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KwaZulu-Natal
Umkomaas
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Aliwal Dive Centre
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Aliwal Dive Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
Aliwal Dive Centre
4.5
#2 of 10 Outdoor Activities in Umkomaas
Scuba & Snorkelling
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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About
We offer some of the most exciting scuba diving in the World, here on Aliwal Shoal. Dive with Ragged Tooth Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Oceanic Blacktip and Zambesi Sharks. We also see all types of Rays and Turtles on the dives. Dolphins and whales on the surface during season. Enjoy our great South African hospitality at Aliwal Dive Lodge above the dive centre and further your dive education at our PADI 5* Instructor Development Centre. When you choose Aliwal Dive Centre for your South African diving adventure, you can rest assured that our professional and dedicated team will have one aim in mind, to ensure you have a special and memorable time. We are the oldest PADI Centre in Umkomaas and have been here since 1995 - we specialize in shark dives, which includes the shark cage dive - anybody can do it - no experience needed. In June July we do the Sardine Run Ocean Safari on the Wild Coast of South Africa - the greatest shoal on earth. A bucket list item. Come do it!
Umkomaas, South Africa
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Aliwal Dive Centre
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Travellers talk about
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(2 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
168 reviews
Excellent
134
Very good
23
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Olivier S
Lubbeek, Belgium1 contribution
Well organised dives
Sep 2023 • Friends
We did two reef dives with some friends. We were very late to book, but the crew reacted very fast so we could join the day after. The crew is friendly and well organised.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy S
1 contribution
Bad experience - no refund
Dec 2022 • Couples
Our boat couldn’t go to the dive site because of the sea conditions (too wavy) , but there was 2 boats at the same time and the other one was able to go.
We re booked for the next day but unfortunately we were sick during the night so we had to cancel, and they did not want to refund us. We suggest them to postpone our dive again but they did not want.
I don’t recommend you this company, they just want your money and don’t take in consideration the clients.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Questovia
Wells, ME1 170 contributions
Sharks! Wow!
Jul 2022
Swimming with the sharks is professionally handled by the wonderful team at Aliwal. Everything from checking in, the wetsuit fitting, the ride to the beach, explanation of what the experience would be and what was expected of us, especially noting the safety issues, was handled so well and clearly stated so there was no doubt. Can't believe how exciting and fun they made the adventure and how safe we felt 100% of the time. The ride coming and going out the reef was awesome as we saw whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Just do it!
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nativo
Marrakech19 contributions
The best dive center in the area!
May 2022 • Friends
We are very happy with our choice of a dive center for our stay in Umkomaas: very professional and friendly staff and they really make an effort to please customers when picking the dive sites of the day.
Their job is not always an easy one considering the sea conditions in Umkomaas but they always do everything they can with a smile and a good sense of humour!
We checked two other dive shops when we were there and we would still have picked Aliwal Dive center if we knew them before. We will be back for sure !
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leon M
6 contributions
Lovely Dive Center
Mar 2022
Great instructors, equipment gets checked by staff, max 2-3 persons per dive guard. Visibility was checked daily, same as currents, to determine best dive side. Also formiddable lunch/late breakfast for when you come back ashore. Lovely place
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Very happy to hear you had a great time - we always appreciate when our customers take the time to do a review. Thank you!
Written 15 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claudia uffhaus
4 contributions
Excellent service
Dec 2021 • Couples
Great team to go explore the oceans with. Professional, friendly, fun and respectful of the waters.
They carry all your gear, set it up for you, everything is clean and well looked after. The skippers are safe and the DMs are knowledgable.

We felt safe, happy and in good hands at all times!
Written 12 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback - it is just awesome! We are always eager to hear if we are doing the job as well as we are supposed to - so much appreciated.
Written 15 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
arikadelange101
Pretoria, South Africa3 contributions
Exilirating
Sep 2021 • Couples
A unique experience. Even though the weather wasn't really on our side, it was a great trip. The adrenaline having 7 - 9 Oceanic black tip sharks so close to you, is worth every tatered nerve and every rand spent. Experienced skippers and divemasters put you in good hands and their sense of humour is hilarious. I can recommend to anyone looking for a great time and one awesome experience.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Yes - we sometimes do say silly things, but it helps to take the focus off what you are about to do - snorkel with sharks! No just kidding - as you have realized by now that they are not the man eaters that Hollywood make them out to be.... You are 100% right with regards to the adrenaline rush with the shark snorkel.... well done for facing them! Thanks for the wawesome review!!
Written 15 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gmanca2017
Gauteng, South Africa15 contributions
Great stay and excellent people!! :)
Jun 2021
Thanks Basie and crew. Always nice to dive with you (even if the conditions suck). First time staying with you. Pleasant surprise!! Thanks again and hopefully next time you guys will order some blue clean water :)
Written 8 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Ha ha anytime Franco! Clean water coming up on your next trip! Thanks for the great review!
Written 30 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NIky S
5 contributions
worthwhile
Apr 2021
Great experience, fantastic skipper, friendly and helpful team. Will definitely be going back. Great to be able to roll out of bed and go downstairs to dive.
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Awesome...very happy you enjoyed the time with us! Appreciate the review!
Written 30 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris
5 contributions
Truly the best Dive Centre
Mar 2021 • Friends
Just completed the Scuba Open Water Dive and what an experience!! The level of professionalism and the way the team made us feel at home was exceptional. I can't recommend Aliwal Dive Centre enough. They really are a cut above the rest. The Manta Ray fly by was the cherry on top.
Written 12 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basie Ackermann
Well done on becoming a qualified diver..now the world awaits.. but come back here first! 😁Thanks for the great review!!
Written 30 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ALIWAL DIVE CENTRE (Umkomaas) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go