Enjoy a swim with sharks this summer

With summer just around the corner, many people will be heading to KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches for a swim in the ocean.

But if you are looking for something that goes beyond picking up shells on the beach or riding waves on your surfboard, then you don’t want to miss out on the experience of a lifetime. 

The real fun lies beneath the ocean – especially if you want to know more about sharks.

When beachgoers think about sharks, they picture a big, scary sea monster. 

One company is hoping to change the way people see sharks by offering an educational experience that allows them to get up-close and personal with sharks.

Blue Wilderness, which is based on Durban’s Aliwal Shoal, offers shark diving adventures that are not only fun, but also educational.

The ecotourism company’s shark cage diving, shark SCUBA dive, and ‘swim with the sharks’ experiences are some of the best in the province.

They help raise awareness about “scary” marine predators while allowing people to experience the beauty of the ocean.

Once you experience sharks in their natural habitat, you will understand that there is more to these predators than what is shown in movies like ‘Jaws’.

You will realise the role they play in keeping the ocean’s ecosystem in balance, and hopefully, be more committed to their preservation.

Here’s a look at some of the things you can look forward to on your underwater adventure with Blue Wilderness.

Swim with sharks

Snorkel cageless amongst 20 blacktip sharks. According to the Blue Wilderness website, you don’t need to be SCUBA qualified. “This trip is open to everyone, mum, dad, the kids and even gramps and gran can enjoy a cageless shark snorkel at Durban’s Aliwal Shoal,” it says.

Shark SCUBA dive

This shark adventure is for SCUBA divers. You can expect to descend to between 4m and 8m, according to the website. “This allows us to enjoy the fish life of the shoal below us, and the sharks all around us.”

Shark cage diving

Cage diving is open to young and old, and you don’t need to be SCUBA qualified to enjoy this experience. “Blue Wilderness runs daily shark cage diving trips out to Durban’s Aliwal Shoal to introduce adventurers, like you, to the wonders of the marine life and sharks that inhabit the reefs,” its website reads.

Out-of-towners looking for a good place to stay can try Scottburgh House on the Beach, Blue Marlin Hotel, and Premier Hotel Cutty Sark.

There are also some amazing restaurants in the Scottburgh area that are great for breakfast, lunch, and supper.

Some of the well-known eateries include Seaview Place Restaurant, Deck Café Restaurant, and Scottie Coffee Shop

Visit the Blue Wilderness website for more about the company’s shark adventures.  

For more KZN Travels articles read below:

1. Wheelchair friendly hiking trails and activities in KZN
   
2. Best beaches for wheelchair users in KZN
3. Carol's thrilling #SweetEscape weekend at Hartford House
4. Kranzkloof Nature Reserve – A nature lover’s paradise
5. Escape to Ingeli Forest for amazing views and good food
6. Seven reasons to visit the Valley of 1000 Hills in KZN

Main image courtesy of iStock.