|
Scuba diving on the Protea Banks
Protea Banks
Protea Banks offers a most exciting specialty dive for locals
and international visitors alike.
Situated 7.5 km off KwaZulu
Natal’s South coast, it offers advanced divers the opportunity
to experience a deep dive, combined with an environmental specialty.
A mid-water dive that gives one the feeling of floating in “inner
space”, this shark specialty dive cannot be compared to
one anywhere in the world.
Upon entry into the water, one is instantly submerged in this
graceful predators’ environment, and it is not uncommon
to see up to 200 individuals including Scalloped Hammerheads,
shoaling in hundreds, yes, HUNDREDS, Blacktips, Zambezi’s
and the serious looking, but docile, Ragged Tooth Shark.
Northern Pinnacles
Depth 33-40m visibility 25-40m
This site, normally dived in winter (June – September),
during the ragged tooth season, allows divers to experience “Raggies” in
close proximity, whilst on their annual migration route.
The area consists of two cave systems, in which the “Raggies” congregate.
At times it is impossible to see the mouth as it is blocked with
a mass of them. A short fin past the coral gardens will bring
one to the second cave. This cave is open at the top and has
several chambers within it. In the sand one can find a bounty
of “Raggie” teeth. Once “Raggie” season
passes and the weather warms, Hammerheads move back into the
area.
Southern Pinnacles
Depth 26-40M visibility 25-40m
This site is home to the notorious Zambezi (Bull) shark, bringing
fame to this world-renowned dive location, along with scores
of thrill seeking divers. This site offers divers an opportunity
to dive with a variety of different shark species; Hammerheads,
often spotted in large numbers, can be seen in the distance,
Blacktips dart in and out of view and over shark gully, at about
40 meters, one looks down onto as many as 30 Giant Guitar Sharks.
For a fortunate few, there may be the privilege of sighting the
elusive Tiger Shark.
There are also vast numbers of game fish on display; King fish,
Barracuda, Big Eye Kings, Snappers, Yellow Tail, Sea Pike, Tunny,
Potato Bass and Kaalkap, to name a few, are sure to be seen whilst
on this dive.
There is no other shark diving site in the world that has the
variety of shark species, along with the excitement and thrills
that Protea Banks has to offer. It is a dive that no advanced
diver should deny themselves.
|
