The Sardine Run takes place in Port St. Johns during June and July and is one of nature’s ultimate wildlife adventures. During the Sardine Run millions of Sardines move north with the currents from South Africa’s cape coast and they are followed by a huge number of predators. Being in the water around the Sardine bait balls is amazing, and you are often surrounded by hundreds of Common Dolphins, Bronze Whaler Sharks, diving Cape Gannets, Bryde’s Whales, Game Fish, Cape Fur Seals and of course millions of Sardines! During the Sardine Run, the annual Humpback Whale migration passes Port St. Johns, offering some amazing up-close sightings of the Humpback Whales, in the water, close to the boats and when the Whales are breaching!
Our Sardine Run trips operate from Cremorne Estate in Port St. Johns, rated as one of the best locations for the Sardine Run in South Africa. The resort has ensuite accommodation and an amazing restaurant and bar area overlooking the Umzimvubu River which is your boat launching site for the Sardine Run. All of our Sardine Run trips also include diving at Aliwal Shoal. At this time of year the Ragged Tooth Sharks gather in large numbers at Aliwal Shoal to mate!
9-day Sardine Run in South Africa
Day 1 : Arrive Durban Airport – transfer and overnight in Umkomaas at Blue Ocean Dive Resort.
Day 2 : 2x dives at Aliwal Shoal – overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort.
Day 3 : Transfer and overnight in Port St. Johns at Cremorne Estate.
Day 4 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 5 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 6 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 7 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 8 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 9 : Transfer to Durban Airport (flights after 6pm).
14-day Sardine Run in South Africa
Day 1 : Arrive Durban Airport – transfer and overnight in Umkomaas at Blue Ocean Dive Resort.
Day 2 : 2x dives at Aliwal Shoal – overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort.
Day 3 : Transfer and overnight in Port St. Johns at Cremorne Estate.
Day 4 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 5 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 6 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 7 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 8 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 9 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 10 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 11 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 12 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 13 : Full Day Sardine Run – overnight Port St. Johns.
Day 14 : Transfer to Durban Airport (flights after 6pm).
9-day Sardine Run in South Africa
Price 2024 (twin-sharing): 2,990 EURO
Price 2024 (single room): 3,150 EURO
14-day Sardine Run in South Africa
Price 2024 (twin-sharing): 5,150 EURO
Price 2024 (single room): 5,450 EURO
Prices include: Accommodation, diving/snorkelling as detailed in the itineraries, tanks/weights/weight belts, dive permits, daily breakfast and dinner, lunch pack on Sardine Run days and all land transfers.
Trip prices in GBP and USD are also available upon request.