Question 1

When does the Sardine Run happen?

Accepted Answer

The broader season runs from roughly 10 June to 30 July each year, with the most reliable baitball window between 20 June and 15 July.

Question 2

Where is the best location for the Sardine Run?

Accepted Answer

Port St Johns and the Wild Coast deliver the most concentrated baitball action because the continental shelf sits closest to shore here. Umkomaas is further north and works better as a staging base than the primary action zone.

Question 3

What will I see?

Accepted Answer

Sardine baitballs, common dolphin super-pods, bronze whaler and blacktip sharks, Cape gannets diving from above, Bryde's whales, and humpback whales on migration.

Question 4

Are baitballs and action guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No serious operator guarantees baitballs — the run is a wild phenomenon. Across a 6-day fixed group, most expeditions see baitball action on several days, with predator and dolphin encounters even on quieter ones.

Question 5

What certification level do I need?

Accepted Answer

Open Water certified minimum for scuba; Advanced recommended. Freedivers and confident snorkellers are also welcome.

Question 6

I'm new to diving — is this trip for me?

Accepted Answer

Newly-certified divers can join but conditions are challenging. With fewer than 30 logged dives, consider refresher dives or joining as a freediver/snorkeller.

Question 7

What is the water temperature and what wetsuit should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Water sits between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius. A 5mm wetsuit with hood is the minimum; 7mm for cold-sensitive divers. Booties and gloves recommended.

Question 8

How long are the days on the water?

Accepted Answer

Boat days run 6 to 8 hours, typically 06:30 launch to 14:00–16:00 return.

Question 9

What does an expedition cost?

Accepted Answer

R 10,000 per person per day, all-inclusive — R 60,000 per guest for a fixed 6-day group. 8-day, 10-day, private full-charter and full-season bookings on request.

Question 10

How does the fixed-group format work?

Accepted Answer

Each expedition is a fixed small group of six guests. No divers are swapped in or out mid-trip. We keep two reset days between every group.

Question 11

Why do more days improve my odds?

Accepted Answer

The run is unpredictable; weather can cost a launch day. More days means more chances at the headline baitball days. Six days is the floor; 8–10 days gives weather margin.

Question 12

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

Six to twelve months in advance. Peak-window departures sell first.

Question 13

What is the deposit and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Deposit secures via EFT, balance due 60 days before arrival. Deposits non-refundable. Weather-lost days non-refundable; alternative activities provided. Travel insurance strongly recommended.

Question 14

How do I get to Port St Johns?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Mthatha Airport (UTT). Transfer is 1.5 to 2 hours by road, included in the expedition rate.

Question 15

What's included in the price?

Accepted Answer

All-inclusive: daily diving, aerial microlight spotting, lodge, meals, transfers, marine guide, DAN Africa insurance, tanks, weights, briefings, surface support.

Question 16

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring own mask, fins, wetsuit, dive computer. BCD/reg/cylinders rentable at R500/day. Plus warm layers, windbreaker, dry bag, camera.

Question 17

Do you accommodate photographers and film crews?

Accepted Answer

Yes — dedicated charging stations, rinse tanks, drying space, photographer-focused boat positioning, and private full-charter bookings for film crews.

Practical questions, honest answers.

The Sardine Run

Diving & Experience Level

Pricing & Booking

Logistics