Protea Banks, about 8 km off-shore from Shelly Beach on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is rated one of the best dive sites in the world. It is a deep reef, from 8 m to 40 m, and there is very often a relatively strong current of between 4 and 5 knots so it is really only for experienced divers. To add to the excitement the site is well known for its abundant sharks.
The dive starts at a large open-topped cave which is usually full of ragged-toothed sharks. As you go deeper through a tunnel past coral gardens you are likely to come across hammerhead sharks above you and on occasion, Zambezi sharks, Tiger sharks, White Tips and Bronze Whalers and even Great Whites have been spotted here. However, don’t be too overwhelmed by the sharks – make sure that you have a good look at the coral and the other fish.
It must be emphasized that Protea Banks is classified as an advanced dive. Do not attempt it if you do not have the necessary experience.
Protea Banks is only an hour and a half’s drive from Durban and is easily accessed from Port Shepstone, Shelly Beach or Margate.
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