Wild Coast · June & July
The Sardine Run
"The Greatest Shoal on Earth" — billions of sardines, thousands of dolphins, sharks, whales and gannets. Africa's most spectacular marine event.
30 Years Experience
Microlight Aircraft
6Nights / 5Days Expedition
June & July
Greatest Shoal On Earth
What is the Sardine Run?
Every year between June and July, billions of sardines migrate northward along South Africa’s Wild Coast — one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on the planet. The sardines form massive bait balls — swirling silver spheres up to 20 metres in diameter — as they are herded by thousands of common dolphins.
At the centre of it all, the common dolphins are the true protagonists, herding and shaping the bait balls with precision, with bottlenose dolphins arriving on occasion to join the hunt. The feeding frenzy that follows is extraordinary. Bronze whaler sharks, dusky sharks, and Zambezi sharks attack from below. Cape Gannets plunge-dive from above at 100km/h. Bryde’s whales lunge through the bait balls with their mouths open. And in the middle of all of it — you.
African Watersports has been running Sardine Run expeditions for 30 years. Walter Bernardis’s deep knowledge of the Wild Coast, combined with exclusive microlight aircraft support to locate bait balls, means you spend maximum time in the water — not searching for the action.
The African Watersports Advantage
Why We Find the Action
We search from the sky — our microlight aircraft spots bait balls from above so you spend maximum time in the water.
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Microlight Aircraft
Our exclusive microlight aircraft gives us a bird’s-eye view of the ocean. We spot bait balls from the air and radio their position to the boat — maximising your time in the water.
30 Years of Knowledge
Walter Bernardis has been running Sardine Run expeditions for 30 years. He knows the Wild Coast intimately — the currents, the patterns, the best positions.
Small Groups Only
Minimum 6 to maximum 8 divers per expedition. No crowding. No competition for position. Every diver gets the best possible access to the action.
Day by Day
Expedition Itinerary
Subject to weather and ocean conditions. Walter adjusts daily plans to maximise encounters.
Day 1
Arrival
Arrive at your accommodation in the Transkei at Ntaba Lodge, the only 4-star accommodation in Port St Johns, check in and meet the team, followed by an evening briefing with Walter covering conditions, safety, and what to expect.
Days 2–6
5 Days at Sea
Five full days at sea (weather permitting). We spend 5-8 hours out at sea daily (weather conditions determine the time period). The microlight aircraft is deployed each morning to locate bait balls from the air. Once located, the boat is guided to the action. Encounters with sardines, dolphins, sharks, Bryde’s whales, and Cape Gannets. Dinner, bed & breakfast accommodation and packed lunches provided throughout.
Day 7
Departure
Departure after breakfast. Self-drive guests depart from the Transkei. Those who flew in are assisted with transfers to Durban Airport.
Expedition 1
7 Day Package
Arrive
13th June
Depart
19th June
Seats Available
5 pax
Expedition 2
7 Day Package
Arrive
19th June
Depart
25th June
Seats Available
8 pax
Expedition 3
7 Day Package
Arrive
25th June
Depart
1st July
Seats Available
7 pax
Expedition 4
7 Day Package
Arrive
1st July
Depart
7th July
Seats Available
8 pax
Expedition 5
7 Day Package
Arrive
7th July
Depart
13th July
Seats Available
13 pax
Expedition 6
7 Day Package
Arrive
13th July
Depart
19th July
Seats Available
9 pax
Expedition 7
7 Day Package
Arrive
19th July
Depart
25th July
Seats Available
10 pax
What’s Included
- 5 full days at sea (weather permitting)
- Microlight aircraft spotter support
- Scuba cylinders & weights
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast accommodation
- Packed lunch on all sea days
Excludes
- Flights to Durban (meeting point: Durban Airport or hotel in Transkei for self-drives)
- Personal dive equipment
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Book Today
Spaces Are Limited
Maximum 8 divers per expedition. The Sardine Run runs June–July only. Book early to secure your place.
NEXT EXPEDITION: JUNE 2026
Frequent Questions & Answers
When is the best time to join the sardine run in Port St Johns in 2026?
From my experience, the best window is generally June into July, with the Wild Coast often producing its strongest action from 13th June to end of July. That said, this is a wild migration, not a scheduled event, so flexibility always gives you a better chance.
Is Port St Johns a good base for the sardine run?
