Sardine Run

Every winter, the Sardine Run transforms South Africa’s coastline into one of the most spectacular marine events on Earth. From June to July, billions of sardines surge north along the Wild Coast in a feeding frenzy that attracts sharks, dolphins, whales, seals, and seabirds in breathtaking numbers. Our Sardine Run Durban 2026 expedition offers divers and ocean lovers the chance to witness this extraordinary migration up close. With our trusted operator’s proven track record for safety and success, you’ll enjoy professional guidance, unforgettable encounters, and front-row access to nature’s greatest underwater show. Advance bookings are essential, as this tour often sells out a year in advance. Hurry up – you might still get a spot on our 2026 tour!

Sardine Run 2026

What Is the Sardine Run?

The Sardine Run is often called “the greatest shoal on Earth.” It happens when cold ocean currents push vast shoals of sardines northward, creating a trail of life that fuels one of the ocean’s most dramatic predator feasts. The spectacle stretches from Port Elizabeth to Port St Johns, where the action peaks as dolphins, sharks, whales, and gannets coordinate in perfect chaos.

When Does the Sardine Run Take Place?

Each year, the Sardine Run begins around June and continues into July, with 2026 expeditions scheduled during the peak migration window. The exact timing shifts slightly with water temperature and weather patterns — adding an element of wild unpredictability that makes this natural event even more thrilling.

What You Can Expect During the Sardine Run 2026

Our Sardine Run 2026 packages combine ocean excitement with expert support. Guests can expect nine days at sea and ten nights of comfortable accommodation, including meals, transfers from Durban, and guidance from experienced dive leaders. Days are spent searching for bait balls, where predators drive sardines into dense, swirling formations. Even on quieter days, encounters with dolphins, humpback whales, and sharks keep the experience unforgettable.

Marine Life You Might See

During the Sardine Run, the waters come alive with movement and energy. Divers often encounter Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Copper Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktips, Ragged-Tooth Sharks, Humpback Whales, Cape Fur Seals, and even the occasional Sailfish. Above the surface, Cape Gannets dive like torpedoes into the silver mass, completing this incredible marine symphony.

Itinerary, Accommodation, Equipment and Boats Summary

Your Daily Sardine Run Expedition Itinerary

Early Start, Endless Adventure

Days begin with breakfast before heading out to sea by 7am. The search for action continues until early afternoon, with warm soup waiting back at the lodge after every dive day.

Evening Relaxation and Storytelling

After returning from the ocean, guests gather around the fire to share stories, review footage, and enjoy dinner under the stars — a perfect way to relive the day’s adventure.

Accommodation and Comfort

Guests stay at a scenic riverside lodge offering cosy rooms, home-style dinners, and beautiful views. The package includes all meals — continental breakfast, packed boat lunches, and hearty dinners — so divers can focus entirely on the adventure.

Equipment and Boats

Our trusted operator provides well-maintained semi-rigid dive boats licensed for offshore use and fully equipped with GPS, safety gear, and experienced skippers. Air tanks, weight belts, and essential dive support are included, with rental gear available on request.

Expedition Dates (9 days/10 nights)

Pricing and Package Options

Your Sardine Run 2026 Finer Details

Accommodation

• The Jetty Lodge

Meals

• Continental breakfast, packed lunch on the boat, hot soup after the trip and dinners.

Equipment

• Portable air compressor, 10-lt dive tanks (DIN/INT), weight belts with 2-7-pound weights, spare: regulators, BCD’s, fins and masks for rent on site.

Boats

• EXPLORER 1 – 9M FEREL SEMI RIGID DIVE BOAT, 2 * 140hp 4-stroke Suzuki motors, GPS, Fish finder, Licensed by SAMSA for up to 40 miles offshore. Carries 12 people.
• EXPLORER 2 – 8.5M SEMI RIGID DIVE BOAT, 2 * 115hp 4-stroke Suzuki motors, GPS, Fish finder, Licensed by SAMSA for up to 40 miles offshore. Carries 12 people.
• IMPI – 8.5M SEMI RIGID DIVE BOAT, 2 * 115hp 4-stroke Mercury motors, GPS, Fish finder, Licensed by SAMSA for up to 40 miles offshore. Carries 12 people.

Excluded

• Airfare
• Dive insurance/travel insurance
• Dive gear (can be rented if needed)
• Alcoholic drinks

Daily Itinerary

• 6am – 6h30am breakfast
• 6h30am transfer to boat
• 7am – 2pm at sea searching for action (on non-sea days there will be land based
  activities planned)
• 3pm to 4pm back at lodge
• 7pm dinner and fire

Booking Your Sardine Run 2026 Adventure

Space is limited for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. A 50% deposit secures your spot, with final payment due two weeks before departure. With limited launch windows and high demand, early booking is highly recommended. Ask about our cancellation policy.

Why Book With Us

Shark Divers partners with a trusted operator known for professionalism, safety, and many years of successful expeditions. With skilled skippers, dive masters, and crew, every guest enjoys the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and care.

Just looking for a day trip to swim with sharks? Check out our Durban cage diving!