seriously? without a cage ?

  

A legendary dive is what I call it. All I can start off by saying is that Aliwal Shoal is not for the faint-hearted... remember the scar on my forehead from a year ago? Yeah, I went back. Like many seasonal divers, Aliwal Shoal is our thrill-seeking playground or the kick our adrenaline needs, but make no mistake, diving in Aliwal is definitely not for sissies. It's a challenge, a test of skill and courage, rewarded with unparalleled sights that will leave you breathless in more ways than one.

As I descended into the depths, the first thing to greet me was the overwhelming buzz of excitement in the air as I literally consume my air like a guzzle . Schools of colourful fish around me, their vibrant hues painting the underwater landscape in the distance with a mixture of distorted visibility. But the real stars of the show were yet to come. Before long, I found myself face to face with one of the ocean's apex predators – the majestic shark. Gliding effortlessly through the water, these ancient creatures exuded a sense of power and grace that was impossible to ignore. To be honest, I have dived Aliwal before, and I didn't think I was going to get as lucky as I did this time. When I told the dive master all I wanted to see was some sharks, he said very unconvincingly he would "try his best." I gave up on seeing a shark; nevertheless, there was much to look forward to. The wonders of Aliwal Shoal do not end at sharks. Around every corner, there is a new surprise waiting to be discovered. Massive potato bass lurking in the shadows, their imposing presence a reminder of the ocean's untamed wildness. Rays gracefully soaring overhead, their wings casting ethereal shadows on the sandy seabed below, making you think that I have seen it all, right? And then, a very ecstatic dive master spots a strange and wonderful creature emerging from the depths – the enigmatic guitarfish. With its elongated body and distinctive guitar-like shape, it was a sight straight out of a marine biologist's dream.

But amidst my legendary dive and the breathtaking beauty of Aliwal Shoal, there is always an underlying sense of danger. Strong currents and unpredictable conditions testing my skills as a diver, demanding focus and concentration at every turn. Yet, it was precisely these challenges that made this experience so exhilarating, so utterly unforgettable.

So yes, to answer the question, no cage, just me looking back on my legendary dive, realizing that it's not just about the adrenaline rush or the breathtaking sights—it's about confronting fear head-on, pushing boundaries, and embracing the unknown with open arms. It's about diving into the depths of uncertainty and resurfacing stronger, more alive than ever before...