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DIVING
Just a 15 minute drive from Ilanga Ntaba Guest Lodge is a DIVER’S PARADISE.
For diving enthusiasts, Aqua Planet based at Shelly Beach will cater for all your requirements and promises you can expect to see the BEST that the region has to offer.
Choose amongst the following premier sites.
PROTEA BANKS The Shark Dive! (Temp 20-24 degrees-Depth 30m)
This reef is a must! Considered amongst the top shark and big gamefish dives in the world, Protea Banks is not short of excitement. Situated 7.5 km straight out to sea from Shelly Beach, it has been a favourite dive spot of the area since 1991 when it was first recognised as a prime dive site. The reef lies between 27m and 40m and is approximately 6km long and 800 meters in width. Exploring the northern and southern reef will bring you into contact with Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Guitar Sharks and Hammerheads. Huge shoals of up to 10 Raggies appear between June and September. Other sharks often sighted are the Copper Shark, Mako and oceanic reef sharks. For those who are not shark enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed as the spectacle of huge shoals of Kingfish, Yellow Fin Tuna and Barracuda will enchant you. Magnificent and various coral ledges play home to numerous colourful residents, while Potato Bass, Giant Manta Rays, Sting Rays and Marble Rays cruise around surveying the scene! Due to the nature of this dive, you are required to have an advanced certification or 20 logged dives.
BO BOYI REEF (Temp 20-24 degrees – Depth 18m)
This reef is a 5 minute boat ride off Shelly Beach. It has plenty of caves and overhangs featuring a variety of soft corals and is perfect for open water divers. In addition to a number of juvenile tropical fish and larger reef fish, game fish often frequent this reef. It is also the home of a large Brindle Bass. Generally this dive is better during the winter months as the summer rains can cause the rivers to flood, impairing visibility.
DEEP SALMON (Temp 20-24 degrees – Depth 24 to 30m)
Approximately 2 km off Shelly Beach, this large reef with a 6m wall drop off, is one of the best dives around. There are huge coral trees to swim between and an abundance of tropical fish and invertebrates. These include the rare Tiger Angel and a number of wrasse species. The depth and nature of this reef make it necessary for you to have advanced certification or 20 dives.
UVONGO LAGOON (Cave Dive) (Temp 16-24 degrees – depth 22m)
This site is not for the faint hearted. Due to the nature of the surroundings it is very dark and torches are a requirement. The water is brakish (half salt-half fresh) – which has encouraged an unusual assortment of marine life to make its home here. Fresh water Congo Eels, Moonies and juvenile Rock Salmon are not uncommon. The caves of Uvongo Lagoon extend for approximately 30 meters and are a must for technical and cave divers. Visibility is between 3 and 7 meters.
Due to the nature of this dive, you are required to have advance certification or 20 logged dives.
And finish your diving day with a sundowner back at Ilanga Ntaba where you can discuss the excitement of the dive with other awe-inspired guests. |
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