Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
This dive site, located in Umkomaas, South Africa, is best suited for advanced divers with a minimum diving qualification of Advanced Open Water. With a maximum depth of 27m and only accessible by boat, it offers an exhilarating underwater experience.
Explore the vibrant reef wall and discover a variety of marine life, from captivating macro species like cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and the rare Hawaiian red lobster, to larger aquatic animals.
Outside Edge, which stretches from just north of Northern Pinnacles to just south of Bay of Caves, is the seaward part of the Shoal's Inside Edge. Serving as a boundary between the shallow reefs of the Shoal and the vast open ocean, the wall features remarkable formations such as overhangs, caverns, and swim-throughs. You'll also come across iconic landmarks like Cathedral and Shark Alley, renowned dive sites in the Aliwal area.
With a visibility of 13m and a maximum depth of 20m, this dive site offers a memorable and exciting underwater adventure.
Explore the vibrant reef wall and discover a variety of marine life, from captivating macro species like cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and the rare Hawaiian red lobster, to larger aquatic animals.
Outside Edge, which stretches from just north of Northern Pinnacles to just south of Bay of Caves, is the seaward part of the Shoal's Inside Edge. Serving as a boundary between the shallow reefs of the Shoal and the vast open ocean, the wall features remarkable formations such as overhangs, caverns, and swim-throughs. You'll also come across iconic landmarks like Cathedral and Shark Alley, renowned dive sites in the Aliwal area.
With a visibility of 13m and a maximum depth of 20m, this dive site offers a memorable and exciting underwater adventure.
Diving Conditions Score for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
5.6
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Depth
20m
Visibility
13m
Experience Level
advanced
Weather Conditions for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Wave Height
1.64m
Wind Speed
16.1 m/s
Water Temp
22.5°C
Visibility
29.7km
Cloud Cover
0%
Wave Period
13.45s
Air Temperature
16.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 6.5121727395411595/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.62m, Wind 3.2 m/s.Best night dive time: 19:00 with score 5.9297256515775025/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal: 06:00
Sunset at Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Best Overall
17:00Score: 6.5/10
Waves: 1.62m (12.35s), Wind: 3.2 m/s
Best Night
19:00Score: 5.9/10
Waves: 1.58m, Wind: 4.5 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Outside Edge, Aliwal ShoalAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Summer
Avg. Score: 8.6/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
July
Score: 8.7
June
Score: 8.6
August
Score: 8.5
Ideal Conditions for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Water Temp
21.9°C / 71.4°F
February
Visibility
12.0m / 39.4ft
May
Wave Height
1.5m / 4.9ft
February
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal
Outside Edge, Aliwal Shoal follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (21.9°C) and August the coldest (16.8°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in February with average wave heights of 1.5m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in February with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). March is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during February to April, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 23, 2026
Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.
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