Aliwal Shoal
The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The reef plays host to many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. Aliwal Shoal was named after the sinking of the 3 Masted vessel "Aliwal", Captained by James Anderson in 1849 (source: Aliwal Shoal Tourism). There are two wrecks near the reef that are prime sites for divers. The Norwegian bulk carrier called the "Produce" which sank in 1974 and the Nebo which sank in 1884. Aliwal Shoal's position at the meeting point of the cold Benguela current and the warm Agulhas current make for some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers. The Shoal is know especially for its abundance of Grey nurse sharks (known locally as ragged tooth sharks or "raggies") between August and November when the sharks congregate there to mate.
Those wishing to dive Aliwal Shoal are well served by a number of dive centres located in the nearest town of Umkomaas.
References
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