aquaplanet: Messages

PROTEA BANKS offers an exceptionally exciting specialty SHARK dive. Situated 7,5km off Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu Natal's South Coast, PROTEA BANKS allows ADVANCED divers the opportunity to experience a shark dive that is completely unique.

During the summer months the Bull Shark (Zambezi) makes PROTEA BANKS its home. Hammerheads are often seen overhead and not just one or two, we are talking hundreds. Guitar Sharks, Dusky and Blacktips frequent this reef with a select few getting the privilege of seeing the elusive Tiger Shark. In the winter months the Ragged-Tooth Sharks congregate on PROTEA BANKS to mate.

Aside from sharks PROTEA BANKS, also boasts a vast number of gamefish such as Barracuda, Snappers, Yellowtail, Kingfish and Potato Bass to name but a few. Rays are also a common sighting.

BAITED SHARK dives are now done on Protea Banks, with great success with Zambezi and Blacktips being the most common sharks seen on these dives.

SOUTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 26 to 40m
Dived mainly in the summer months, this site is home to the notorious Bull Shark (Zambezi) which brings a great deal of notoriety to this world-renowned dive location. Other sharks frequenting PROTEA BANKS include Hammerheads, Blacktips, Dusky, Guitar Sharks and a variety of rays. For a fortunate few there is even the possibility of sighting the Tiger Shark.

NORTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 28 to 38m
This dive site, normally dived in winter months during the Ragged-Tooth mating season, allows divers to view "Raggies" in close proximity on their annual migration route. The area consists of two cave systems in which the "Raggies" congregate. At times it is impossible to see the mouth of the caves as it is completely obscured by masses of sharks!