The Sardine Run: A Natural Spectacle Like No Other

What is the Sardine Run?

The Sardine Run is one of the most extraordinary marine migrations on the planet, often compared to the Great Wildebeest Migration in Africa. Taking place along the South African coast, this annual phenomenon sees millions of sardines (Sardinops sagax) travel from the Agulhas Bank in the Cape to KwaZulu-Natal to spawn before returning.

Occurring between June and August, this event is driven by environmental factors that are not yet fully understood. However, it is clear that the movement follows cold currents and winter storms, creating a feeding frenzy for predators along the way.

The Incredible Marine Life of the Sardine Run

Sardines thrive in water temperatures between 14°C and 20°C, and their migration attracts an astonishing array of marine life. Thousands of sharks, dolphins, oceanic birds, and pelagic species join the chase, making this a spectacle of nature's raw power and survival tactics.

The Role of Dolphins

Common dolphins form super-pods ranging from 100 to 30,000 members, using sonar, bubble jets, and teamwork to herd sardines into tight bait balls. These bait balls provide an easy feast for predators, while also offering a rare opportunity for humans to witness their remarkable intelligence and hunting strategies. Fascinatingly, dolphins time the birth of their young just before the Sardine Run, ensuring a plentiful food supply for their offspring.

Shark Encounters

Sharks also take full advantage of this seasonal feast. While occasional sightings of great white, tiger, and bull sharks occur, the most common participants are the copper shark (Carcharhinus brachyurus) and dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus). At times, thousands of sharks gather, working alongside dolphins to trap and devour the sardines in a coordinated feeding frenzy.

Bird and Whale Participation

Cape gannets dominate the skies, diving from heights of 30-40 meters and plunging as deep as 8-10 meters underwater to snatch sardines. These expert divers create a spectacular aerial display as they compete for food.

Meanwhile, Bryde’s whales often charge through the bait balls, engulfing large quantities of sardines in one swift movement. Other whale species, including southern right and fin whales, also join the action, making this migration an unparalleled marine event.

A Day at the Sardine Run

Each morning, divers and snorkelers gather early for breakfast before heading to the Umzimvubu River jetty, where equipment and boats are prepped. The adventure begins with an exhilarating launch through the waves before searching for activity offshore.

With assistance from a gyrocopter pilot, who serves as our "eye in the sky," sightings are quickly relayed to the boat. Depending on the speed and nature of the action, participants may snorkel or dive. Daily trips last between 6 and 8 hours, making this an intense yet rewarding experience. Due to the physical demands of the trip, a moderate level of fitness is recommended.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Winter provides the best conditions for the Sardine Run, with mostly clear skies, though occasional rain and clouds are expected. Sea conditions vary from calm to rough, and motion sickness medication is advised for those prone to seasickness. Air temperatures range between 14°C and 25°C, while water temperatures remain between 15°C and 22°C. Visibility varies from 2 to 30 meters, and safety remains the highest priority when deciding whether to enter the water.

So..

The Sardine Run is an unmatched marine adventure, offering divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers the chance to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Whether you’re watching from the boat or diving into the action, this event showcases the ocean’s incredible biodiversity and the breathtaking harmony of predator and prey.