Certification and experience
For scuba, you need to be a certified open-water diver, and we recommend Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience because conditions can include current and surge. The run is also superb for freedivers and snorkellers — much of the most dramatic surface action is best on a breath-hold. If you're newly certified, talk to us before booking and we'll tell you honestly whether it's the right trip for you.
Fitness
You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need reasonable fitness and comfort in the water. Expect 6–8 hour boat days, surf launches and beachings, and the physical effort of getting in and out in open water. Build some general fitness and in-water comfort in the months before your trip.
Seasickness
Wild Coast seas can be choppy, and long days on a RIB are no place to discover you get seasick. If you're prone to it, see a pharmacist or doctor about motion-sickness medication before you travel, and start it before symptoms hit, not after. It can make or break your trip.
Wetsuit and exposure protection
Water runs roughly 14–22°C during the season. We recommend a 5mm wetsuit plus a hood as a comfortable minimum; cold-sensitive divers should bring a 7mm. You'll also want a windbreaker and warm layers for long, windy boat days — you'll spend hours on the surface between action.
Gear checklist
Bring your own:
- Mask, fins, snorkel
- Wetsuit (5mm + hood minimum), hood, gloves, booties
- Dive computer
- Camera setup (see our photography guide)
- Reef-safe sun protection, hat, sunglasses with a strap
- Seasickness medication
- Dry bag for the boat
We provide tanks, weights and weight belts. BCD, regulator and cylinders are available for rental (R500/day) if you'd rather travel light, as well as a windbreaker for in-between dives.
Dive accident cover
You must hold your own dive accident cover (DAN Southern Africa or equivalent) valid for your expedition dates. It's quick to arrange and inexpensive relative to the cost of an accident. See our FAQ for details.
Getting there
Fly into Mthatha Airport (UTT), roughly a 1.5–2 hour transfer to Port St Johns — transfers are included in your expedition. Build in a buffer day either side for travel.
Mindset
The run is wild and unpredictable. Some days are quiet; some are the best of your life. Come with patience, stamina and realistic expectations, and the experience tends to exceed them. More days on the water meaningfully improves your odds.
Ready to prepare for the real thing? See the 2026 expeditions →