Yes, Port St Johns is one of the key gateways to the Wild Coast sardine run. The broader region is well known for access to offshore action, and nearby areas such as Waterfall Bluff and Mbotyi are repeatedly highlighted as premium Eastern Cape zones when the migration is moving properly.
Can you guarantee we will see sardines or bait balls?
No honest operator should guarantee that. I always tell guests the same thing: the sardine run is one of the greatest marine spectacles on earth, but it is still nature on nature’s terms. What we can do at African Watersports is put you in the best possible position, read the ocean properly, and maximize your chances.
Why do people miss the action even during sardine run season?
Because success depends on several moving parts lining up at once: sardine movement, cold-water push, predator activity, sea state, visibility, and safe launch conditions. You can be in the right month and still have a slow day, which is why I always recommend guests book more than a single day if they really want a strong chance at seeing the best action.
How many days should I book?
If you want my straight answer, book multiple ocean days, not just one. Public travel guidance for this region specifically notes that because this is an ocean-based experience affected by daily weather, guests who want to snorkel or dive with the action should stay for a few days. That advice is spot on.
What marine life can I expect to see besides sardines?
The magic of the sardine run is not just the fish. We watch for common dolphins, sharks, humpback whales, tuna, game fish, and diving seabirds. Sometimes the real show is the predator behavior around the bait balls.
Will I definitely see sharks, and is that dangerous?
Sharks are part of the system, and yes, they are one of the reasons the sardine run is so dramatic. But this is not reckless tourism. I brief guests properly, manage entries carefully, and we operate with respect for the animals and the conditions. The goal is to witness natural behavior safely, not to interfere with it.
Is this trip better for scuba divers or snorkellers?
Both can work, but a lot of sardine run action is incredibly fast and can be very rewarding from the surface as a snorkeller. Scuba can be fantastic in the right conditions, but bait-ball interactions often happen quickly and unpredictably, so being comfortable entering the water fast is often more important than just being a certified diver. Public operator guidance also notes snorkelling as a highly effective way to interact with the environment.
Can beginners join the sardine run?
Beginners can sometimes join, but I do not treat this as an ordinary holiday swim. You need to be comfortable in the ocean, able to listen and react quickly, and honest about your confidence level. A reasonable level of fitness and ocean comfort is strongly recommended by operators in this market, and I agree completely.
Do I need to be very fit?
You do not need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to be mobile, confident, and capable in open ocean conditions. Entries can be quick, boat movement can be rough, and the ocean can turn demanding without much warning. If you are unsteady in the water, anxious offshore, or struggle with motion sickness, tell us upfront so we can guide you properly.
What is the biggest challenge most guests underestimate?
Seasickness and fatigue. A lot of people focus only on the wildlife and forget that long hours scanning the sea, changing weather, chop, swell, and repeated water entries can wear you down fast. The guests who do best are the ones who arrive rested, hydrated, and realistic about the physical side of the trip.
How cold is the water during the sardine run?
Cold enough that you need to prepare for it properly. Public guidance for the Eastern Cape sardine run specifically reminds divers and snorkelers that the water can be cold and that proper gear matters. I always tell guests not to underestimate this just because they are coming to South Africa.
How cold is the water during the sardine run?
Cold enough that you need to prepare for it properly. Public guidance for the Eastern Cape sardine run specifically reminds divers and snorkelers that the water can be cold and that proper gear matters. I always tell guests not to underestimate this just because they are coming to South Africa.
What should I pack for a sardine run trip to Port St Johns?
Bring your core ocean essentials: wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, sun protection, a waterproof jacket, and a waterproof bag. If you are diving, bring your certification and logbook, and pre-arrange any rental gear you need. That matches the regional travel guidance very closely.
Should I bring my own gear or rent?
If you have gear you know and trust, I always prefer that. Familiar equipment makes you calmer and faster in the water. Rental gear can work, but it should be organized in advance, especially during peak sardine run season when logistics matter more than people expect.
Is underwater visibility always good during the sardine run?
No, not always. Visibility can be excellent one day and challenging the next. It depends on sea state, current, plankton, swell, and where the action is happening. That unpredictability is part of the sardine run, and it is exactly why experienced local decision-making matters.
How do I get to Port St Johns for the sardine run?
