8 days/ 7 nights
max 8 people
exclusive air support
5 water days
private divemaster
Only locally based operator
accommodation
snacks & drinks on boat
from 3,490€
full board
pick up & transfers
What the Sardine Run means to us
The Sardine Run or "Sardine Migration" is certainly on
the bucket list of many nature lovers!
Diver and non diver.
For us, the Sardine Run is, without a doubt, the most impressive marine event you’ll see in a lifetime. We have been a part of since 2007. It’s unpredictable, which makes it even more exciting. We return every year because we know that if we miss it, we might miss once-in-a-lifetime moments.
And the best part? Anyone can join this spectacle! You don’t need to be a diver. Much of the action takes place at the surface, so swimming is enough. Or, if you prefer, you can stay on the boat, which is also a prime spot to see the action.
Each day is different. Some days, from the moment we head out, the sea is full of birds, dolphins, whales, and the hours fly by. Other days, we might wait for hours without anything in sight, and that is part of the process. And sometimes, suddenly, when we least expect it, the action catches you off guard, and it explodes, offering us the best moment of our lives.
We're not an agency, we're the personal guides that take immense pride in offering this Experience in the way that we do.
Your guide will be Robert Marin. Robert’s passion for the Sardine Run is hands down unmatched, each year, his ever-growing excitement becomes contagious, drawing everyone into the heart of this incredible ocean phenomenon.
As a multi-language guide locally based during the season, he brings a unique warmth and perspective that make every encounter unforgettable. Guaranteed.
"We are usually the last boat out at sea at the end of each day, giving our guests a full day on the water, fully embracing what nature has to offer."
The Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is one of the ocean’s most remarkable seasonal events, known as the largest documented biomass migration on the planet, unfolding each winter along South Africa’s Wild Coast and into southern KwaZulu-Natal. Rather than a single, predictable “run,” it’s a shifting, living phenomenon, part migration, part feeding event, and part mystery, led by enormous shoals of sardines moving through the region’s cool, nutrient-rich waters.
During this period, millions upon millions of sardines (Sardinops sagax) leave the Agulhas Bank during the winter months in South Africa, and travel northward, drawn by a combination of ocean temperature, currents, and instinct that scientists are still working to fully understand. Their movement forms long, shimmering ribbons of fish stretching for kilometres, creating a unique chain reaction in the marine world.
As these shoals travel up the coast, they ignite an extraordinary gathering of predators. Dolphins work together to corral the sardines into tight bait balls; sharks move in to take advantage of the chaos; gannets plunge from the sky with incredible speed; and whales often join the spectacle, sweeping through with astonishing precision.
On the right day, the surface, mid-water, and deep blue can all be alive with action. What sets the Sardine Run apart is the intensity and unpredictability. No two days are the same, and nature decides the script, which is exactly what makes it so thrilling. For anyone passionate about marine life, being in the water during the Sardine Run feels less like observing nature and more like stepping directly into it.
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Our recommended standard Itinerary
Our standard Sardine Run itinerary includes a minimum of five water days, which we strongly recommend to give you the best possible chance of witnessing the action at its peak. This amount of time allows us to adapt to changing ocean conditions, follow the movement of the bait balls, and make the most of every opportunity on the water. Anything shorter simply doesn’t offer a realistic or reliable Sardine Run experience, as the run is incredibly dynamic and can shift from day to day.
If your schedule and budget allow, we always encourage guests to add additional days—every extra day increases your chances of encountering something unforgettable. That said, we understand that everyone’s availability is different, and we’re happy to personalise the itinerary to suit your needs. Just let us know what works for you, and we’ll gladly adjust where possible.
Here we present the Isadini Experience - Isadini means "Sardine" in Zulu.
Day 1
Arrival in South Africa
This experience begins the moment you land at Umtata Airport in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. We will be waiting to welcome you, and once you’ve cleared the airport formalities, we’ll set off on a 1.5-hour drive to Port St Johns, the gateway to the Wild Coast.
On arrival, we’ll head straight to the dive center to get everything in place for the days ahead. We’ll complete a quick check-in, sort out the paperwork, and prepare the gear for the boat.
This is also the chance to meet the crew: the dive staff, the skipper, and even Brad, the aircraft pilot who keeps an eye on the action from above. The excitement usually starts building right here.
From there, we’ll go to the lodge, set along the mighty Umzimvubu River. After settling in, dinner will be served at the restaurant of the lodge, where we can relax, swap stories, and meet the other adventurers joining the “Run.” They may already have updates from the day’s activity, adding to the anticipation of what’s to come.
Let's get a good night’s rest as tomorrow starts early, and the real experience begins.
