After Sodwana Bay, this is the best known and most popular dive destination in the country.  The Aliwal shoal is an extensive, submerged reef located approximately 5km offshore, south of Umkomaas. It was created from dune rock some 30 000 years ago. 6 500 years ago the sea level rose to give us this spectacular reef which is rated among the top ten in the world.  It is the Southern most stop for Hard Corals and has a vast range of Soft Corals too.  It is easy to see why this reef is so popular as its beauty equals that of many other famous dive sites worldwide when conditions are good.  The accessibility of the reef (only 60km from Durban and 15 – 30 minutes by boat from the launch sites) adds to its attraction. The main drawback is its finicky conditions which can change from day to day.