Travel Blog Sardine Run South Africa 

Sardine Run South Africa – A Bucket List MUST!

Who hasn't heard of the Sardine Run in South Africa, the largest marine migration in the world? In June 2024, we embarked on an unforgettable journey with Qatar Airways to Durban, followed by a scenic drive to Umkomaas and then on to Port St. Johns for the Sardine Run along South Africa's Wild Coast.

Our first night was spent at African Watersports in Umkomaas. Last year, I (Nina) had the incredible opportunity to dive with the legendary "shark whisperer" Walter Bernardis. I was so thrilled with the experience that it was a no-brainer to choose African Watersports for our group's Sardine Run adventure.

And what can I say? It was absolutely top-notch! I highly recommend any adrenaline junkie to pack their bags and head to South Africa.

The ocean is alive!
Thousands of dolphins, humpback whales, and millions of sardines make their way along the Wild Coast.

2025 Dates
19th June to 25th June 2025
Click here for all the details about our 2025 group trip

I won't go into detail about each day in my report, that would go beyond the scope and besides, so much happened that I don't even remember exactly on which day we had which encounters.

Some important information:
Guide: Jason Frewin 
Skipper: Digger Brown 
Tour Operator: African Watersports

First of all, we would like to thank African Watersport, Jason and Digger and Walter Bernardis very much for this incredible experience. It was a first class week and we had a lot of fun with you. You are true experts and have an extremely broad knowledge. Thank you very much!

Early in the morning, at 6:30 it was time for breakfast and at 7:00 we all met at the river, already dressed in wetsuits, and after a detailed briefing by Walter Bernardis we were off.

How does the trip work? The Umzimvubu River, where we started, flows directly into the Indian Ocean. The transition from the river to the sea can be quite rough. During our stay we had from little waves to huge waves on our trips. Already in the moment when you drive through the surf into the open sea, the adrenaline level rises. It can start, from the beginning it means "Action".

The first day was incredible, as soon as we overcame the surf, the sea was already boiling. An incredible spectacle took place before our eyes. Thousands of birds plunged into the water to the sardines, dolphins also shot to the surface, made an aesthetic jump and immediately pulled back into the depths of the ocean to indulge in a bite. It didn't take long and the first humpback whale crossed our path. The elegant giants are simply breathtaking. With a decent speed they jump out of the water and land back on the water with their several tons of body weight. WOW!!!!

And so it simply went on the rest of the stay... Schools of dolphins, like I've never seen before, there were thousands, I'm not exaggerating. When snorkeling, we didn't even know where to look. It was all there. Hunting dolphins, large schools of sardines, birds underwater with and without sardines in their beaks, sharks, such as blacktip reef sharks and bronze whalers.

During the trips, small planes are also flying over the sea. So-called "spotters". They announce by radio when they discover something at sea. Then it's full throttle and off to the place where it's bubbling.

Often it is the case that all Zodiacs follow the plane from the beginning. We did it differently. Digger our skipper and Jason our guide have not only once taken the other way, away from the "crowd", although we are far away from mass tourism anyway. And that was a good thing! Thus we were very often lucky to spend time alone with the dolphins, baits and whales.

At the Sardine Run it is like this: The Zodiac, which discovers the Bait Ball first, has all rights. This means that the people on this Zodiac are allowed into the water, be it for snorkeling or diving. All other Zodiacs that come after and their guests must stay on the surface. From the surface the impression is also grandiose, but to be in the water at the hustle and bustle is then nevertheless also very, very special and impressive.

Every day you spend 5 to 8 hours at sea. Around 2 pm we always docked at the shore of the hotel and had the whole afternoon to ourselves. Port St. Johns is a small town in Pondo Land with a few excursion possibilities. We were at the lighthouse and enjoyed a wonderful view there. Afterwards we went to a bar and then we visited the Second Beach. Second Beach is a famous beach in South Africa. Due to the bull sharks, which like to linger in the surf, it is one of the most dangerous beaches in the world. We didn't go swimming, but the scenery was just a dream.

During the stay there is also the possibility to fly as a co-pilot in the small plane. The flight starts on a mountain, from which the view is incredible.

I would also like to give you a brief information about our accommodation. We stayed at the Ntaba River Lodge. A four star lodge directly on the river, with a very beautiful garden, very service-oriented staff and nice rooms with terrace. In the morning and evening there was always a delicious and varied buffet. Also, lunch packages were prepared for our Zodiac trips every day and given to us on the sea.

Maybe a few final words about the outside and water temperature. Winter begins in South Africa in June, which means that in the morning and evening the temperatures can be a bit cooler. In the morning at six o'clock we had 11 degrees for example. The water temperature is around 20 degrees. A 5mm to 7mm wetsuit is definitely recommended and also a windproof jacket for the Zodiac. Due to the action at sea and the adrenaline rushing through your body, you often have little time to think about the cold. With the right equipment you won't freeze during the Sardine Run and if you do, it's best to keep in mind that you burn a lot of calories and can eat more from the delicious buffet in the evening.