Protea Banks
Shelly beach is home to Protea Banks, one of the most famous spots for shark diving in the world. The dive spot is located 7.5 km off the coast of the town, and offers advanced divers the opportunity to experience a unique shark dive. It is a fun but heart-racing experience, so be prepared for the adrenaline rush.
During the summer months, divers will be able to spot the Bull shark, hundreds of Hammerheads as well as Guitar sharks, Coppers and Blacktips. In winter, look out for the Ragged-tooth shark that makes Protea Banks its home to mate. There are also frequent sightings of game fish such as Yellowtail, Kingfish and Barracuda.
Your dive will start with a shark briefing and to behave around the sharks. After the boat ride to the banks, a bait bucket is set to a depth of 8 metres and is held up by buoys. A number of different species of shark will pick up the scent and follow it to its origin. Most of the fish oil from the slick settles on the surface and therefore the shark is often visible as it approaches.
The boat stays at a safe distance from the bait to ensure that the shark is not disturbed until it is entirely focused on the food source. The boat then slowly approaches the baiting station where people can clearly observe the sharks. Divers then enter the water as quietly as possible and swim slowly towards the bait bucket. A safe distance is kept from the bucket to observe the inquisitive sharks that swim in and examine the bucket. As the sharks swim between them, the divers, as well as the bucket, will be drifting with the current.