Protea Banks

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The best months to see Tiger Sharks are April and May, although we see Tiger Sharks right through the year. South Africa is one of only three countries in the world offering this kind of diving. Using a baiting technique that closely resembles the shark's natural feeding habit, Divers as well as snorkellers and non-divers can share in the experience. Here we encounter Tigersharks and Bullsharks from very close up. Perfect for photography and for close observations of shark's behaviour.

The really lucky diver may even encounter the odd Great White which is an absolute privilege. Roland Mauz: "It took me over 500 dives to get that lucky and despite everybody's totally unfounded fear, the Great White behaves just like any other shark, swimms past, looks what's going on and carries on his mission. The feeling is indescribable!!"

Protea Banks has been rated by many divers from around the world as the best shark dive. Many divers are scared of sharks due to horror stories and myths created by the movie world, but their fears are totally unfounded. Sharks are intelligent animals, do not recognise us as a food source and generally tend to be shy and respectful towards the divers. Roland: "I have done over 1250 dives at Protea Banks and never have once felt threatened by any shark or groups of sharks."

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Name: aquaplanet

PROTEA BANKS offers an exceptionally exciting specialty SHARK dive. Situated 7,5km off Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu Natal's South Coast, PROTEA BANKS allows ADVANCED divers the opportunity to experience a shark dive that is completely unique.

During the summer months the Bull Shark (Zambezi) makes PROTEA BANKS its home. Hammerheads are often seen overhead and not just one or two, we are talking hundreds. Guitar Sharks, Dusky and Blacktips frequent this reef with a select few getting the privilege of seeing the elusive Tiger Shark. In the winter months the Ragged-Tooth Sharks congregate on PROTEA BANKS to mate.

Aside from sharks PROTEA BANKS, also boasts a vast number of gamefish such as Barracuda, Snappers, Yellowtail, Kingfish and Potato Bass to name but a few. Rays are also a common sighting.

BAITED SHARK dives are now done on Protea Banks, with great success with Zambezi and Blacktips being the most common sharks seen on these dives.

SOUTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 26 to 40m
Dived mainly in the summer months, this site is home to the notorious Bull Shark (Zambezi) which brings a great deal of notoriety to this world-renowned dive location. Other sharks frequenting PROTEA BANKS include Hammerheads, Blacktips, Dusky, Guitar Sharks and a variety of rays. For a fortunate few there is even the possibility of sighting the Tiger Shark.

NORTHERN PINNACLES: Depth 28 to 38m
This dive site, normally dived in winter months during the Ragged-Tooth mating season, allows divers to view "Raggies" in close proximity on their annual migration route. The area consists of two cave systems in which the "Raggies" congregate. At times it is impossible to see the mouth of the caves as it is completely obscured by masses of sharks!

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Cageless Baited Shark Diving