Sardine run Port Elizabeth. Diving with great diversity
Sardine run Port Elizabeth is perhaps one of the world's most magnificent spectacles you can experience in nature. Port Elizabeth has excellent dive sites characterized by colorful soft corals and a remarkable concentration and diversity of marine species including whales, dolphins, seals and South African penguins. Algoa Bay is also home to sand tiger sharks and here is the world's largest colony of African penguins and Capsulars. Port Elizabeth is also the start of South Africa's famous Garden Route. There are several Big 5 national parks nearby, beautiful beaches, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and many more attractions you can enjoy on your days off.
When the Sardine run takes place in Port Elizabeth, the fry offer some of the best opportunities along the coast to experience this spectacle. Imagine thousands of dolphins chasing shoals of fish into tight shoals called bait balls. It results in a blunderbuss that attracts penguins, sharks, whales, seals, swordfish and seabirds. This incredible phenomenon is known among photographers, divers and adventure seekers from all over the world. Port Elizabeth is also characterized by colorful soft corals and the concentration and diversity of marine species is incredible. Seeing and experiencing whales, dolphins, seals and South African penguins is common.
Snorkeling mainly
Snorkeling is ideal, as the "sardine balls" often move quite quickly and with snorkel gear it is easy to get in and out of the boat quickly. This also allows the boat to keep up with all the action. If a baitball is large enough and static, it is possible to get into the water with diving as well and observe the action from below. If conditions permit, there will be opportunities to snorkel with penguins, which is a unique experience and only possible in Port Elizabeth. The flying school based in Port Elizabeth helps us with airport information, together they are used in conjunction with local scouts, fishermen and people at sea and they can map out the best Sardine Run layout.
All pictures with © approval from Pro Dive, South Africa
Accommodation and Program
Enjoy your stay in Port Elizabeth at the wonderfully located Courtyard hotel, located on the beachfront within walking distance to many shops and restaurants and most importantly the diving centre. Here you have a nice bar and club lounge, gym, internet connection, a sparkling pool in the landscaped garden environment, breakfast, laundry and dry cleaning service and more.
Programme
Day 1: Arrival in Port Elizabeth and transfer to your hotel.
Meeting in the late afternoon for a full expedition briefing and to meet the crew.
Days 2 – 6: Spend 5 days out at sea looking for Sardine Run action.
After breakfast you will be taken to the launch site where you will pack and load the boat (8 m RIB) and prepare for a full day out at sea. Refreshments and lunch are provided on the boat. During the day there will be an opportunity to enjoy a dive at one of the many dive sites in the hope of seeing Sand Tiger Sharks and other marine life. Return around 15.00 is estimated and go back to the hotel and enjoy the beach or participate in optional activities, e.g. additional diving, kayaking, cultural activities, shopping etc.
Beach Walk & Picnic:
Depending on the weather, we will have sunset drinks and snacks on the beach and enjoy a spectacular South African sunset.
Day 7: Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home or if you have signed up for one of our add-on programs, such as Cape Town to see the great white sharks or shark diving in Aliwal Shoal.
The program is offered in March to April/May only due to the limited time of the event.
What is included in this travel program?
- Transfer to and from the airport
- 6 nights accommodation by the beach including breakfast
- Packed lunches on diving days
- 5 days at sea (weather permitting)
- 8m dive boat RIB (SAMSA Licensed 40 miles offshore)
- Rental of tanks and weights
- Experienced skipper
- Film permit
- Shark & Reef Diving
- On non-diving days, group transfers will be provided for local excursions eg. Addo Elephant National Park, Seal Diving in Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park visits, Sandays River Sandboarding and River Cruises etc. All entrance fees and other costs related to the activities will be on the customer's own account.
The tour does not include:
- Flight
- Dinners and drinks
- Equipment rental
- Travel and diving insurance
- Additional sightseeing and activities
Courtyard Hotel room
The hotel has different rooms to choose from studio, one and two bed rooms; free WiFi, meeting facilities; Conference rooms; gym; swimming pool and a restaurant.
All rooms have air conditioning, bathroom, TV, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, iron and ironing board, electronic safe
Other land-based programs in South Africa
Sardine Run, Port St Johns
