Baited shark snorkeling on the Umkomaas coast, near Durban

Dump the complicated kit and jump in with some of the world's most interesting and inquisitive shark species on baited snorkelling excursions along the Aliwal reef.

The easiest way to get acquainted with the reef's four types of shark, get up close and personal with apex predators and learn to love these playful hunters on baited snorkelling experiences - all carefully controlled and monitored by Blue Ocean Dive Resort's experienced shark experts.

Location
A 30-minute drive from central Durban, Blue Ocean dive centre is situated in the small village of Umkomaas. Using rubber dinghies to access the Aliwal Shoal crown area, the ride out to sea is around 7km from the Mkomazi River mouth which takes about 10-15mins.

Activity
Using a bait stem and bucket suspended at about 8-10m, groups will swim amongst up to 40 oceanic blacktip, tiger, bull and dusky sharks (breeding season dependant) - and up to 2.5m in length. Your guide will monitor you from the surface - leaving you free to explore as deep as your breath will take you!

Conditions
Ocean temperatures fluctuate between 17°C (June/July) and 27°C (Feb). Avg throughout the year: 23°C.
Seasonal sightings include:

-December to May – Tiger sharks
-December to February – Whale sharks
-Late May to November – Ragged tooth sharks
-All year - Oceanic blacktip sharks