The Sardine Run

The dive

Why dive The Sardine Run

Dolphins, sharks, gannets and whales converge to tear apart bait balls in open water — nature documentary diving, raw and unscripted.

Marine life

Dive profile

When to go

Best time: Jun – Jul

A few weeks each winter (roughly June–July) when cold currents push billions of sardines up the Wild Coast — entirely weather and luck dependent.

Readiness

Who it suits

Advanced-level site — suits Advanced Open Water divers and up. Typical requirements:

Not sure you're ready? Read our readiness guide or check yourself in the planner.

Logistics

Getting there & staying

Getting there	Domestic flight + remote Wild Coast base. Fly to East London (ELS) or Mthatha; expeditions run from Port St Johns on the Wild Coast.
Where to stay	Expedition package. Expedition package on the Wild Coast — long days at sea chasing the action by RIB.
Operator to look for	Reviewed Sardine Run expeditions with spotter pilots and open-water experience.

Sources

Further reading

• South Africa's sardine run DIVE Magazine
• Sardine run Wikipedia

Links checked 29 September 2026. They cover the site's location, protection status and background. Costs, difficulty and season windows are ScubaRogue's editorial estimates, so confirm them with your operator before you book. How we research