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SHARKS AND SARDINES !
FOR AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME !
Rocky Bay is regarded as one of the best kept scuba diving secrets of the (KZN) Natal coast. Much like Aliwal Shoal (which is still accessible from Rocky Bay), the reef systems off Rocky Bay are abundant in colourful soft coral and are fossilized sand dunes that have been worn away over the years, creating drop-offs, gullies, caves, overhangs and ledges.... teeming with sea life, and attracting big game fish and numerous predatory sharks.
Here, the reefs are untouched and an abundance of reef fish are likely to be seen as well as big game fish, Manta's and up to 17 different species of sharks such as Tiger Sharks, Zambezi Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks, Thresher and the occasional Great White Shark... to name a few.
Bottlenose Dolphin, Whale Sharks and Humpback Whales are also common visitors to this stretch of coastline and are regularly encountered while travelling to and from dive sites.
ACTIVITIES
SCUBA DIVING
The dive center is located at Rocky Bay (45 min south of Durban) and is runned by a very well experienced South African instructor.
They use a 7,2 m Feral Rigid Inflatable Boat which can comfortably transport up to 10 divers and a second boat is available if necessary. Their boats carry all necessary safety equipment including oxygen and medical pack. The skippers and dive masters are competent with a good local knowledge of the area.
12 L steel tanks, DIN or international. Rental equipment available but divers are encouraged to bring their own equipment. Lauches take place from Rocky Bay, which is reputed as one of the safest launch sites of the Natal Coast. Boat snacks and beverages are provided on board. The dive center operates all year round. The visibility ranges between 2 and 30 m. For security reasons, the water activities are only conducted with conditions offering visibility of 5 m plus. Water temperatures range between 20 and 28° C during the summer months and between 15 and 22° C in the winter months. Divers will be asked to produce their certification cards as well as logbooks on arrival.
SHARK DIVING
An amazing experience providing great photographic opportunities and an insight into these prehistoric animals’ habits and intelligence.The practice of diving without a cage with these sharks has been on the go in this area for a number of years and has allowed thousands of avid scuba divers and underwater photographers to experience this unique encounter safely and in a non harmful manner to both scuba diver and shark.
The day begins with a thorough briefing, going over conservation issues, behavior patterns and interesting info finishing off with a run through on safety issues, to ensure that divers gain as much as possible from this incredible experience. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the favoured location where we start to chum for a short while. Chumming does not mean feeding. They only use natural attractants and as little as possible in order not to interfere with the harmony and behavior of the sharks in their natural environment. Once the sharks have been “called” in, the divers enter the water, prepared for a drift dive at a depth of 8-12m. The dive is carefully supervised, to give the diver a safe and unforgettable experience. This experience also allows non-scuba divers to enjoy the experience on mask and snorkel also providing amazing photographic opportunities.
From February to June, Tiger sharks are encountered on most dives.
Blacktips sharks are abundant on all dives throughout the year and they can be seen in numbers up to 100 !
Minimum of 2 persons for shark diving.
SARDINE RUN
Every year, sardines perform an annual run to some mysterious destination up the South African East coast. During the winter months, June to Augus , cooler waters from the Cape slowly move up the coastline towards Port St Johns and occasionally as far up as Durban. This expands the suitable habitat favorable to sardines.
Huge shoals some as big as 20 - 40 km long by 2 km wide travel up the coastline feeding in nutrient rich waters. Sardines prefer a water temperature of between 14 C – 20 C so travel according to temperature changes. The fascination for diving in the famous sardine run is shared by many divers and photographers and most come back religiously year after year to participate in the excitement.
This phenomenon is a truly amazing experience from above or below the water. A huge variety of predators (Bronze Whaler sharks, Zambezi’s, Dusky sharks and occasionally Oceanic White Tips, Mako, Thresher and Tiger sharks, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins) in their thousands follow the sardine migration up the coast constantly harassing and splintering pockets from the main shoals and feeding on these at their own leisure.
Once the pockets are on or near the surface, oceanic birds like Cape Gannets, Skuas, Petrels and Albatross take advantage of the huge buffet. This time of year also happens to be the migrational period of the Humpback Whales traveling north. A number of other whale species make an appearance as well, including Southern Right, Brydes and Minke whales.
Definitely an experience not to be missed!
ACCOMMODATION IN ROCKY BAY
ELLINGHAM LODGE
Ellingham Lodge is situated in Rocky Bay itself within easy walking distance to the local launch site from which the dive center operates. The close by beach offers great fishing, swimming, snorkeling and for those that surf… great waves!
Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen and television. All chalets are wooden cabins on stilts and offer great views. They are neat, clean and well serviced suiting most people’s needs and tastes.
- The spacious 3 bedroom chalets sleep 7 people and have private bathrooms.
- The comfortable 2 bedroom chalets sleep 6 people. The main bedroom caters for 2 adults (double bed), and the second bedroom sleeps an additional 2 people with single beds. The spacious lounge has a double sleeper couch that sleeps an additional 2 adults.
- The cosy 1 bedroom chalet sleeps 4 people with the main bedroom catering for 2 adults (double bed), and bunk beds to cater for an additional 2 people.
RESTAURANTS
WHERE TO EAT ?
The BELL & ANCHOR is the bar and restaurant of the lodge and offers great food, a wide range of drinks and a cosy atmosphere with sea views.
On site amenities include :
- A take away based out of the local ski boat club.
- Well stocked shop.
- Only 8 km to Scottburgh where you will find banking facilities, shops, restaurants, bars and night life.