Sardine Run 2025

Port St Johns, South Africa ~ Sardine Run!

It was awesome. Truly amazing experience which makes my top ten ever in travel.

On my last day we had a static bait ball with action for 20-30 minutes. So many dive bombing birds - my favorite. The only sad part is that my gopro got water logged right before this bait ball so I wasn't able to capture any of it and no others had cameras.

thanks!
Phil

~Please note, this is an Ocean Safari, not a dive trip per say. Most of the action happens quickly, you must be ready to jump in on snorkel asap before the bait ball’s dissipate! Scuba happens when the Bait Balls are in tact, large and there is time to get back on the boat and don tanks!~

WE are the only operator that is able to offer a “home base knowledge” package for the Sardine Run as we are based in Port St John’s all year round and are ideally located to offer you a superb, fun filled trip, coupled with highly experienced sardine run specialist teams of skippers and dive guides.

We offer a boat based adventure for everyone, whether a diver or non diver. All nature lovers, bird watchers, photography enthusiasts, dolphin and whale enthusiasts, snorkellers and scuba divers will thoroughly enjoy this incredible event of nature, which has been likened to the land based “Wildebeest migration of the Serengeti” and the marine equivalent of this has since been called “The Greatest shoal on earth”.

Please take a look at our sardine run trip info and join us for an experience of a lifetime in the most beautiful and scenic place of Port St John’s, Wild Coast, Transkei, the gateway to the sardine run.

Sardine Run Trip Information [pdf]

SARDINE RUN 2025 DATES

* Official start of season is June 8-July 30 2025. *** However last year Sardines and action started very early June! Book NOW!!

SARDINE RUN 2025 PACKAGES, 3 Star Option:

2025 Rates in USD

8nts/ 7 days on the water - $4,410 per person twin sharing,
Single accomm $4,615

7nts/6 days on the water - $3,800 per person twin sharing,
Single accomm $3,980

6nts/5 days on the water - $3,195 per person twin sharing,
Single accomm $3,335

*** Rate subject to change, based on current rate of exchange.

Inclusion:

• ***** night accommodation. Port St John’s River Lodge dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
• ***** ocean days (weather permitting)
• Cylinder / air
• Weights / belt
• Packed boat refreshments
• Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area
• Full and exclusive to Offshore Africa aerial support (spotting) with our aircraft & pilot

Exclusion:

• Drinks / items of a personal nature
• Meals - where specified above
• Transfers - can be arranged at an additional charge.
• Dive gear rental - MUST be pre booked.
• Additional chargeable land- based activities i.e., guided hikes / cultural tours / afternoon flights in the aircraft (time permitting)
• Diver / travel insurance
• Air fares / taxes
• Passports / visas
• Gratuities for staff - at your own discretion

Notes:

• Whilst we offer a shorter stay, clients must remember that we are dealing with Nature and it is winter season, which means that we do encounter cold fronts and some days out on the ocean could be shorter than others due to adverse weather/ocean conditions. We cannot offer any guarantee of any kind. We also offer a variety of additional sardine run time frames, which are available upon request.
  
  Transfers can be arranged from King Shaka international airport (Durban). 6- hour drive to Port St Johns by road.
  
  
• We highly recommend flying into Mthatha airport ex Johannesburg airport due to shorter drive travel time (1.5 hours) to Port St Johns. Domestic airline is SA Airlink (airline code UTT)
• Dive gear rental MUST be pre-booked as we carry limited stock
• Divers MUST produce their dive cards or log book prior to the 1st day of ocean launching
• Once a booking is confirmed, we will issue a booking invoice asking for a 30% non-refundable deposit. The booking is NOT secured until the deposit payment (in full) has been received
• We will not issue a refund due to weather/sea-sickness/days not done/a client making a decision to have a day off during their trip
• Port St Johns River Lodge offer double, twin bed, single & 3-4 people sharing options

Trip Report: Sardine Run SOUTH AFRICA ~ June 21-30 2007

Please note:

We are happy to organize any tailor made package for you, whether you are simply unable to fit into our set package trip dates or if you wish to extend your sardine run experience with a longer stay.

We are also in a position to offer you a daily boat rate in the event that you are seeking more flexibility, or if you would prefer to organize your own accommodation. Kindly contact us for further information.