The Sardine Run

Each year during May, June and July, vast shoals of sardines leave their cold-water home in South Africa’s temperate seas and travel north into the sub-tropical seas of South Africa’s Wild Coast. The shoals offer a bountiful feast to a host of predators including seabirds, game fish, marine mammals and sharks. It is one of nature’s greatest spectacles. This is the Sardine Run.

Experience marine wildlife watching at its most spectacular! It is an opportunity to be part of something that many of the world’s top marine biologists, wildlife photographers and filmmakers consider the most intense wildlife event in the world. You can view from the boat, snorkel on the ocean surface or do the Run with scuba gear.

We offer standard packages of 5 nights and 4 sea days. We offer tailor-made, longer packages or combinations of Sardine Run and Protea Banks for individuals and groups.

• Location
  Land based in Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Duration
  Multiple days
• Package
  Customised
• Accommodation
  Clean, spacious 3 – 4 star establishments
• Species
  Sardines, Common Dolphin, Brydes Whales, Humpback Whales, Cape fur Seals, Bronze Whaler shark, Gannets and Albatross amongst many other species.
• Transport
  Self-drive or transfer can be arranged

Daily Activity

• After Breakfast at 7am we get transferred to the most spectacular, idyllic river mouth from where we launch the boat. And the adventure begins….
• Prior to this, the micro-light has taken off and flown over the ocean in search of animal activity. The skipper and the pilot are in constant radio contact to get the best action on hand. Sardine Run action consists not only of silver fish but more so of activities such as whales, dolphins, sharks and gannets
• The highly experienced and skilful crew will approach anything interesting with great care and only when it is safe will the divers be allowed to enter the water. More often than not this will be done on mask and snorkel. There is a constant off–boat and on–boat which requires stamina and a certain degree of fitness
• The perfect Bait Ball – the sharks and dolphins round up a large number of sardines and form what is known as a bait ball. Once the bait ball is formed, the sharks and dolphins swim continuously through that ball until not one sardine is left. They are often joined by gannets which dive from a dizzy height and use their wings to actually swim further down in pursuit of a sardine. Unbelievable!
  A Brydes whale may arrive from the depths and like a front end loader scoops thousands of sardines into its gullet. As divers, we first approach the situation carefully and observe before we slide into the water and watch the incredible scene from a depth of approximately 5-7meters. Such a Bait Ball can last from a few minutes to half an hour or even longer. When it is over its back on the boat and off to the next group of sardines.
• Somewhere in between we’ll have the delicious packed lunch as we scan the horizon for action
• We return to shore by 15h00. Driving back into this idyllic river mouth just finishes a great adventure
• After a hot shower, we’ll meet for a drink in the bar where crayfish and oysters will be served
• A scrumptious buffet awaits us from 18h00

Coffee Bay is a small community located along the Wild Coast of South Africa, known for its breath-taking views and beaches. Here you can also find some of the best surf this country has to offer and the freshest seafood. Walking through the streets of Coffee Bay you will experience a rich Xhosa culture, plenty of livestock, and of course the local residents that came for a holiday and found themselves never leaving. Perhaps that’s what the magic of this place is all about, it engulfs you and although you may leave here, it will never leave you.

The area around Coffee Bay is rich in natural resources with fertile lands, beautiful indigenous flora and fauna, diverse wildlife, rolling hills dotted with rondavels (small African huts), and plenty of smiling faces and excited waves. The surrounding area is peppered with rugged cliffs and scenic views that make hiking a favourite. From local Xhosa’s to international travellers, excellent fishing and breath-taking views, Coffee Bay is a unique destination and remarkable in its own way.

Nestled virtually on the beach in a small magnificent bay between great towering cliffs and the sparkling Indian Ocean, the Ocean View Hotel is a treasured Wild Coast coastal-country hotel. The hotel is a hundred footsteps away from the shoreline, which makes it the perfect spot for sea lovers. The journey to the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay is a treat on its own while driving through the Traditional African countryside. You will be stunned by the beauty and wildness of the terrain around you. A long winding road through open veldt, valleys and mountains with breath taking views on either side of you. The rooms are magnificent, comfortable and cosy.
The Ocean View Hotel is a home away from home, and the food is delicious. The facilities include a bar, deck and a pool for those who can’t get enough. The beach is 50 meters from reception. But the best is the heated equipment room! Why you may ask is this so important? It means you’ll have a dry wetsuit in the morning.

• Species
  Sardines – A 20-30cm silver fish, with a bluish colour on top. Distinguishable by the row of 10 – 15 black spots on the flanks, Sharks – Copper Shark, Spotted Ragged Tooth Shark, Black Tip Shark, Dusky Shark Ocean Mammals – Common dolphins, Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphin, Humpback whales, Killer whales, Brydes whale, Cape fur seal Birds – Cape Gannet, Petrels, Shearwaters, Black browed Albatross, African Penguin
• Diving
  Dive depth – Surface to maximum 20 meters
• Dive Type
  Surface drift dive, snorkelling, scuba, boat based viewing opportunities available for non-divers
• Typical Visibility
  6 – 30 meters / 20 – 100 ft. Average 12 metres / 50 feet
• Water Temperature
  15 – 22 Celsius / 59°F – 68°F
• Weather affected days
  Should inclement weather prevent us from proceeding to sea, an excursion can be arranged. There are no refunds for bad weather days
• Sightings
  We are dealing with wild animals, and even though we offer this expedition in the peak season, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Bait balls are rare and we cannot expect to dive on these every day. Refunds are therefore not considered in the event of non-sightings. Due to variable weather conditions and animal activity, diving may not be possible
• Itinerary
  Itinerary is subject to change based on weather and activity. We will always do our best to be flexible in order to overcome both these variables to ensure you receive the best itinerary possible at the time.
• Self-Drive
  The package is quoted as self-drive. We can quote for airport and overland transfers

Price on request

Includes  

• 4 day Sardine Run expeditions (minimum)
• 5 night’s accommodation 
• 5 x day – breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Excludes

• Flights
• Airport transfers. These can be arranged upon request
• Dive gear 
• Drinks 
• Internet
• Laundry

 
Booking

• A 50% non-refundable deposit via wire transfers upon booking, with balance due 120 days before the start of the expedition.

Cancellation policy

• Less than 120 days before start date: 100% of the fee.
• No show: 100% of the fee.
• No credits will be given for cancellations beyond our control.

Book with Confidence Terms

If travel restrictions are implemented by your local government or the government of South Africa due to COVID 19 (Coronavirus) which means you are unable to travel, then FREE cancellation applies up to 14 days before trip date.