Dive Report: Protea Banks, Shelley Beach

Aqua Planet have been operating out of Shelley Beach and diving the Protea Banks for many years…

DIVE REPORT FOR PROTEA BANKS, SHELLY BEACH:

So with the turn of season into Spring, we had the start of the Hammerhead shark season. Shoaling Hammerhead sharks, up to more than a 100 were seen on dives last week, which started off the Hammerhead shark season with a bang. If this was not enough, other sharks encountered during the dives last week were Ragged-tooth sharks and with Oceanic Blacktip sharks popping in and out, divers were always entertained. A Dusky shark was also encountered on one of the dives. The odd friendly Potato Bass also popped in to say hi. With lots of reef fish around and even some Nudibranchs, the reef was worth looking at.

Humpback Whales have been seen while driving to and from the dive site daily. A stunning encounter of 2 Humpback Whales at 30m on the Southern Pinnacles, was seen just over a week ago. A MIND BLOWING DIVE!!!

The viz has been averaging about 15m, but there has been a lot of plankton in the water which made it look a bit milky.

The water temperature had been around 21 degrees Celsius with barely a current.

With conditions looking great for the weekend ahead, it is time to dust off that scuba gear and get back in the water.

Aqua Planet Dive Centre and Charter dives Protea Banks daily, weather permitting.

Bookings: 082 877 3966

Report courtesy of southcoaststyle.co.za