Day 2 to day 6
The Sardine Run
Every day kicks off with an early breakfast at the lodge restaurant, and then it’s time to suit up. Wetsuits on, soft gear in hand, we make our way to the lodge’s jetty where the boat is waiting at 06:30. Life vest and wind jacket on, we hold tight as we launch through the African surf. The adrenaline hits immediately, and the adventure begins.
Over the next five days at sea, we’ll spend 6 to 8 hours chasing the action, riding the waves, and watching the ocean come alive. On board, lunch, snacks, and drinks keep us fueled, but our eyes won’t leave the water: swirling bait balls of sardines, acrobatic dolphins, diving seabirds, cruising whales, and hunting sharks create a spectacle we’ll never forget.
Usually we return to the lodge by 15 pm, just in time for a hot shower, to download and relive your footage, unwind with a massage, or swap stories with fellow adventurers. Dinner comes later, and some nights the crew joins for a drink and a relaxed chat about the day’s highlights. Then it’s time to rest, recharge, and get ready to do it all again, as every day is a new adventure.
Day 7
Port St Johns
Breakfast at the lodge as usual, but today the pace slows a little and there is no scheduled Sardine Run activity. It’s a day to relax and recharge, or to explore the wonders that Port St Johns has to offer. We could take a trip to the Bluff Waterfall, venture out on an excursion to Umgazana and Brazen Head, or even take to the skies with Brad for a bird’s-eye view of the Sardine Run, seeing the swirling migration from above is a truly unforgettable experience.
Lunch is not included, but we will guide to one of the town’s local restaurants for a taste of authentic flavors. For those whose hearts are still set on the sea, an extra day on the boat can be arranged depending on availability, or if a scheduled day at sea was missed earlier in the trip, this is the perfect opportunity to make it up.
The day winds down with dinner at the lodge, a time to share stories and highlights.
Day 8
Departure
Today is the last day of our trip. After breakfast, you’ll have some time to pack up before we drive you to Mthatha Airport for your trip home.
Additionally, if you prefer to fly from Durban, we can organize a transfer for you at an extra cost. It’s a longer drive (approximately five hours) but we’re happy to arrange it if that suits your travel plans.
And if you’d like to continue the adventure with a shark-diving extension, your journey doesn’t end here and we continue our experience.
INCLUDES:
EXCLUDES:
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Airport assistance upon arrival
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Return transfers from Mthatha airport to Port St Johns
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7 nights of accommodation (double or twin room), at Port St Johns River Lodge
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5 full water days of Sardine Run (with an optional extra day)
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Scuba diving cylinders and weights for certified divers
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Lunch, drinks and snacks on the boat
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Diving fees and permits for the Wild Coast
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Private divemaster specialized in the Sardine Run since 2007, Robert Marin
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Qualified boat skipper specialized in the Sardine Run
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Exclusive constant aerial support of the migration
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All breakfasts and dinners at the accommodation's restaurant
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Local multi–language guide
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Private vehicle available to explore the area during free time
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Afternoon excursions to several emblematic sites in Port St. Johns
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Edited video of the trip
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
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International and domestic flights
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Diving & snorkeling gear (€5 per item per day)
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Meals not specified in the previous section
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Optional activities during the trip
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Travel and diving insurance (recommended)
from
3.490€
This is high–touch, low-volume travel. That’s why our prices reflect quality, not quantity.
• 50% deposit required to confirm the booking of the Experience, and remaining 50% to be paid 60 days prior to arrival • All payments done by providing bank card details will carry an extra 5% (bank fees) • All payments done through PayPal will carry an extra 5% • All payments done by bank transfers to be done using “banking our instructions” (client pays all bank transfer charges) • By paying the deposit you are deemed to have accepted our terms & conditions • Cancellations before 60 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of total booking amount (during local public holidays will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of total booking amount) • Cancellations after 60 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of total booking amount • Dive trips being cancelled due to bad weather not refundable • If as a result of a major force, such as a pandemic or political instability, the trip cannot be made on the scheduled dates, the amount paid is not refundable and the trip will be rescheduled for other dates in accordance with the availability of the client and Mozambique Experience •
Add Shark Diving to your Experience!
We highly recommend adding a shark-diving extension to your Sardine Run adventure. Since you’ll already be in the area, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience another incredible side of South Africa’s marine life, without extra long travel times.
This period also coincides with the mating season of the ragged-tooth shark, locally known as "Raggies", (known elsewhere as the sand tiger shark or grey nurse shark), making encounters especially exciting and reliable.
Our suggested extension is 3 to 4 days, giving you enough time to settle in, enjoy several dives, and fully appreciate these fascinating sharks in their natural environment.
As always, if you have limited time or specific plans, we’re happy to customise the number of days to suit your schedule