Experience the annual migration of sardines up the East Coast of South Africa, along with huge numbers of Cape gannets, albatross, pods of dolphins, several shark species (such as dusky sharks, Great and copper sharks) all the way up to the impressive Brydes whales.

We have two skilled and very professional operators with 12-15 years sardine run experience, who will be leading, guiding you and the other participants to make this one of the most memorable diving experiences of your life.

This 6 day accommodated all-inclusive Sardine Run tour is located in Cintsa East and West on the Wild Coast (Eastern Cape province) of South Africa. Spend five days at sea, following the incredible marine action and getting you into a position to experience the sardine bait balls (from the boat or in the water), where you will witness birds, dolphins, sharks, and whales all working together feeding off the bait balls.

One day will be a rest day, where you'll experience a game drive to see the Big 5 and enjoy an elephant interaction.  

Details:
If you are flying in to East London airport and have made arrangements for a pick up and shuttle, from East London Airport, you will be met and transferred to either Buccaneers Lodge  or  Areena Lodge on the first day of your trip. There is a full briefing in the evening, where you can sort out equipment and cameras.

Please Note: The sardine shoal is huge and the only way bait balls are created comes from the common bottle nose dolphins who separate a smaller section of the shoal and bunch them together from below and the thousands of Gannets from above with their aerial attacks, creating a bait ball. 

The sardine run relies on the coming together of many different variables: weather and currents, predators, like sharks, seals, dolphins Humpback and Brydes whales thousands of Gannets and other sea birds and of course, the sardines!

The action and diving on the bait balls will vary. This depends if the bait ball is moving, then the diving will all be on snorkel and if the bait ball is stationary you will be able to get in the water with your scuba gear.

Either way the action is fast and exhilarating

Some days are going to be quiet and some days will be very busy. The team will do their utmost to get you into the best position to appreciate this event, either from the boat or in the water.

Itinerary:
0630 – Breakfast overlooking the stunning Cinsta valley
0700 – Kit up and walk down to Cintsa beach
0730 – Launch boats just before sunrise
0730 to 15:00 – Spend the day on the water searching for visible signs of sardines which includes bird action and bird diving. During the quiet periods, scuba and/or snorkel with dolphins and whales.
1500 – Return to beach at Cintsa
1600 – Late afternoon and evening at leisure.
1900 – Delicious theme dinner.

Included:
Shared accommodation for seven nights on a full-board basis.
Five days at sea.
One rest day.
Cylinders and weights 
A single supplementary is available on request.
Activities on non-diving days will be arranged.
Big 5 Game drive and elephant interaction at Inkwenkwezi Game Lodge.

Our Sardine Run tour companies in South Africa are waiting to make your dream come true. Simply click on the link below and fill in the form and you will be contacted by multiple operators with competitive quotes and descriptions of their tours. Choose the best one and your sardine run tour experience is about to become a reality! One-click, best prices, best experiences.

There are no hidden fees costs or commissions. The prices you see here are as per the sardine operators' suggested fees.

Prices from ZAR43 950.00 to ZAR49 500.00per person

Click on the book now button for your personalized quote.