Shark diving in Umkomaas a very popular activity, you can here see sharks all year round. In this article we give you the insights about diving with sharks in Umkomaas
Umkomaas officially renamed eMkhomazi, is a small coastal village on the subtropical south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed when a harbour was built in 1861 to export sugar, but later became a popular destination for divers and fishermen.bIt lies beside the mouth of the uMkhomazi River, which means the place of cow whales in Zulu.We did first a safari holiday in Krugerpark and drove whole the way to Umkomaas
Diving with Sharks in Umkomaas: A Thrilling Adventure for Travelers
Introduction
Umkomaas is a popular destination for shark diving enthusiasts because it is close to the Aliwal Shoal.A rocky reef that hosts a variety of shark species, such as oceanic blacktip, tiger, bull, and ragged-tooth sharks.
The shoal is recognized by the diving community as a top pelagic and shark diving reef worldwide.
Shark diving in Umkomaas offers the opportunity to learn more about these creatures, and experience adrenaline rush.There are also several dive operators that offer these services, such as Scubaco diving and travel
Here you can see a video about shark diving
Why dive with sharks?
Shark diving is an exciting and educational activity that can offer many benefits to those who dare to try it. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider diving with sharks:
- Learn more about these misunderstood creatures. Sharks are fascinating and diverse animals, but they are often portrayed as mindless killers in the media. By diving with sharks, you can observe their behavior and learn about their biology, ecology, and evolution. You can also discover the different types of sharks and their adaptations to various habitats and conditions. For example, you can see how the whale shark, the largest fish in the world, feeds on plankton by filtering the water through its gills, or how the nurse shark, a bottom-dwelling species, uses its mouth to suck in food from the seafloor.
- Overcome your fears and experience adrenaline rush. Many people are afraid of sharks, but diving with them can help you overcome your fear. You can face your fears in a safe and controlled environment, with expert guides and proper equipment. You can also experience the thrill and excitement of being close to these powerful predators, and feel the adrenaline rush that comes with it. Diving with sharks can boost your confidence and self-esteem, as well as your appreciation for nature.
- Debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions about sharks. There are many myths and misconceptions about sharks that need to be corrected. For instance, sharks are not attracted to human blood, nor do they hunt humans intentionally. Most shark attacks are cases of mistaken identity, where the shark confuses a human for its usual prey, such as a seal or a fish. Sharks are also not mindless killing machines, but rather intelligent and curious animals that have complex social and hunting strategies. Moreover, sharks are not invincible or immortal, but rather vulnerable and threatened by human activities, such as overfishing, shark finning, and pollution.
- Support shark conservation and protect the ocean. Sharks are important for the health and balance of the ocean, as they play a key role in regulating the food web and preventing the spread of disease. Sharks are also valuable for the economy, as they provide income and jobs for many coastal communities through fisheries and ecotourism. However, sharks are in crisis, with over one third of all species pushed towards extinction by overfishing and other threats. By diving with sharks, you can help raise awareness and support for their conservation, and contribute to the protection of their habitats and ecosystems. You can also join the efforts of organizations, such as WWF and The Shark Trust, that work to improve, implement, and enforce legislation and management for sharks.
Types of Sharks Found in South African Waters
- Ragged Tooth Sharks: These sharks have a distinctive look with a mouth full of needle-like teeth and a bulky body. They’re quite docile, making them a favorite among divers.
- Tiger Sharks: Known for their size and distinct dark stripes, tiger sharks are curious and formidable, but they’re generally not aggressive towards divers unless provoked.
- Oceanic Blacktip Sharks: Sleek and fast, these sharks are often spotted near the surface and can be identified by the black tips on their fins.
- Zambesi (Bull) Sharks: Recognizable by their stout body and blunt snout, they are known for their robust nature and are often found in shallow waters.
- Hammerhead Sharks: With their iconic hammer-shaped heads, these sharks have a wide field of vision, aiding them in hunting.
- Copper Sharks (Bronze Whalers): These have a more slender build and a distinctive bronze color, especially visible in younger sharks.
- Thresher Sharks: They have long, whip-like tails which they use to stun their prey, making them unique among shark species.
- Great White Sharks: Although a rare sight in Umkomaas, they are the most renowned due to their size and reputation.
How to dive with sharks in Umkomaas?
Here are some of the options for shark diving in Umkomaas, and some information and tips to help you plan your dive.
- Baited shark dives. This is a thrilling experience where you can encounter different species of sharks, such as oceanic blacktip, tiger, bull, and dusky sharks, in their natural environment. You will be surrounded by a bait stem and bucket that attracts the sharks, but does not feed them. You can expect to see up to 40 sharks at a time, depending on the season and conditions. Baited shark dives are suitable for advanced divers who have good buoyancy and are comfortable in open water. The depth is usually between 8 and 10 meters, and the visibility can vary from 5 to 30 meters. The water temperature ranges from 19°C in winter to 26°C in summer.
