Agulhas House

Located in Umkomaas, Agulhas House and Diving sits at the gateway to the Aliwal Shoal, one of the most significant marine environments in South Africa. The centre has been operating since 2002, drawing on over 40 years of local knowledge to navigate the unique conditions of this coastline.

The centre operates as a combined dive centre and lodge, allowing you to move from the water to a warm meal with minimal transition. Most dives take place in the morning to take advantage of the best sea conditions, followed by a hearty breakfast back at the house.

The team is composed of professional Dive Masters and qualified shark guides who lead excursions across the reef, wrecks, and cave systems. Their expertise covers a wide spectrum, from guiding beginners through their first open water dives to supporting technical divers on complex profiles.

With a focus on safety and local expertise, the guides are well-versed in the specific nuances of the Aliwal Shoal, including the seasonal movements of pelagics and the intricacies of the local wreck sites.

The centre offers a full range of RAID training programmes. You can begin your journey with the RAID Open Water 20 or progress through the RAID Advanced 35 course. Specialist training is also available, including Nitrox, Deep, and Wreck diver certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or explore new disciplines, the centre provides RAID Freediving, Shark Specialty, and Photography Specialty courses.

Dives are conducted from an 8m semi-rigid vessel. The morning departures are designed to maximise your time in the water, with the boat providing the necessary platform to reach the various reef and wreck sites surrounding Umkomaas.

The shore-based facilities are well-equipped for both recreational and technical diving. The centre maintains a large inventory of over 70 cylinders, ranging from 3L to 15L in both steel and aluminium, with both DIN and A-clamp valves available. A compressor with a 300 bar capacity ensures reliable fills.

Nitrox is provided via an on-site membrane system, making it easily accessible for your dives. For those requiring more advanced setups, the centre is fully equipped to support rebreather divers and those using twinsets.

The Aliwal Shoal is a powerhouse of biodiversity. You will encounter various reef species including redtoothed triggerfish, spiny lobster (Palinuridae), and the Natal sea catfish. The reef top is often teeming with colourful tropical fish, lionfish, and various species of snapper and jack.

Macro life is abundant for the observant diver. Look closely among the corals and crevices for vibrant nudibranchs, frogfish, pineapple fish, and various eels. The area is also home to several species of highly camouflaged creatures, such as leaf fish and various species of moray eels.

Pelagic life is a major draw, particularly during specific seasons. From December to March, tiger sharks are frequently seen during baited dives. You may also encounter blacktip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), hammerhead sharks, and manta ray (Mobula alfredi). During the winter months from June to November, bull sharks are common at the caves, and humpback whales may be seen in the area.

Diving in this region is heavily influenced by the seasonal migrations and local currents. The centre specialises in the annual Sardine Run, which brings a massive influx of life to the coast.

Morning dives are the standard to ensure you are back at the lodge for breakfast and to avoid the changing sea conditions that can occur later in the day. The centre is well-prepared for the logistical requirements of the Sardine Run and provides transfers to Wavecrest for those travelling via East London.