Most guests either self-drive or connect through Mthatha, with Durban and East London also used as access points. Public travel guidance for this area says Port St Johns is roughly a five-hour transfer from Durban or East London, and Mthatha is the nearest airport option. We transfer all our diving guests ourselves.
Is the sardine run only about being in the water?
Not at all. Some guests love the in-water side, but the sardine run is also incredible from the boat and even from the coastline or air. Depending on the day, the best experience may be watching dolphins work a shoal, seeing birds dive hard, or spotting whales moving through the area.
Is this a good trip for photographers?
Absolutely. The sardine run is one of the best marine wildlife photography events in the world because it combines bait balls, dolphins, sharks, whales, birds, and dramatic light all in one system. The trade-off is that conditions can change fast, so you need to be ready rather than precious about perfect setups.
What mindset should I come with if I want the best experience?
Come for the whole marine safari, not just one single bait-ball fantasy. The best guests are the ones who appreciate the search, the movement, the predator behavior, the Wild Coast scenery, and the unpredictability. If you arrive demanding guarantees, the ocean usually humbles you. If you arrive ready for the full experience, you usually leave blown away.
Why book the sardine run with African Watersports?
Because at African Watersports, we are not selling a generic boat ride. We are built around real-water experience, shark and ocean expertise, and a culture of delivering adventure in a reliable and safe manner. I want guests to feel well briefed, properly looked after, and fully present for one of the wildest shows in the ocean.
What happens if the sea is too rough to launch?
If conditions are unsafe, we don’t launch — simple as that. The Wild Coast can turn quickly, and no sighting is worth compromising safety. What I do is monitor conditions constantly and make the call early so you’re not sitting around guessing.
Do you go out every day during the sardine run?
We aim to, but we don’t force it. The reality is that some days are not workable due to swell, wind, or visibility. That’s why I always recommend building flexibility into your trip.
How early do the trips start each day?
Most days start early. We want to be on the water when the ocean is calmest and when predator activity is highest. Sardine run days are not late mornings — they’re early starts and long sessions.
How long are we out at sea each day?
Expect several hours on the water. Some days are shorter, some turn into full sessions if the action is consistent. When it’s happening, we stay with it.
Will we travel far from Port St Johns to find the action?
Yes, sometimes. The sardine run moves, and we follow it. Some days the action is close, other days we run further along the coast. Flexibility and fuel are part of the game.
Is the boat ride rough?
It can be. This isn’t a sheltered bay experience — it’s open ocean. Some days are smooth, others are bumpy. If you’re prone to seasickness, prepare properly before the trip.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time sardine run guests make?
Expecting a documentary every day. The ocean doesn’t work like that. The best guests are the ones who commit to the experience, not just the outcome.
Do I need travel insurance for this trip?
Yes, I strongly recommend it. You’re dealing with weather-dependent activities and remote travel logistics — it’s just the smart way to travel.
Is accommodation included with African Watersports?
We typically assist with recommendations rather than bundle everything. Port St Johns has a range of options, and I’ll guide you toward places that work best for early launches and quick access.
Can non-divers or partners join on the boat?
In many cases, yes — as long as they’re comfortable offshore. Even from the boat, the sardine run can be spectacular with dolphins, whales, and bird action.
What kind of boats do you operate?
At African Watersports, we run Super Ducks, which are purpose-built for our coastline. They’re stable, powerful, and designed to handle the Wild Coast conditions properly, while still giving us the speed and flexibility to move quickly when the action shifts.
How do you actually find the sardines each day?
We don’t rely on guesswork. At African Watersports, we work with a spotter plane, which gives us a massive advantage in locating shoals, bait balls, and predator activity. From the air, you can see what’s happening far beyond what’s visible from the boat — and that allows us to move quickly and position our guests right where the real action is.
What makes a “perfect” sardine run day?
A perfect sardine run day is when all the key pieces come together at once. You want the cold water in the area, active shoals moving properly, dolphins working the fish into tight bait balls, birds showing from above, and clean enough visibility to actually get in and experience it properly. When that happens, the whole food chain switches on — from the air, from the boat, and in the water. Those are the days when the ocean feels completely alive, and at African Watersports, that’s exactly what we’re looking for every time we head out.
What should I do to prepare before arriving in Port St Johns?
Arrive rested, hydrated, and ready for early mornings. Sort your gear before you get here, manage seasickness in advance, and come with the right mindset — flexible, patient, and ready for real ocean conditions.