Sardine Run – July 2020

Sardine Run South Africa

6th to 13th July 2020

What could be better than a moving, living, swimming mass of wildlife? Probably not much. Join us in July 2020 to experience the amazing faunal event of the year, the Sardine Run! This happens every year as millions of sardines and other bait fish prepare for their northward migration, which attracts predators from near and far. You can be on the boat or in the water, to see whales, sharks, dolphins, birds, and many other creatures that decide to come along for the feast!

Check out some of the stuff you could see on the trip! 

The Sardine Run in South Africa is one of the world’s top wildlife spectacles, and each year during May, June and July vast shoals of sardines leave their normal cold-water home in South Africa’s temperate seas and travel northwards into the sub-tropical seas of South Africa’s Wild Coast.  Following the shoal is a caravan of predators, seabirds, sharks game fish and marine animals with little else but sardines on their mind.

Thousands of common dolphins charge after the shoals, separating them into densely packed bait balls.  Easy picking not only for them, but also for schools of hundreds of bronze whaler, dusky and black tip sharks which attack the bait ball from below.  The aerial assault on the sardine begins when thousands of cape gannet begin their spectacular plunge diving display.

Join Walter Bernardis, shark expert who will be one of  your skippers and one of  your dive-guides on this wildlife spectacle. This is marine wildlife watching at its most spectacular, a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of something that many of the world’s top wildlife photographer and filmmakers consider the most intense and spectacular marine wildlife event in the world.With 20 years’ experience, Walter Bernardis will be available with expert advise on your Sardine Run 2019, don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime.

African Watersports

Experience the faunal event of the year as millions of sardines prepare for their northward migration, setting the place for a predatory feast.

Immerse yourself in the Sardine Run either beneath the waves or above, either way their is plenty to see as whales, sharks, dolphins, birds and many other amazing creatures partake.

Observe the a full spectrum of ocean life from the comfort and safety of the African Watersports Boats.

Please note that the price remains the same whether you are diving or not as a seat on the boat is occupied regardless.

Planned Group Itinerary

Day 1:

On arrival to Durban, you will be met by our local operator and transferred down to Mbotyi River Lodge which is an approx. 4 hour drive.It is best to arrive before midday as we do not like to drive on the roads in the dark. You will settle in and prepare your gear for the next day’s action. After dinner you will discuss the next day’s plan with your skipper and Micro Light Plot usually they will have a good idea of where and what the action has been and will make a few recommendations to choose from.

Day 2 – 6:

Commence on our  5 days  adventure in search of Sardines.  The aim is to locate shoals of sardines to view the feeding activity of dolphins, seals sharks and migrating humpback whales. The launch is approx. 06h30 to 07h30 (depending on the light and breakfast).   You will return every afternoon to your accommodation for a hot shower dinner and to share some photos and storytelling of the day’s action.

Day 7:

Transfer back to Durban International airport after breakfast or to Seascapes if you are extending your trip to do the shark diving there.

Prices

Seascapes (Bed and Breakfast) – £2205.60 per person
Single Supplement –  £2225

What’s Included

Included

• Full day on boat
  
• Accommodation (sharing)
• Breakfast, a light lunch, and dinner day 2 to 6, Day 1 and day 7 dependant on arrival and departure.
• Air fills, cylinder and weight belt (if diving)

Extra costs

• Flights
• Transfers
• Equipment hire
• On board merchandise
• Alcoholic drinks
• Crew and dive guide gratuities