Dive within training. Aliwal offers shallow reef options and deep wreck and edge dives. Choose sites that match your certification and recent experience.
Be ready for drift diving. Currents can carry you off the reef. Carry an SMB and spool, stay close to your buddy, and follow the guide's ascent plan.
Respect depth and gas. Many marquee dives sit around 27 m to 32 m. Plan conservative no-decompression profiles and keep a solid gas reserve for midwater ascents.
Manage seasickness early. Beach launches and surface intervals can be rough. Take medication before you feel sick and keep hydration up.
Secure equipment for surf launches. Stow cameras and phones in dry protection until the skipper signals it is safe. Keep fins attached and masks secured.
Use a computer and surface signaling. A dive computer is strongly recommended. Add an audible surface signal and a bright SMB for boat pickups.
Follow shark and wildlife briefings. Stay calm, do not chase, and avoid crowding animals in caves and under ledges.

KwaZulu-Natal's primary medical resources are in Durban and nearby coastal towns. For diving incidents, contact DAN Southern Africa immediately for evacuation and chamber coordination. The Durban area has hospitals with hyperbaric capability, and Amanzimtoti is the closest larger town for urgent care access from Umkomaas. Always carry proof of insurance and your emergency contact details on the boat.

Dive within training. Aliwal offers shallow reef options and deep wreck and edge dives. Choose sites that match your certification and recent experience.
Be ready for drift diving. Currents can carry you off the reef. Carry an SMB and spool, stay close to your buddy, and follow the guide's ascent plan.
Respect depth and gas. Many marquee dives sit around 27 m to 32 m. Plan conservative no-decompression profiles and keep a solid gas reserve for midwater ascents.
Manage seasickness early. Beach launches and surface intervals can be rough. Take medication before you feel sick and keep hydration up.
Secure equipment for surf launches. Stow cameras and phones in dry protection until the skipper signals it is safe. Keep fins attached and masks secured.
Use a computer and surface signaling. A dive computer is strongly recommended. Add an audible surface signal and a bright SMB for boat pickups.
Follow shark and wildlife briefings. Stay calm, do not chase, and avoid crowding animals in caves and under ledges.

Boats launch through surf. Secure loose gear, follow skipper instructions, and protect cameras until you are clear of the break.

Aliwal dives can be drift-style with midwater safety stops. Carry an SMB, stay with your buddy, and do not surface away from the group.

Wrecks and edge dives push into 27 m to 32 m territory. Plan gas carefully and keep profiles conservative, especially on repetitive days.

Visibility can drop quickly after swell or river outflow. Adjust your dive plan, use close buddy spacing, and consider skipping complex dives when conditions are poor.

Aliwal Shoal is an MPA. Do not remove marine life, shells, or artifacts. Do not damage reef structure or disturb the seabed.
No touching or harassment. Give sharks, rays, turtles, and fish space. Never block an animal's route in or out of a cave or under an overhang.
Shark attraction controls. MPA rules restrict shark attraction (chumming) for snorkeling and scuba diving without authorization. Only participate with operators who can confirm compliance.
Buoyancy is conservation. Surge can push you into the reef. Hover with extra clearance, secure dangling gauges, and keep fins off the bottom.
Reduce plastics and waste. Bring a reusable bottle, secure snacks on the boat, and pack out everything you bring in.
Support responsible operators. Choose businesses that brief MPA rules, avoid wildlife harassment, and contribute to local marine conservation culture.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
DAN Southern Africa Emergency Hotline	Dive medical advice and evacuation coordination	+27 828 10 60 10	24/7
South Africa Emergency (cellphone)	National emergency number	112	24/7
South Africa Ambulance and Fire	Ambulance dispatch (landline dependent)	10177	24/7
Netcare 911	Private emergency medical response	082 911	24/7
Netcare St Augustine's Hospital (Durban)	Hospital contact (hyperbaric services available in Durban)	+27 31 268 5000	24/7

Aliwal Shoal and Umkomaas

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts