Dive-site story
Located on the southern side of Aliwal Shoal off Umkomaas, Raggies Cave is a wide overhang and cavern system famous for seasonal shark congregations. Sand tiger sharks, known locally as ragged-tooth sharks or 'raggies', shelter inside the cavern during winter breeding aggregations. The surrounding reef features gullies, swim-throughs, and scattered hard and soft corals populated by large game fish and reef dwellers.
Congregating sand tiger sharks resting inside the open cavern and drifting along the gulley walls
Opportunity to search for shed shark teeth settled in the sandy floor outside the cavern
Regular passes from pelagic predators such as giant trevally, king mackerel, and seasonal manta rays
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Winter and early spring bring peak ragged-tooth shark numbers and typically the clearest water.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand tiger sharkCarcharias taurus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant guitarfishRhynchobatus djiddensis | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Potato bassEpinephelus tukula | Common | ||||||||||||
| Green turtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Honeycomb morayGymnothorax favagineus | Common |
Marine forecast
