Discover Scuba Diving in Umkomaas for Beginners

If you're intrigued by the unique marine wildlife that lives off the coast of South Africa and want to experience it at first-hand, Discover Scuba Diving in Umkomaas is just the right offer for you. Our dive site at the Aliwal Shoal reef is one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world and it is suitable for divers of all levels of experience - especially first time divers like yourselves.

You don't need any prior experience for Discover Scuba Diving in Umkomaas. We'll teach you all the basics of how to use your scuba gear and off you go to explore the incredible biodiversity hidden beneath the surface of the sea. This two-day programme is a perfect introduction to the sport and allows you to get an idea of what scuba diving is all about. If, in the end, you're convinced that the scuba life is the BEST life, you'll have plenty of opportunities to continue your scuba diving journey towards becoming a certified diver.

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Dive Area
We dive at the Aliwal Shoal reef which is listed as one of Jacques Cousteau's best dive sites in the world. It consists of a rocky reef that sits in the middle of a sandy plain with many caves and overhangs that shelter all sorts of marine species. Indeed, the nearby Agulhas Current brings warmth and nutrients to the area, whereby the aquatic wildlife at Aliwal Shoal can thrive. This is also why larger predators, in particular tiger sharks, often frequent the area in search of prey. Sightings present a real highlight for all those who choose Discover Scuba Diving in Umkomaas. Moreover, Aliwal Shoal is a great dive site for both newly certified divers as well as to divers with a lot of experience due to its incredible diversity.

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Programme
- Day 1:
On the first day of the programme, we meet at our dive centre at the agreed-upon time. Here, we will check you in and you will receive your theory lecture. After the lecture, there will be a short break before we move on to the pool session during which you will practice how to use your scuba gear.
- Day 2:
On the second day of the programme, we meet at the dive centre at 07:00 am where you will get geared up. We will start loading the boat at around 07:30 to be ready and set for an 08:00 am launch from the Umkomaas River Mouth. The boat ride to Aliwal Shoal takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on which of the many spots around Aliwal Shoal we choose. Once in the water, you will be able to explore the incredible biodiversity of this marine protected area and experience what it feels like to breathe underwater with your instructor by your side at all times.

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Included Services
- Certified dive instructor
- Theoretical lecture
- Practice dive in the pool
- High-quality diving gear
- Boat ride to and from the dive site

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Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 years
- Ability to swim
- Overall physical health
- Marine Permit (obtainable from our Dive Centre or any Post Office in South Africa)