In KwaZulu Natal, near Umkomaas we have Aliwal Shoal, which is a rocky reef with the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5 kilometres off the coast. The reef is inhabited by many kinds of hard and soft corals and a variety of tropical and subtropical fish species. There are two wrecks near the reef that are popular recreational dive sites. Aliwal Shoal has diverse marine life including large predators and is one of the most popular scuba diving destinations of South Africa.

Rubber ducks (zodiacs/ribs) are used to access the Aliwal Shoal Dive Sites. Your dive starts with a ride/walk to the beach where the skipper is waiting for you. Your gear will be on the boat and after helping to push the boat into the water you hop on. The ride out to sea can take about 30 minutes. When the dive site is reached you kit up, have a last short briefing and fall backwards into the water to enjoy your dive. Know that the sea can be rough, so if you have never done a dive from a rubber duck before, please tell us. Our number one motto: We are not born to breath under water. If any doubts, say so. No question is a stupid question. We want to give you a good experience and in order to do so, knowing what you are doing and feeling comfortable is key to that ultimate diving experience.

Once a year, between May and July we have a big event that makes many divers heart beat faster: The Sardine run. The sardine run is a seasonal movement of fish and predators along the Eastern Cape coastline to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. By the time the sardines reach the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, shoals of different sizes tend to come through in pulses creating a huge food source for predators like dolphins, birds, sharks and whales following the shoals.

We work together with ScubaXcursion. They are a registered SSI Instructor Trainer Resort and offer courses ranging from Open Water to Instructor with various specialities. ScubaXcursion is situated at the Cutty Sark Hotel and is a mere 20m away from the popular Scottburgh Beach. Trips to the world renowned Aliwal Shoal are done daily. The distance from Bare Feet Retreat B&B to ScubaXcursion is 1 kilometre.