Sardine Run Safari

Arrive in the coastal town of Port St. Johns, where your Sardine Run adventure begins. Transfer to a comfortable lodge overlooking the beautiful Wild Coast. After settling in, meet with your guide for a detailed briefing on the coming days, including safety protocols, diving procedures, and what to expect from this unique marine phenomenon. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring fresh seafood, and take in the stunning views of the ocean.Relax by the lodge’s cosy firepit as the sun sets over the ocean, preparing for your first day on the water. Rest up—tomorrow, the underwater excitement starts, and you’ll need your energy.

After an early breakfast, head to the harbour and meet your guide and crew for your first day on the ocean. Board the boat, equipped with everything needed for an exhilarating day. Today’s goal is to explore the waters and become comfortable with ocean conditions while tracking early sardine activity. Watch as dolphins, seals, and birds signal the beginning of the action. Dive in to experience the rich marine life of the area, encountering various fish species and exploring underwater landscapes. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to freshen up and enjoy a hearty dinner, reviewing the day’s sightings with your guide and preparing for more intense action in the coming days.

Today, the adventure escalates. After breakfast, board the boat for a day filled with action. Guided by experts, you’ll track the movement of the sardine shoals, following predators like dolphins, sharks, and Bryde’s whales as they gather to feast. Dive among swirling bait balls, surrounded by the frenzy of gannets diving from above and dolphins driving the sardines into tight formations. Experience the rush of being amid this oceanic spectacle, with each dive offering new surprises. After a full day on the water, return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s thrilling encounters, then unwind under the starry night sky with the sounds of the ocean.

Spend another full day on the water, seeking out the best of the Sardine Run action. Conditions permitting, you might encounter playful dolphins orchestrating the sardines or witness dramatic aerial dives by Cape gannets plunging into the shoals. Dive alongside skilled guides who position you for optimal viewing, giving you a front-row seat to one of the ocean’s most dynamic spectacles. Throughout the day, keep your eyes peeled for Bryde’s whales joining the action. Return to shore in the late afternoon to rest and recharge. Enjoy dinner at the lodge, where you can reflect on the experiences of the day with fellow adventurers.

Maximise your last day on the water with a final opportunity to dive into the heart of the Sardine Run. Capture any missed moments, from acrobatic dolphins to the flash of a shark’s fin in the deep. Your guide will ensure you have the best vantage points to enjoy this final dive. After returning to the lodge in the late afternoon, enjoy a special farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable experiences of the past week. Share stories around the fire and soak in the last evening by the ocean. On the morning of Day 6, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take one last stroll along the beach before transferring to the airport, departing with memories of this incredible marine adventure.

Photo credits – Seas4Life