Shark Diving Protea Banks
The Ultimate Shark Diving Experience in South Africa
Protea Banks, the shark diving capital of South Africa
Shark diving at Protea Banks, South Africa’s legendary reef is an experience that defines adventure beneath the waves. Just 7 km off the coast of Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Protea Banks stands as one of the most iconic and exhilarating destinations for shark diving in South Africa. Known worldwide as the Shark Diving Capital of South Africa, this reef combines raw ocean power, rich biodiversity, and ethical conservation to create one of the most unforgettable diving experiences in the world
Protea Banks is part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA), which ensures that its reef structure, marine species, and overall ecosystem remain protected and thriving. The reef itself is a fossilized sand dune stretching between 27 and 40 meters deep, with dramatic caves, pinnacles, and gullies that provide an ideal habitat for large pelagic predators and reef life alike.
Divers visiting Protea Banks can encounter Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Hammerheads, Ragged-Tooth Sharks, and Blacktip Sharks, depending on the time of year. This rare combination of shark diversity, strong conservation ethics, and adventurous diving makes Protea Banks the ultimate destination for shark diving in South Africa.
Certification & Requirements
Protea Banks is an advanced dive site and not suitable for beginners. Strong currents, deep depths, and blue-water drifting make this site both exhilarating and challenging.
Certification Required: Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
Experience: Minimum of 35 logged dives, with prior deep diving experience.
Entry Technique: Negative entries are commonly used to descend quickly into the shark action.
Option: If you don’t meet the requirements, you can hire one of our instructors to guide you.
Protea Banks Dive Profile
Depth: 27–35 meters
Bottom Time: 40–50 minutes (depending on air consumption)
Type: Drift, multilevel dive
Conditions:
Expect strong currents.
Excellent buoyancy control and situational awareness are essential.
Recommended only for experienced divers seeking adventure.
Protea Banks shark dive options
Reef Dives – Exploring caves and reef structures, especially when ragged-tooth sharks are in season.
Baited Shark Dives – A thrilling drift where bait drums are used to attract multiple species of sharks for up-close encounters.
Both dive types are conducted under strict safety standards and full respect for marine life.
Best Time to Dive Protea Banks
Summer (Nov–May): Large schools of hammerheads, bull sharks, tiger sharks.
Winter (Jun–Oct): Congregations of ragged-tooth sharks in the caves.
Every season offers something unique, making Protea Banks a year-round diving hotspot.
Please take note
ALL DIVES ARE SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE DAY!
NB!! Deposits for promotion packages will not be refunded. Only dives that have been canceled due to launch conditions or for safety purposes will be refunded.