When and Where ?

Date : Late May, June & July
Location : Transkei, Wild Coast South Africa
Objectives : Comments Passive observation of sharks, birds, dolphins, seals, whales & game fish feeding on sardines

What's it all about?

National Geographic calls the sardine run “the most exciting dive in the world” and “the greatest shoal on earth”!!!!

What more can we say about this spectacle that hasn’t already been filmed or photographed. All we can say is, COME and experience the greatest event of the year as millions of sardines prepare for their northward migration following colder waters, setting the place for a predatory feast.

Experience the Sardine Run either beneath the waves or above, either way there is an abundance of marine life to see.

This amazing event is not just about the sardines, but about all the predators that follow them.

The diversity of animals associated with this annual event is staggering. On the A-list are hundreds of Copper sharks (bronze whalers), Dusky sharks, Black tip sharks, thousands of Gannets, thousands of Common Dolphins, hundreds of Bottlenose dolphins. Also to be seen are hundreds of Humpback whales and the Brydes whales. Many species of rays follow the sardines, as well as many bird species. Penguins and seals are frequently encountered. A great diversity of fish predators travel with the “sards” and take advantage of this feasting opportunity.

Many other species of shark and dolphin have made an appearance during the sardine run and the list is endless. You just never know what you are going to encounter and when.

Join Africa Dive Expeditions in witnessing this amazing natural phenomenon.

What will you see?

Sardines : A 10 – 20 cm up to 30cm silver fish, bluish colour on top. Distinguishable by the row of 10 – 15 black spots on the flanks. These fish form vast shoals off the Agulhas Banks.

Predator (inter alia)

Water Conditions

Water temperatures are around 19 degrees and 21 degrees C. (66 to 70 degrees F) The "Run" takes place during South Africa's winter which is dry season. Theoretically, this means there's little runoff from rivers so the water should provide good visibility. In reality, because the sardines and their prey can really churn up the water, visibility can be anything from 3 meters (10 ft) to 20 meters-plus (60 ft). It is often found that the warmer waters are further out to sea

Dive Type and Diver Certification Level

Surface drift dive. Snorkelling / scuba. Boat based opportunities available for non-divers.
NOTE: You do not have to be a scuba diver to take part in this amazing migration.

The Sardine Run is restricted to advanced divers only. The activity as a whole is considered to be strenuous. There is no hospital nearby so you should be in very good health. The trip can be summed up like this: big sharks, no bottom diving, deep blue type diving, dirty water, multiple ascents and strenuous boat trips. The trip is strictly for the avid diver/ photographer. Non-diving guests are welcome to join the trip and ride on the boat to witness the surface activity but must understand the boat is a "duck" and does not have toilet facilities or any shade.

It must be noted that the majority of the action is surface based and the occasional dive may take place, depending on water conditions, visibility and the action on the day.

Please bring your dive card with you. We have a strict NO CARD NO DIVE policy!

How do we find the action?

Normally, the activity of the sea birds is a dead give-away, but we do make use of shared aerial information. We get additional information from the Natal Sharks Board boats and other boats in the area to view this spectacle.

Boats Used

We will be using a 7.6 "rubber duck" (Zodiac or similar), which accommodates 6-8 divers’ comfortably plus camera equipment. The boat is licensed with the Department of Transport and has a fully qualified skipper and dive master on board. There is medical oxygen, a DAN First Aid Kit and communications with shore via radio and cellular phones.

Please contact us for detailed information regarding ...