Protea Banks
Welcome to our advanced dive site located at Shelley Beach, South Africa. This breathtaking dive offers a maximum depth of 30m, making it perfect for experienced divers seeking an exhilarating underwater adventure. To reach this incredible dive spot, a boat ride of approximately 6km is required.
Once submerged, you will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of mesmerizing marine creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for blacktip sharks, bull sharks, dusky sharks, great hammerheads, great white sharks, guitarfish, sand tiger sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and tiger sharks. Each of these magnificent species graces our dive site with their presence, allowing for unforgettable encounters.
The blacktip shark (Carcharhinus Limbatus) can be observed throughout the year, while the bull shark / Zambezi shark (Carcharhinus Leucas) can be spotted from January to September and November to December. The dusky shark (Carcharhinus Obscurus) is commonly seen from June to October, and the great hammerhead (Sphyrna Mokarran) can be encountered between January and May, as well as October and December. For those fascinated by the great white shark (Carcharodon Carcharias), encounters are possible all year long.
Another captivating species at our dive site is the guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis), observable from January to March and December. The sand tiger shark, also known as the raggie (Carcharias Taurus), graces our waters from May to November. The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna Lewini) can be seen during January, May, and October to December. Lastly, the majestic tiger shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier) is often spotted between February and June, as well as October and November.
With excellent visibility of 14m, divers will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the underwater world at our dive site. The maximum depth of 29m ensures a thrilling experience for advanced and expert divers. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, our dive site offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the South African marine ecosystem.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable diving adventure at our advanced dive site in South Africa. Embark on an underwater journey like no other and encounter the captivating marine life that resides beneath the waves.
Once submerged, you will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of mesmerizing marine creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for blacktip sharks, bull sharks, dusky sharks, great hammerheads, great white sharks, guitarfish, sand tiger sharks, scalloped hammerheads, and tiger sharks. Each of these magnificent species graces our dive site with their presence, allowing for unforgettable encounters.
The blacktip shark (Carcharhinus Limbatus) can be observed throughout the year, while the bull shark / Zambezi shark (Carcharhinus Leucas) can be spotted from January to September and November to December. The dusky shark (Carcharhinus Obscurus) is commonly seen from June to October, and the great hammerhead (Sphyrna Mokarran) can be encountered between January and May, as well as October and December. For those fascinated by the great white shark (Carcharodon Carcharias), encounters are possible all year long.
Another captivating species at our dive site is the guitarfish (Rhynchobatus djiddensis), observable from January to March and December. The sand tiger shark, also known as the raggie (Carcharias Taurus), graces our waters from May to November. The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna Lewini) can be seen during January, May, and October to December. Lastly, the majestic tiger shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier) is often spotted between February and June, as well as October and November.
With excellent visibility of 14m, divers will be able to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of the underwater world at our dive site. The maximum depth of 29m ensures a thrilling experience for advanced and expert divers. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, our dive site offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the South African marine ecosystem.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable diving adventure at our advanced dive site in South Africa. Embark on an underwater journey like no other and encounter the captivating marine life that resides beneath the waves.
Diving Conditions Score for Protea Banks
5.7
AverageAverage conditions, be alert.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Protea Banks
Depth
29m
Visibility
14m
Experience Level
advanced
expert
Weather Conditions for Protea Banks
Wave Height
2.62m
Wind Speed
20 m/s
Water Temp
21.9°C
Visibility
23.92km
Cloud Cover
56%
Wave Period
11.7s
Air Temperature
20.2°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Protea Banks
Alpha
Dive Score Chart for Protea Banks
Best time to dive: 7:00 with score 5.469600000000001/10. Water conditions: Waves 2.44m, Wind 5.6 m/s.Best night dive time: 3:00 with score 5.424500000000001/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Sunrise at Protea Banks: 06:00
Sunset at Protea Banks: 18:00
Optimal diving conditions at Protea Banks 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
7:00Score: 5.5/10
Waves: 2.44m (11.7s), Wind: 5.6 m/s
Best Night
3:00Score: 5.4/10
Waves: 2.24m, Wind: 0.7 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Protea BanksAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Protea Banks
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 Protea Banks
Summer
Avg. Score: 8.6/10
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Protea Banks
July
Score: 8.7
June
Score: 8.6
August
Score: 8.4
Ideal Conditions for Protea Banks
Water Temp
21.6°C / 70.9°F
February
Visibility
12.0m / 39.4ft
May
Wave Height
1.6m / 5.2ft
February
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Protea Banks
Protea Banks follows southern hemisphere patterns with February being the warmest month (21.6°C) and August the coldest (16.5°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in February with average wave heights of 1.6m 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). May 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 - Jul 10, 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.
1 Dive sites near Protea Banks in
Got feedback?
Help us improve this dive site by giving us feedback.