Aliwal Shoal
Encyclopedia
The Aliwal Shoal is a rocky reef
which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5 km 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 has some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers. The Shoal is known especially for its abundance of Grey nurse shark
s (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.
Reef
In nautical terminology, a reef is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water ....
which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5 km off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994, the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and the homeland of KwaZulu....
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. 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 has some stunning marine life which explains its popularity with divers. The Shoal is known especially for its abundance of Grey nurse shark
Grey nurse shark
The sand tiger shark or grey nurse shark is a species of shark that inhabits coastal waters worldwide. It lives very close to the shorelines and beaches of North America, hence the name, sand tiger shark. Despite a fearsome appearance and strong swimming abilities, it is a relatively placid and...
s (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.