INTRODUCTION
There’s a difference between diving with sharks and “shark diving.”
There are plenty of options around the world where you can dive with sharks, many of which expect you to kneel in one place and watch sharks perform for up to an hour. These can be great experiences and do a great deal for conservation efforts, however this is not “shark diving.”
On David Diley’s Shark Diving Masterclass, you will enjoy a more authentic experience, much like diving with sharks used to be; an open water reef, plenty of wild sharks and no bodyguards.
The idea is simple, to get you off the bottom and into mid-water, enjoying close-up encounters with multiple different species of shark and most important of all, learning how to do it safely and with respect for the animal.
You will learn how to dive with sharks like the pros, from a pro. You will learn how to find sharks, how to read and predict shark behaviour, how to avoid negative interactions, breathing and relaxation techniques, how to get close to sharks and techniques to help you get better video and photos from a multi-award-winning underwater cinematographer with 20 years experience working with sharks.
THE DIVING
Ten dives, both baited and non-baited on one of the world’s greatest shark diving locations, Protea Banks.
Sharks are guaranteed on every dive with species including Bull, Blacktip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Tiger, Sand Tiger, Blue, Mako and Copper.
Dive with Sand Tigers in gullies at 30m, the open blue with Blue Sharks and Makos and do baited mid-water drifts with Blacktips, Bulls, Hammerheads and Tigers.
Sea temperature will range from 22-25 degrees Celsius with current, thermoclines and variable visibility.
This is high-octane, unpredictable shark diving for anyone with an adventurous spirit!
Dive kit can be rented from South Coast Diving should you need it.
DIVE SITES & SPECIES
The diving will primarily focus on one of South Africa’s greatest sites, Protea Banks. Dive sites here include the northern pinnacle where we can find caverns filled with Sand Tiger Sharks, the southern pinnacle, with sites including Kingfish Gully and Playground, where we can find Tiger Sharks, Scalloped Hammerheads and various species of Ray, and of course the mid-water column where Bulls and Oceanic Blacktips are guaranteed with regular visits from Scalloped and Great Hammerheads, Copper Sharks, Tiger Sharks and occasionally, Great Whites. We will also head out into the open ocean in search of Blue and Mako Sharks.
At lease one dive per day will be baited where you have the opportunity to come face to face (literally) with energetic sharks with whom you are encouraged to put what you have learned into practice.
You can also see Humpback Whales, dolphins, Tuna and Sailfish. Surface encounters with Humpbacks are practically guaranteed and if you’re lucky, you may also encounter them in-water.
The most predictable thing about Protea Banks is its unpredictability and its potential for once-in-a-lifetime encounters with charismatic marine predators!
AREAS OF FOCUS
•Reading and predicting shark behaviour
•Getting close to sharks safely and respectfully
•How to find sharks
•Breathing and relaxation techniques
•Avoiding negative interactions
•Non-physical redirection techniques (how to move sharks without touching them)
•Cinematography techniques and how to get professional looking shots
•Diving like a professional
•How to plan a shark dive
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Advanced Open Water Certification (or equivalent) with at least 35 non-teaching dives.
This is wild diving so there will be current. Experience with drift diving and handling currents is preferable. A dive computer is mandatory, as is a reel and SMB for each diver.
You will be assessed throughout the masterclass with a view to giving you opportunities you won’t get elsewhere so a positive attitude and a willingness to listen and learn is definitely beneficial!
PACKAGE PRICE & BOOKING
R40.000 (about €2100) per person sharing
R45.000 (about €2400) Single occupancy
Places are booked with a 20% deposit. If your deposit is paid before November 1st, you will receive a 10% discount on the package price. Final payment to be made no later than 4 weeks prior to day one of the masterclass
Includes:
9 nights accommodation
5 days of diving, 2 dives per day
Nitrox
5-day masterclass
Breakfast & lunch
Guests will need to book their own flights to Durban and travel insurance. Airport transfers to and from Durban can be arranged for approximately R270/€15 per person, each way.
Places are limited. To book your place on the masterclass, please email info@southcoastdiving.co.za
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
•Extra diving days with a 25% discount for the diving
•4 Days, 3 nights Hluhluwe St Lucia safari package with accommodation – R9570 (~€515) or R13790 (~€740) including transfer to or from Durban International Airport
•Nitrox certification
•Equipment hire
WHO IS DAVID DILEY?
David Diley is a multi award-winning filmmaker, shark specialist and underwater cinematographer based in the U.K.
Best known for his work with sharks and charismatic marine life, he has created content and provided footage for broadcast, theatrical and commercial clients including SKY TV, Panasonic, CBC, Channel 5, Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Casio, Apeks, Aqualung, Fourth Element, David Attenborough’s “Ocean,” Tourism Fiji, Red Sea Diving Safari, Aqaba Tourism, Natural England, The Manta Trust and numerous documentaries, short films and features.
David is a HSE certified commercial diver and media dive team contractor with fourteen years experience working around the world in tropical, sub-tropical and cold-water environments.
Over the last twenty years, he has worked with tens of thousands of sharks of various species in twelve different countries.
Further information and examples of his work can be found here.
ACCOMMODATION
“The Lookout” guesthouse has eight individually styled, en-suite double rooms. The guesthouse has a heated pool, relaxing outdoor area, secure gear storage, rinse stations, quality linens and towels and is powered throughout by solar energy. It is a beautiful, peaceful retreat where you can relax, edit your footage, socialise with other guests, take a swim or just chill out in your room. The perfect place to be after the high-energy morning dives.
