Guided by purpose. Driven by the ocean. Led by expertise.

Founded in 2025 by biologist Nina Link and partner Daniel Link, South Coast Diving Company emerged from a vision to bridge the gap between dive training and ethical ocean education. Based in Shelly Beach, South Africa — a launch point to the legendary Protea Banks reef system — our centre is built for those who want more than just a dive log.

Led by Nina Link, one of the world’s few female PADI Course Directors, and supported by a locally rooted team including Paul Mundel, James Chapman, and Bradley Koekemoer—highly respected names in the South Coast diving community—we bring decades of combined experience to every course, dive, and shark encounters. Together, we offer world-class instruction in one of the most thrilling (and challenging) marine ecosystems on the planet.

Every dive, every course, and every shark encounter is guided by one belief:

When you understand the ocean, you’re more likely to protect it.

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What we stand for

We’re proud to be more than a dive centre. We are educators, advocates, and leaders, and we’re committed to creating experiences that leave you better equipped, more confident, and more connected to the ocean.

Our Core Values:

Conservation is always first:

Everything we do is for marine health and protecting our beautiful Protea Banks.

Therefor we have partnered with several conservation groups, such as: PADI Aware, Shark Project, and Green Fins. 

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Saftey without compromise:

With us there are no shortcuts. We take our divers’ safety incredibly seriously.

Every diver is equipped with a GPS Tracker, we perform daily sea checks, and our team is rescue-trained.

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Excellense through expertise:

We teach real-world skills that allows divers to succeed in any marine environment.

We are recognized by PADI as a 5-star dive centre, reflecting our exceptional training standards and professionalism.

Our courses

You’ll leave here with more than a certification. You’ll leave with capability, credibility, and conviction.

Meet The Team

MEET THE TEAM

Nina took her first breaths underwater in a German lake in 1989, beginning a journey that would lead her to become both a biologist and one of the diving world’s few female PADI Course Directors. After diving across five continents, she found her underwater home in South Africa’s vibrant marine ecosystems.

With a scientist’s precision and an educator’s patience, Nina brings uncompromising technical standards to every course while maintaining an approachable teaching style that puts divers at ease. Her dual background in marine science and professional instruction creates a unique training environment where conservation and diving excellence naturally complement each other. As founder and lead instructor, Nina is committed to developing not just skilled divers, but informed ocean advocates who understand what they’re protecting and why it matters.

James’s love for the ocean started early, and after his very first dive at the age of 15, he knew that scuba diving would become his lifelong passion. After finishing school, James immediately began pursuing his dream, eventually becoming a PADI professional. Since then, he has gained valuable experience working in a variety of diving environments, both locally and internationally.

James spent two years working in Sodwana Bay, one of South Africa’s most iconic diving destinations. He later expanded his experience by spending three years working in the Cayman Islands, one of the world’s most pristine diving destinations. Working in such diverse environments has allowed him to refine his expertise and uniquely position himself to help guide the next generation of PADI professionals.

Winston is the good soul of South Coast Diving. He is friendly to everyone and loves to be petted by the divers. He has spent a lot of time in different dive centers on several continents so he is an experienced “dive dog”! 

FAQs

OUR Conservation Efforts and partners

Green Fins

As Green fins member we are committed to protecting the marine environments that we depend on by following internationally recognized environmental standards. Protea Banks is one of the world’s most iconic — and ecologically sensitive — shark dive sites. For this reason, we are committed not only to delivering world-class diving experiences, but also to reducing our environmental impact and helping protect marine life for future generations, by:

1. Strict no harassment policies for all marine life
2. Conducting eco-focused dive briefings before every dive
3. Promoting responsible diving practices amongst our guests and staff
4. Reducing single use plastics on our boats, in our shop and guest house

Shark Project

As a dive centre focusing on sharks, we are proud to have joined forces with Project Shark to support shark conservation, education and awareness. Through conservation-focused diving, education, initiatives, and responsible marine interactions, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for sharks and their vital role in maintaining healthy oceans. We are passionate about protecting the incredible shark species that make this marine ecosystem so unique.

We are committed to:
1. Engage in respectful non- intrusive hark encounters.
2. Educating drivers about shark behaviour and conservation.

PADI Aware

We have also partnered with PADI Aware to support global marine conservation initiatives focused on protecting the ocean through diver action. As a dive centre based on the iconic reefs of Protea Banks, we are committed to promoting sustainable diving practices, ocean awareness, and the long-term protection of marine ecosystems. Through conservation education, global standards, responsible diving, and community involvement, we strive to help create a healthier future for our oceans.

Sustainable diving is a team effort and every diver plays a role, you can help by:
1. Maintain good buoyancy and avoid contact with reefs
2. Never touching or chasing marine life
3. Only use sunscreens that are reef safe
5. Avoiding single use plastic
6. Always following your dive guides instructions

FAQS

If you’re thinking about diving with us — whether it’s your first dive or your next big certification — here’s what you need to know.

Yes, when it’s done ethically and professionally. At South Coast Diving Co., we prioritise respectful, non-invasive encounters. Our instructors and skippers are trained to read shark behaviour, manage spacing, and create an environment that’s safe for both you and the animals. We also use GPS tracking, conduct daily sea condition assessments, and have direct ties to the local rescue station for total peace of mind.

Protea Banks is known for its currents & depth. We do, however, offer entry-level courses that gradually build your skills. If you’re a beginner, you’ll start with pool training & shallow sea dives, not the deeper reef or baited dives. Once you’re ready, we’ll guide you through more advanced conditions at your pace.

Safety always comes first. If conditions aren’t safe to launch, you’ll have the option to: 

  • Reschedule for another day 
  • Join one of our day tours instead 
  • Receive a refund for that specific dive

Our skipper checks sea conditions daily, and we’ll communicate clearly with you each morning

Yes. The baited dive requires a minimum of 35 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification. These dives are deep, technical, and current-prone.

  • A reef dive explores Protea Banks’ underwater topography and marine life in a more natural setting. You may see sharks, rays, or large gamefish (but no bait is used).
  • A baited dive involves a controlled setup where a bait canister attracts specific shark species for closer viewing. It’s an intense, exhilarating experience (but requires advanced skills and control).

Yes – although they’re considered rare, Blue Sharks have recently been sighted off Protea Banks, and we now offer seasonal dive trips designed to encounter these elegant pelagics.

Protea Banks typically ranges from 19°C to 26°C, depending on the season. Visibility varies but is usually around 15-20 metres, though it can swing between 5m and 40m depending on conditions. Each day is a little different, which makes every dive exciting in its own way.

  • All dive packages include cylinder and weight rental, as well as your permit. Additional gear is available to rent (soft gear, hard gear, full gear sets and Nitrox)
  • We recommend bringing: swimwear, sunscreen, dive logbook, & proof of certification (if applicable)

Yes. Our on-site accommodation, The Lookout Guesthouse, was designed with divers in mind. It’s comfortable, eco-conscious, and just minutes away from the launch site – which means less time commuting and more time in the water.

Absolutely. We offer the full spectrum of PADI courses, from Open Water to Instructor Development. You can complete your theory online ahead of time, then finish your practical training in person with our expert instructors.

Ready To Dive?

Ready to dive with us?

Now that you know our story and what makes South Coast Diving Company different, why not experience it for yourself?

Whether you’re seeking exhilarating shark encounters, professional certification, or a diving experience with genuine purpose, our team is ready to guide your journey with expertise, safety, and passion for the ocean.

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