PROTEA BANKS

For many years, Protea Banks have been rated as one of the world’s best Shark diving sites. Zambezi (Bull) Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks and the shy Hammerhead Sharks are often encountered. In summer, Tiger Sharks are often seen. Roundabout the months of June and July, the Bronze Whaler Sharks follow the Sardine Run.

During our winter months, Ragged-tooth Sharks congregate on Protea Banks as part of their mating ritual. Although fierce in appearance, these “Raggies” are placid and slow moving, allowing great opportunities for divers to get up close to them. The reef boasts a variety of Eagle Rays, reef fish, Manta Rays, Moray Eels as well as game fish.

All dives are boat dives. Semi-rigid boats are launched from the beach and through the surf. The trip out to Protea Banks takes approximately 25 minutes. All dives are drift dives. The depth varies from 30 – 40 metres, and this dive is for experienced divers only. Dives is led by experienced local Dive Masters. Visibility varies from 5 – 35 metres. Water temperature in summer often above 24^oC and in winter seldom below 19^oC.

Dive Sites:

Southern Pinnacles:

Depth varies from 26 – 35 metres. From November to March, this is the reef to dive if you want to see Zambezi (Bull) Sharks. Tiger Sharks are spotted most often between April and May. Loads of Hammerhead Sharks are often encountered at Southern Pinnacles. Kingfish Gully derives its name from the large Kingfish concentration frequenting the area. Summertime is the time when large schools of game fish are seen.

Northern Pinnacles:

The depth of the reef is approximately 33 metres. Two large cave systems, namely “Hole in the wall” and “Hole in the floor” attracts Ragged-tooth Sharks during their mating season in winter. The reef covered in rare pink soft coral, hosts a large variety of reef fish and pelagic fish.