Sardine run adventure in South Africa in July 2026
Sardine run adventure in South Africa in July 2026
Sardine run is not just diving, it is a real adventure in South Africa. Join us on this journey in July 2026. Join our ambassador Shaun Humphries on a real adventure to amazing, wonderful and action-packed South Africa. Experience the sardine run which is one of the greatest spectacles the world has to offer and here in South Africa is the place to experience it.
Everyone can join in on this action-packed adventure. As the sardines gather and migrate along the coast, predators appear everywhere. Dolphins, seals, birds, whales, swordfish, tuna and sharks take turns attacking from three dimensions to feast on the sardines. Since there is extreme action all the time, there can be fast movements and extreme action for a short time. Sometimes it is snorkeling and sometimes it can be diving. It all depends on how the attacks go and how fast the sardines move.
Baitballs – no guarantees
When the sardines are “herded” by their pursuers, they often gather in dense shoals and clumps, so-called baitballs. A compact mass or ball of sardines and for the hunters a lump of protein and food. The attacks come from all directions and anything can happen at any time. When the shoal moves, you have to keep up and sometimes it goes fast, sometimes they stay longer. Sardine run is a fantastic spectacle and adventure that even you who don't dive can be a part of. Join us in July 2026 for what could be and become one of the most fantastic things you've ever experienced if you're lucky.
Your accommodation – You will stay at a small lodge and breakfast is included, and during the day a light lunch is included on board the boat. In the afternoons, optional activities are offered for those who wish, ranging from hikes to waterfalls, drinks at stunning sunsets, horseback riding, visits to local villages and much more. If circumstances do not allow you to be out at sea, alternative activities on land will be offered.
Features
Gallery
Every morning after breakfast you will go out by boat and while waiting for the “Go!” signal there may be a bit of a wait at sea. Micro lights, small aircraft go out early in the morning to look from above where the shoal is and where it looks promising for baitballs.
When the signal goes, it's full speed ahead. Be prepared with fins, mask, snorkel and camera to quickly get into the water and experience the fast-paced hunt for sardines from all the sea's predators.
Dolphins, sharks, whales, tuna, swordfish, seals and seabirds like gannets and cormorants that dive from above are common, but sometimes other species are also seen. Everyone wants to join in and revel in this almost annual event when the opportunity arises. If the shoal is moving slowly, there will be the opportunity to dive as well. It is very much a matter of luck and timing. This is something that can be over in a few seconds and it can last up to 30 minutes. A magical spectacle that few natural events can match. A light lunch will be served on board the boat every day and in the afternoons when you have returned, land-based activities are offered for those who are able and willing.
Itinerary day by day
Day 1
You leave Scandinavia and fly to South Africa and Durban.
Day 2
You land in Durban and then continue to your lodge where you will have dinner and a review of the coming days.
Day 3 – 9
Adventures at sea. Small micro lights – small aircraft – go out in the morning and find where the best action is. Then it's off by boat to hunt for “baitballs” if possible. Fast movements and lots of action. Afternoons or days when conditions do not allow, alternative programs and activities will take place.
Last day and journey home
Day 10
On your last day in the area, you check out of your accommodation and then transfer to the airport for your flight back to Scandinavia. For those of you who wish to extend your trip in South Africa or have a stopover on the way home or on the way there, please contact us and we will be happy to help. Please note that this must be done before we issue flight tickets.
please note
Our solid program is only a preliminary plan that is influenced based on the external conditions that the weather gods reward us with. This means that we may have to move activities and dive sites to other days and also replace planned activities with alternatives if required. Your expedition leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your particular trip.
