Shark
Ragged-tooth shark
Carcharias taurus
IUCN status: Critically endangeredWidely sought
A stocky, snaggle-toothed shark (the sand tiger of other regions) that gathers in caves and gullies at Aliwal and Protea in the austral winter to mate. Docile and slow-moving, it hangs mid-water in loose groups and is the region’s signature cold-season sight.
- Max size
- Up to ~3.2m
- Habitat
- Temperate and subtropical reefs, caves and sandy gullies
Best places to dive with Ragged-tooth shark
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
KwaZulu-Natal Shark Coast
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | peak season |
| September | peak season |
| October | peak season |
| November | peak season |
| December | occasional |
Peaks June–November (winter and spring), and in recent years appears earlier and lingers later.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Aliwal Shoal Seasonal Sightings — Aliwal Dive Center
- Aliwal Shoal by Season — African Watersports