Experience the annual Sardine Run, in Port Elizabeth, spending time out at sea interacting with the largest migration of sardines, along with the massive activity of dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, sharks, and birds! Your guides are certified Sardine Run specialists, sought after by international film crews and underwater photographers, with over 20 years of Sardine Run experience! 

Millions of sardines migrate along the east coast of Africa following a cool inshore current, which is known as the Sardine phenomenon. Super pods of common dolphins can be seen chasing shoals of fish into a tight bait ball, which results in a feeding frenzy attracting dolphins, penguins, sharks, whales, seals and sea birds. This incredible phenomenon is famous with photographers, divers and adventure seekers from around the globe! Enjoy a multi-day/night accommodated Sardine Run tour in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

During this time of the year the Humpback whales migrate up the coast and they can be spotted daily, moving in pairs or small family groups. Southern Right whales can also be seen occasionally, but it is the Brydes whales that really get involved with the sardines and it’s an incredible spectacle to witness a Brydes whale engulfing a bait ball in a single mouthful. We also see Bottle-nosed Dolphins and have also seen the shy Humpbacked Dolphins near the shore. Aside from the Cape Gannets, there are several other bird species that have been spotted: African Penguins, Cormorants, Yellow-nosed Indian Albatross, and Sub-Antarctic Skuas to name a few.

Itinerary:

Arrival: Arrive in Port Elizabeth and transfer to your hotel. The Town Lodge, in Summer Strand Port Elizabeth.

Meet up in the late afternoon for a full expedition briefing and to meet the crew.

Ocean Days: Spend time out at sea looking for Sardine Run action.

Daily Itinerary:

After breakfast transfer to the launch site where you will kit up, load the boat (8m semi-rigid RIB), and prepare for a full day out at sea. Refreshments and lunch are provided on the boat. A combination of aerial information, local spotters, fishermen & ocean users in the area provide information regarding Sardine Run action. During the day, there will be opportunity to enjoy a dive on one of the numerous dive sites in the hope to see the Ragged Tooth sharks and other marine life.

Return at approx. 3pm and transfer back to the hotel enjoying the beachfront or taking part in optional activities e.g. additional diving, kayaking, cultural activities, shopping etc.

Departure: Check  out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home or sign up for one of our extensions:-

• Great White Shark cage dive
• Shark Diving on Aliwal Shoal, with Sand Tigers, Bull sharks and Tiger sharks,
• Or experience the Big 5 game drive to see Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhino and Buffalo.
  

Accommodation:

There is a wide variety of accommodation available along the beachfront, from B&B’s, hotels to 5-star options. Our preferred choice is the wonderfully located Town Lodge in Summer Strand PE, It is situated on the beachfront within walking distance to many shops and restaurants as well as most importantly to the dive center. Hotel services include spacious and comfortable twin / double en-suite rooms, air-conditioning, wifi, bar and club lounge, fitness room, secure parking, sparkling pool in landscaped garden setting, full English and Continental breakfasts daily.

Tour Includes:

Return Airport Transfers
Beachfront Accommodation
Breakfast Daily
Lunch packs on diving days
Transfer to the launch site
Ocean Safaris (weather permitting)
8m Semi-Rigid Dive Boat (SAMSA Licensed – 40 miles offshore)
Hire of Tanks & Weights
Experienced Skipper
Shark & Reef Diving
On non-diving days group transfers will be provided for local excursions e.g. Addo Elephant National Park, Seal Diving in Plettenberg Bay, visit to Tsitsikamma National Park, Sundays River Sandboarding, and River Cruises etc. All entrance fees and other costs related to the activities will be for the client's account.

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.

There are several different packages available, ranging from a 5-day / 6-night package to a 8 day / 9-night package

Prices from ZAR 38 500.00p.p to ZAR 47 750.00.per person.

Click on the Book Now button for your personalized quote.