Umkomaas is most renowned for the superb diving opportunities created by the Aliwal
Shoal, a coral reef about 5 kilometres offshore. Launching from under the Umkomaas
Bridge on the river “Mkomanzi” mouth, one can find Ragged-tooth sharks, Rock Cod,
and a number of other species in a world renowned dive site “The Aliwal Shoal”, so
named for the barque ‘Aliwal’ that was almost wrecked there during a stormy day in
1849. The reef measuring 1,5km long by 1km wide it is a fossilised sand dune of sponges
and hard and soft coral, offering a variety of wreck and other breathtaking dives.