- Shark cage diving and snorkeling. This is a great option for those who want to see sharks up close, but are not certified divers or are not confident in the water. You will be inside a sturdy metal cage that is attached to the boat, and you can either breathe from a hookah system or use a snorkel. You will be able to see oceanic blacktip sharks and other marine life, such as dolphins, rays, and turtles, from the safety of the cage. The depth is usually between 5 and 8 meters, and the visibility can vary from 5 to 30 meters. The water temperature ranges from 19°C in winter to 26°C in summer.
- Reef and wreck dives. Umkomaas is also home to the Aliwal Shoal, a rocky reef that is rich in marine life and coral formations. You can dive along the reef and see a variety of fish, invertebrates, rays, turtles, and sharks, such as ragged-tooth, hammerhead, and whale sharks. You can also explore the two nearby wrecks, the Nebo and the Produce, that sank in the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively. The wrecks are inhabited by fish, eels, octopus, and sharks, such as potato bass and brindle bass. Reef and wreck dives are suitable for intermediate to advanced divers who have good navigation and buoyancy skills. The depth ranges from 12 to 30 meters, and the visibility can vary from 5 to 40 meters. The water temperature ranges from 19°C in winter to 26°C in summer.
Boat launching in Umkomaas: A fun adventure
Boat launch in Umkomaas is a unique and exciting experience that involves launching the boat from the beach into the surf, and then retrieving it from the surf back to the beach. Here is how it works:
- Before the launch, the boat is prepared and checked by the skipper and the crew. The boat is attached to a tractor by a rope, and the passengers and their gear are loaded on the boat. The skipper and the crew wear life jackets, and the passengers wear life jackets and wetsuits. The skipper also checks the weather and sea conditions.
- The launch begins when the tractor drives the boat to the water’s edge, and the skipper starts the engine. The skipper then waits for the right moment to launch, when the waves are calm and there is a gap in the surf. The boat pilot then signals the tractor driver to release the rope, and accelerates the boat into the water. The divers push the boat further in to the sea and on the last moment the climb on board. The skipper then steers the boat through the waves, avoiding the breaking ones, and heads to the open sea. The launch usually takes a few minutes, but can vary depending on the conditions.
- Sometimes the start the lauch in the river,between the dives they changes bottles there for the second dive.
Where to stay in Umkomaas
- Agulhas House: A 4-star property with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and private parking. It has a beautiful view of the river and the garden, and a pool and a restaurant on site. It is close to the Umkomaas Golf Club and has excellent reviews from previous guests.
- Blue Ocean Dive Resort – Aliwal Shoal Shark Diving: A 3-star property that gives you a cozy family feeling by the sea. It has a bar, a restaurant, and a dive center on the premises. It also offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, spa, and fitness center. Fun boat ride out, felt safe and secure even in big swell.
- Timeless Lodge: A property that offers sea views and an outdoor swimming pool. It also has a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and a restaurant. It offers both Wi-Fi and private parking for free.
- Kingfisher Cottage: A property that has air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and private parking. It has a garden and is near the Umkomaas Golf Club. It is also within driving distance from other golf clubs and has a perfect rating from previous guests
- Scubaco dive and travel: Scubaco diving and traveling is a dive shop in Umkomaas that offers a variety of diving services and courses. It is not an accommodation in Umkomaas, but it has a partnership with a guest house called 32 on Harvey, which is located right next to Scubaco’s dive centre. 32 on Harvey is a sleek, upmarket, and modern guest house that offers single, twin and triple rooms with en-suite bathrooms and Nespresso coffee machines. It also has a large garden, an outdoor pool, and a patio area for relaxing. It is within walking distance of local shops and activities in Umkomaas.We stay there and had a great time its a truly world-class dive centre. Friendly and helpful crew – they made us feel relaxed and welcome. .We would recommend ScubaCo without hesitation to any diver who wants to explore Aliwal Shoal. Their service is world class – warm friendly hospitality, equipment in excellent condition, and some special touches that I’ve never experienced elsewhere
Conclusion
Shark diving in Umkomaas is an adventure that you will never forget. You can choose from different options, such as baited shark dives, shark cage diving and snorkeling, reef and wreck dives, and snorkeling trips, to suit your preferences and abilities.
You can also rely on the professional and friendly services of the dive operators, such as Blue Ocean Dive Resort and Aliwal Dive Center. Shark diving can offer you many benefits, such as learning more about these misunderstood creatures, overcoming your fears and experiencing adrenaline rush, debunking some of the common myths and misconceptions about sharks, and supporting shark conservation and protecting the ocean. Remember, the only thing to fear is fear itself.
As Jacques Cousteau said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”