Welcome to the Sardine Run 2023
"The Greatest Shoal on Earth"

The Sardine Run

Welcome to the Eastern Cape’s most thrilling natural spectacle: the Sardine Run season! Get ready to dive into an extraordinary marine adventure unlike any other.

 

Every year, from May to July, a breath-taking event takes place along the coast of the Eastern Cape. Millions of sardines embark on their annual migration, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that attracts not only marine enthusiasts but also curious onlookers from around the world. Immerse yourself in the pulsating energy as shoals of shimmering silver sardines swarm in vast numbers, creating a feeding frenzy that is truly awe-inspiring. Witness the extraordinary spectacle of dolphins, sharks, whales, and seabirds, all converging to feast on this abundant banquet.

 

Whether you’re an avid diver, wildlife photographer, or simply an admirer of nature’s wonders, the Sardine Run season offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the power and diversity of the ocean in its full glory. Experience the thrill of being surrounded by marine giants, as dolphins gracefully navigate the waves and sharks glide effortlessly through the water. Join us on an unforgettable journey as you explore the Eastern Cape’s pristine coastline, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and unspoiled beauty. Dive into the Eastern Cape waters, discover hidden treasures beneath the surface, and encounter marine life in its natural habitat.

 

Expert Eastern Cape guides are dedicated to ensuring your safety and providing you with an enriching experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, the Sardine Run season promises a unique adventure that will leave you in awe of the wonders of the underwater world. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that captures the essence of the Eastern Cape’s natural splendour. Book your trip now and embark on a journey of discovery during the thrilling Sardine Run season. Get ready to witness nature’s grand performance and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Route

FAQs

What is the Sardine Run?
The sardine run is a seasonal movement of fish and predators along the Eastern Cape coastline to the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

 

What is the best time to see the Sardine Run?
This is probably the thousand dollar question! As a natural phenomenon relying on complex interrelation of currents, weather and animals, the run can be very hard to predict. As a general rule the action moves from up from the south, so if your dates are early, April to May, look to Gqeberha and East London. From May to July look at Coffee Bay, Port St Johns and Mboyti.

 

Where is the best place to see the Sardine Run?
Many dive charter companies now make their own migration to the Eastern Cape to set up temporary bases on the Wild Coast and take people out in search of sardine related action. Expeditions are run from as far south as Gqeberha, up to Mboyti, just north of Port St Johns.

 

Summary of all things sardine run:
The sardine run is a totally wild, unpredictable event but when everything comes together the sardine run is the most spectacular wildlife spectacle on the planet; dolphins whipping the ocean surface into whitecaps, thousands of birds diving, whales lunge feeding through shoals of scattering fish. In these moments time becomes meaningless, as you witness this amazing play of life and death unfolding

Tour Operators

Raggy Charters

Raggy Charters / The Baywatch Project
Mobile: +27(0)73 152 2277
www.raggycharters.co.za
www.thebaywatchproject.com
www.facebook.com/raggycharters

Southern Cross Cruises

Mobile: +27(0)82 938 627
Email: info@southerncrosseastlondon.co.za
www.southerncrosscruises.co.za

St Francis Safaris

Mobile: +27(0)82 569 3750 | +27(0)66 304 5913
Email: safarisa@lantic.co.za
www.stfrancissafaris.co.za/book-now

Offshore Africa

Mobile: +27(0)82 256 9414 | +27(0)84 95 11325
Email: info@offshoreportstjohns.com
sardinerun@offshorteportstjohns.com
debbie@offshoreportstjohns.com
www.offshoreportstjohns.com

Expert Tours

Mobile: +27(0)72 1420 420
Email: info@expert-tours.com
https://expert-tours.de/en/expert-tours-2/

The Spotted Grunter Resort

Mobile: +27(0)84 316 7639
Email: https://spottedgrunter.co.za/contact/
https://spottedgrunter.co.za/the-sardine-run/

Sardine Run Deals and Packages 2023

Sardine Run Deals: Raggy Charters

Sardine Run Deals: Spotted Grunter

Sardine Run Deals: Offshore Africa

Get ready to be amazed

The perfect viewing spots:
Eastern Cape Provincial Nature Reserves

Gallery - Eastern Cape Sardine Run