Sharks You Can See Anytime
Protea Banks, located off the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is one of the best shark diving destinations in the world. Known for its incredible shark diversity, deep reef structures, and thrilling drift dives, Protea Banks offers year-round shark encounters.
Different seasons bring different species, which means divers can experience something unique throughout the year. From massive schools of hammerheads in summer to ragged-tooth shark gatherings in winter, Protea Banks delivers unforgettable shark encounters in every season.
This guide explains shark season at Protea Banks and the best time to dive depending on what you want to see.
Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks and Bull Sharks
Summer is the peak shark activity season at Protea Banks. Warm water and strong currents attract pelagic species and large schools of sharks close to the reef.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks (large schools)
Great hammerhead sharks
Tiger sharks
Bull sharks (Zambezi sharks)
Oceanic blacktip sharks
Dusky sharks
Guitar sharks
Schools of hammerheads can reach hundreds of individuals, creating one of the most spectacular shark encounters in the world. Tiger sharks are also more commonly seen during summer, especially on baited dives.
Bull sharks are regular visitors and known for their calm and confident behaviour around divers.
Diving conditions in summer
Water temperature: 22–27°C
Strong currents
Blue-water drift dives
High shark activity
Best for: Big shark action, pelagic encounters, experienced divers.
Ragged-Tooth Sharks and Whale Encounters
Winter at Protea Banks is one of the most spectacular seasons in the ocean. Along with the famous ragged-tooth shark migration, this is also whale season on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
During these months, humpback whales migrate along the coastline, and sightings from the boat are extremely common. Divers often hear whale songs underwater and may occasionally see whales during the dive or on the surface.
This combination of sharks and whales makes winter a truly unique time to visit Protea Banks.
Marine life seen in winter
Ragged-tooth sharks in large numbers
Humpback whales migrating along the coast
Bull sharks
Oceanic blacktip sharks
Reef shark species
Ragged-tooth sharks gather inside reef caves and overhangs, creating calm and close encounters. At the same time, humpback whales pass offshore during their annual migration, adding an unforgettable surface experience between dives.
Diving conditions in winter
Water temperature: 18–22°C
Often clearer visibility
More relaxed reef dives
Moderate current on many days
Frequent whale sightings from the boat
Whale sounds often heard underwater
Best for: Ragged-tooth sharks, whale encounters, underwater photography, relaxed diving
Protea Banks is a year-round shark diving destination because some species are present almost every month.
Common year-round shark sightings
Bull sharks
Oceanic blacktip sharks
Blacktip sharks
Various reef species
Baited shark dives often attract multiple species at once, creating dynamic underwater encounters
November to February
Peak hammerhead schools
Tiger shark encounters increase
Very active baited dives
Warm water and strong current
March to May
Hammerheads still present
Bull sharks very common
Tiger shark sightings continue
June to August
Ragged-tooth shark migration
Excellent reef diving
Cooler water
September to October
Ragged-tooth sharks still present
Transition toward summer species
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
Best time for hammerhead sharks: November to May
Best time for tiger sharks: November to April
Best time for ragged-tooth sharks: June to October
Best overall shark encounters: Year-round
Every season offers something different, making Protea Banks a true all-season shark diving destination.
Protea Banks offers exceptional shark diversity, deep offshore reefs, and advanced drift diving conditions. Few dive sites allow divers to encounter multiple large shark species in one dive.
What makes the experience unique:
Up to six or more shark species depending on season
Year-round shark encounters
Offshore drift diving environment
Natural shark behaviour in open ocean conditions
The combination of reef structure, ocean currents, and marine biodiversity makes Protea Banks one of the top shark diving destinations globally.
Shark season at Protea Banks offers unforgettable encounters with some of the ocean’s most powerful predators. Whether you want to see schools of hammerheads, tiger sharks, or ragged-tooth sharks resting in reef caves, this legendary South African dive site delivers extraordinary experiences throughout the year.
Protea Banks remains one of the best places in the world for real shark encounters in the open ocean