Diving the Sardine Run

The Sardine Run takes place along South Africa's Wild Coast.

Each morning we receive updates about the Sardine Run action and movements before deciding where to dive. We launch from Port St. Johns and operate north and south depending on where the sardine run action is.

Our days are ruled by nature, we spend most of the day at sea, following the action as the dolphin work together to separate the sardines into bait balls. The birds, dolphin, sharks, whales all enjoying a huge feast. The noise of the diving gannets, the speed of the dolphin, the sharks and the whales coming in to join in on the feast is amazing.

               

Experience the action from the boat and in the water. We enter the water as many times as possible during the day, sometimes just on snorkel and other times on scuba, depending on how fast the action is moving and how comfortable the animals are as sometimes the bubbles from scuba diving chases the action away.

Whilst all this is going on, the humpback whale migration passes the same area, we are treated to awesome breaches as hundreds of Humpback Whales travel north.

The action is amazing and you are often surrounded by hundreds of dolphin, sharks, diving birds, whales and of course millions of sardines!

Join us and experience the ultimate Sardine Run diving adventure!

Why Port St. Johns?

We operate from Port St. Johns, South Africa. Many operators offer Sardine Run packages at the Aliwal Shoal & Protea Banks in South Africa with the offer of regular diving when the Sardine Run doesn't arrive.

Whilst this is an easy option, it's not fair, it's not reliable and is the main reason that people think the Sardine Run doesn't happen each year.

We operate from Cremorne Estate in Port St Johns to ensure we are in the best location for the annual Sardine Run in South Africa.

Typical day on the Sardine Run


Breakfast, Kit-up & Dive Briefing

At around 7am we meet for breakfast and we receive updates about the sardine run action and the days conditions so we can decide where the best diving will be.

Once breakfast is finished, we kit up for the days action. The ScubaAddicts dive team are there to help you with all your diving needs and to brief you on your days diving and the action you are likely to see.


Dive dive dive.

We launch from the Umzimvubu River in Port St. Johns and operate north and south depending on where the sardine run action is. We spend most of the day at sea, launching at about 8am and generally we are back by about 3pm. We take lunch with us on the boat

The day is ruled by the Sardine Run action, we follow the dolphin as they work together to separate the bait balls and then the action begins, the dolphin, birds, sharks, whales all enjoying a huge feast.The noise of the diving gannets is amazing as they surround the boat, diving for the sardines.

We enter the water many times during the day, sometimes just on snorkel and other times on scuba, it really depends on how fast the action is moving. The action is amazing and you are often surrounded by hundreds of dolphin, sharks, diving birds, whales and more. We also have many opportunities to watch the humpback whales on their annual migration.


Rest of the day.

In the late afternoon we return to the lodge, where you can choose to relax, download photos & video footage or you can opt to go sightseeing in the afternoon. We are always available to take you on local excursions to show you more of the area.


The evening.

In the evening we enjoy dinner at the restaurant. The evening finishes at the lodge, if you are not completely tired by your days diving and sight seeing, then you can have a drink at the bar, watch TV [Satellite]. After all this you retire to your bedroom with en-suite facilities to enjoy a relaxing nights sleep, ready for the next days diving.

Whales, Sharks, Dolphin, Seals, Birds, Game Fish, Sardines & more

Humpback Whales
Sardine Run, South Africa

Brides Whales
Sardine Run, South Africa

Common Dolphin
Sardine Run, South Africa

Bottlenose Dolphin
Sardine Run, South Africa

Bronze Whaler Sharks
Sardine Run, South Africa

Oceanic Blacktip Sharks
Sardine Run, South Africa

Dusky Sharks
Sardine Run, South Africa

Game Fish
Sardine Run, South Africa

Seals
Sardine Run, South Africa

Sardines
Sardine Run, South Africa

Gannetts
Sardine Run, South Africa

Gannetts
Sardine Run, South Africa

Dive Gear

Wetsuits : Most divers seem to favour 5-mm wetsuits year-round, if you feel the cold then gloves and a hoodie are a good idea. We do have shortie wetsuits that you can add to your wetsuit if you are cold.

Cylinders : We use 12-liter steel cylinders which are available as A-clamp [international] or DIN so will suit all divers.

Gear Hire : Dive gear is available for rent so you don't need to bring your own gear. Once we have your booking, you can just let us know what dive gear you will need.

General Weather

June & July : The Sardine Run takes place during winter in South Africa.

The mornings and late afternoons can be cold so it is best to bring a water-proof jacket for the boat.

The weather is generally calm but we can have some winter storms which can make the sea rough.

Sardine Run Tempertures

Winter : June & July

Daytime Temperature : 10- 25°C

Nightime Temperature : 6- 12°C

Water Temperature : 18- 21°C