Sardine Run in South Africa! Just do it!

The Sardine Run is one of the most spectacular marine displays in the world, and being involved in all the action is truly an amazing experience and with current exchange rates it’s cheaper than ever! The shoals of sardines, which are kilometres in length, attract thousands of predators: birds, dolphins, game fish, seals, whales and sharks in an amazing feeding frenzy. You don’t have to sit there watching it on Animal Planet in your slippers and supping a hot chocolate. You can be there!

The seas are too rough for liveaboards but you can do daytrip packages and below is the best one we could find. Using Port St. Johns as the departure point, you are much more likely to be in the thick of the action rather than the tail end (if at all) in KwaZulu Natal. The Sardine Run has reached KZN’s Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks only twice in 10 years now, which is why people are starting to believe it’s not reliable. Our local partners have 2 dive boats and operate for 4 weeks from Port St. Johns with a maximum of 8 people per week on each boat.

Tour Costs
Diver Package @ R18,7500.00pp (US$ 2,094) per person

Dates for 2013 are as follows:
17-June-2013 to 24-June-2013 : 8 spaces
18-June-2013 to 25-June-2013 : 4 spaces
19-June-2013 to 26-June-2013 : 7 spaces
20-June-2013 to 27-June-2013 : 4 spaces
24-June-2013 to 01-July-2013 : 2 spaces
25-June-2013 to 02-July-2013 : 6 spaces
10-July-2013 to 17-July-2013 : 2 spaces
17-July-2013 to 24-July-2013 : 6 spaces

Itinerary: 8-day ‘Sardine Run Adventure’

Day-1: Arrive Durban International Airport-Transfer-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-2: Full-Day Sardine Run Action-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-3: Full-Day Sardine Run Action-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-4: Full-Day Sardine Run Action-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-5: Full-Day Sardine Run Action-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-6: Full-Day Sardine Run Action-Overnight Port St. Johns
Day-7: Half-Day Sardine Run Action-Transfer to Durban-Overnight KZN South Coast
Day-8: Airport transfer to Durban International Airport

Detailed Itinerary: The annual Sardine Run takes place in June & July.

Day 1
Your adventure begins when you arrive at Durban International Airport. You will be met by Craig and Dave and transferred [about 5-hours] to your accommodation, situated on the river banks at Port St. Johns. The upmarket log-cabins overlook the river and have en-suite facilities. In the evening you enjoy a BBQ [known locally as a braai] where you will get to know the group and your guide.

Days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Full Day Sardine Run Action – Overnight Port St. Johns.
After receiving early morning updates about the Sardine Run movements, the RIB is launched close to the action and the chase begins! You spend the day out at sea, enthralled by the action above and below the water, getting up close and personal with many of the ocean’s creatures, including including birds, dolphins, game fish, whales and sharks.

Again, because of the speed at which the shoal’s travel and the dynamic nature of the following predators, you often spend most of our time in the water free diving resorting to scuba when conditions are optimal. Throughout the day the water erupts with bait balls created by the passing predators and you get the chance to see it all. In the afternoon you return to shore to relax or enjoy the local activities. Overnight Port St. Johns, South Africa.

Day 7
An early rise and you enjoy a final morning with the Sardine Run before being transferred to your accommodation on the South Coast. Overnight KZN South Coast, South Africa.

Day 8
After an early breakfast you transfer to Durban International Airport where we will bid you farewell until the next time …

What’s Included: Guides for the entire tour, Transfers & Transportation, Breakfasts, 7-nights Accommodation (6-nights Port St. Johns and 1-night KZN South Coast), 6-Days Diving, Excursions as per itinerary.

What’s Not Included: Flights & Taxes, Personal Holiday Insurance, Dive Gear (can be hired), Lunches, Dinners, Drinks, Passports & Visas.

For bookings, please send us an email or call our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Phuket – 66 (0)83 505 7794.