Winter “Raggies” Tour - African Watersports

Duration: 10 Days

Where else in the World can you get the diversity that South Africa has to offer as a one-stop destination? The diversity of both terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora is truly staggering. What is amazing about this is that we are not talking about normal diving but unique diving that at best is very difficult to find elsewhere in the world. Manny of these unique dives fall into the Adrenaline Category, dives that you are not going to forget for a very long time. Through experience we have proved that you can view these apex predators safely and have done so hundreds of times.

1st Leg – The “Raggie Close Encounter” Dive

Leg Duration: 5 Days

During the Raggie high season the Raggies that have followed the annual migration of the Sardines, move onto the shoal in there hundreds. It is speculated that they move in there to escape the fierce currents that are found off the Kwa Zulu Natal coast and the abundance of food. Although they have gouged themselves on sardines all the way to our relatively warmer waters as opposed to the Cape waters. They come here essentially to copulate. Although one of the fiercest looking sharks they are unusually calm and accommodating posing for the photographer at every opportunity. The “Raggie Close Encounter” dives are spectacular. You will be lead through the dive by Walter Bernardis the owner of African Watersports Aliwal or Tyrone Bernardis his son as they demonstrate how relaxed the sharks are. If you fall into the category of Shark enthusiast, then it should be placed on top of your “dives to do” list. They come right up to you with their menacing mouths gaping displaying their very impressive set of dentures that fall out throughout their lives. It is these same teeth that end up on necklaces and proudly displayed by Shark divers around the world. Once you have experienced this sharks and witnessed their quiet and calm disposition one quickly relaxes and bathes in the splendor of these magnificent creatures.

2nd Leg – The Big 5 Safari

Leg Duration: 2 Days

Imagine being on foot in indigenous forest, knowing you are in the realm of the terrestrial Big 5, Lions, Rhino, Elephant, Leopard and Buffalo. You will be in the hands of an experienced guide who will put you on the spoor (footprints) of one of these magnificent creatures, today it might be the Black or White Rhino, tomorrow it may be the Leopard or Lion. Whichever you are bound to see a host of different Antelope, bird life, bush pig etc and be able to experience Africa as it was for the Zulu’s who lived in these environs before the arrival of the white man. Your accommodation will be at a comfortable bush lodge where all your needs will be taken care of.

3rd Leg – The Great White

Leg Duration: 3 Days

This dive needs little explanation and takes place in the cold waters of the Cape at Gaansbaai. This is a cage dive and in season you could have up to six different sharks on one day – big sharks – a photographers dream. The day starts at approximately 09h00 when, after breakfast , you launch out of Gaansbaai to a little Island known as Dyer Island. There the skipper will drop anchor in the best position to view sharks. The rest of the day is spent viewing sharks from the surface and in the water from a cage. These creatures are truly an awesome sight and one that will keep you talking about sharks for a long time.

1st Leg – The Africa Tiger

Leg Duration: 5 Days

There are very few places in the world that one can view Tiger Sharks in their natural environment. Individuals who have been to all these places like Gerard Soury, have commented that nowhere else in the world can one have the quality & safe viewing as on the Aliwal Shoal. See his latest book “Requiem et Liberte”. This dive takes place on a smallish reef about 1km south of the Aliwal Shoal known as Eelskin. At a depth of about 14.5m there is a natural cave from where safe viewing of the baiting station can take place. You would normally launch at about 09h00 and anchor above the cave and commence with the surface work to bring in the Tigers, you would then dive down to the cave and do approximately a 1-hour dive before returning to the boat. Back on the boat we would continue with surface work to view thee magnificent creatures on the surface. After snacks and at least a 1-hour surface interval you would return to the cave and again view the Tigers in their natural environment. We would then return home at approximately 14h00 – 15h00 after an adrenaline filled day at sea.