The Sardine Run

About the Sardine Run

The sardine run ocean safari along the coastline is an ocean-related experience in a league of its own for the incredible diversity of marine life present in the same place at the same time.

It is simply not possible to say when and what will occur on what day or time frame, and therein lies the magic for those seeking to work closely with Nature. Welcome to The Sardine Run.

General Information

The annual migration of Sardine (Sardinops Sagax) from the Agulhas Bank of the Cape, past the Wild Coast and up to the southern portions of KwaZulu-Natal to spawn and then return, takes place during South Africa’s winter months (May–August) and is a natural phenomenon known as the “Sardine Run”.

The rural coastal town of Port St John’s, situated on the Pondoland Wild Coast, is one of the most popular destinations from which to experience the sardine run. Experiencing the sardine run from the Pondoland coast offers a naturally beautiful stretch of rugged coastline, steeped in cultural traditions allowing the Amapondo people to live by and protect their cultural values.

Driven by forces not yet completely understood, millions upon millions of sardines leave their cool Cape habitat and move east following the cold current, which is in turn driven up from the south by winter storms. The northwards movement of sardines is facilitated by a cold inshore northward-flowing counter current originating on the Agulhas bank. Sardines prefer a water temperature ranging between 14°C–20°C and travel according to temperature changes and thermoclines.

Port St John’s to Mbotyi in the north, with the continental shelf running close to land, is a prominent location as deep water is close to shore, concentrating both the cold current and the sardines, pushing them closer to shore and condensing the shoals, which in turn attracts a huge variety of major predators.

Huge shoals travel up the coastline feeding in nutrient-rich waters with thousands of sharks, dolphins, game fish, and oceanic birds following the sardines, constantly harassing and splintering pockets from the main shoals.

What Could You See?

As a spectator of the sardine run safari, one will often hear the term “Bait ball”. Thousands of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) form super pods of sometimes 100–30,000 strong and set off in search of the sardines. The common dolphin herds sardines using streams of bubbles, sonar, and teamwork into tight pockets known as bait balls.

In turn, many shark species take advantage of this feed, occasionally including the Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), Tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), Zambezi / Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), and most commonly Copper/Bronze whaler sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus) and Dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus).

Most bait balls are generally driven to the surface, allowing oceanic bird species to take advantage of the food source. Species include Albatrosses (Diomedeidae), Terns (Sternidae), Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis), Skuas, and most commonly the Cape Gannet (Morus capensis). The Cape Gannet can plummet 30–40 meters from the air into the frenzy, reaching depths of 8–10 meters.

Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) are also seen taking part in the feed by sounding and rocketing up from the depths with mouth open to engulf as much of a bait ball as possible. Additionally, Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) travel from Antarctic waters northwards to the warmer waters of Mozambique and Tanzania for calving and breeding purposes during the same period.

Minimum Dive Qualifications

Recreational scuba divers are recommended to have a minimum certification level of Advanced Open Water Diver and be able to sustain the level of fitness required on the sardine run. An Open Water Diver qualification linked to sufficient experience in the ocean realm may be accepted. This time of the year is a high-risk and fast-action event, resulting in the trip being rated as strenuous, often in limited visibility. Divers need to demonstrate good buoyancy control in water column depths of 50–100m.

At least 75% of in-water activity is done on snorkel as a lot of action is fast-paced and difficult to keep up with on scuba. Both snorkel and scuba equipment are taken on the boat each day to capitalize on slow- and fast-moving action.

A Typical Day on the Sardine Run Ocean Safari

Daily outings last for approximately 6–8 hours depending on sea conditions and action. Outings depart usually around 07h30 from the Umzimvubu River in Port St John’s. After a surf launch, the crew scouts for action from whales, dolphins, ocean bird life, and sardine activity, often indicated by flocks of Cape Gannets or pods of common dolphins.

Once action has been located, the crew determines whether the action is fast-moving (requiring snorkel-based viewing) or static (allowing scuba equipment).

Boats and Crew

Outings make use of 7.2m & 8m Feral RIBs powered by 2 x 85hp Yamaha outboard motors, with carrying capacity limited to a maximum of 8 people for space and comfort. Vessels carry safety equipment inclusive of oxygen, trauma kits, and communication devices, operated by qualified skippers and dive guides.

What to Bring on the Boat Each Day

• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
• Waterproof jacket
• Small waterproof bag for personal belongings
• Camera / video equipment / binoculars (in a waterproof bag)