
Sharks · Big animals
Why visit
Aliwal Shoal tigers, Protea Banks bull sharks, cage diving with great whites, and the world's greatest migration — the sardine run.
South Africa offers unmatched shark diving. Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and the annual sardine run (May–Jul) draw divers looking for the biggest animal encounters on Earth.
Best dive sites
- Aliwal Shoal
- Protea Banks
- Gansbaai (cage diving)
- Sodwana Bay
Best snorkeling spots
- Sodwana Bay
What you may see underwater
Great White SharksTiger SharksBull SharksHammerheadsSardinesDolphinsWhalesSea TurtlesSchools of Fish
Interesting fact
The 'Sardine Run' along South Africa's Wild Coast is one of the largest marine migrations on Earth — billions of fish pursued by dolphins, sharks, whales and gannets.
Who this destination is best for
- Advanced divers
- Adventurers
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the shark diving?
- Aliwal Shoal for tiger and blacktip sharks, Gansbaai for great white cage diving, Protea Banks for hammerheads and bulls.
- When is Sardine Run?
- Late May through July, weather-dependent — a chasing trip, not a fixed itinerary.
- Is it advanced diving?
- Yes — surf launches and open-ocean encounters require experience and comfort.
Ready to dive South Africa?
Tell us your dates and experience level — we'll match you with the right resort and operator, and handle the details.
Plan My Trip