Upcoming Trip ποΈ
Itinerary and details
π Chintsa, South Africa
South Africa Sardine Run
The Greatest Shoal on Earth πΏπ¦π€Ώ
via Chintsa/East London Airport
June 28 β July 5, 2025

Trip Overview:
The annual migration of sardines up the eastern coast of South Africa is an event no one wants to miss. From May through July, shoals of sardines follow cold, nutrient-rich currents that sweep in-shore up the east coast due to changes In weather patterns. Along with these sardines comes a vast array of hungry marine predators such as Cape gannets, superpods of common dolphins, brydes whales, and several shark species (dusky sharks, copper sharks, black tip sharks, ragged tooth sharks, bull sharks, and more).
Aside from the incredible shoals of sardines, there is also the annual migration of humpback whales traveling north where they will mate or give birth. They can be seen daily in small family groups.
The sardine run is unpredictable - making it the most exciting way to spend a day at sea. You just never know what you will witness next.
BBC recognises this event as βthe greatest shoal on Earthβ, and we couldnβt agree more. Whether you are a certified or non-certified diver, this experience is for you. All ocean lovers and conservationists will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular marine event.

Route: βοΈEast London airport β π€ΏChintsa β βοΈEast London airport


Itinerary:
Day 1 (June 28) β Arrive at King Phalo East London Airport (ELS) and private transfer to Crawfordβs Beach Lodge
Day 2 (June 29) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Day 3 (June 30) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Day 4 (July 1) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Day 5 (July 2) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Day 6 (July 3) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Day 7 (July 4) β free day/reserve day, in case previous day gets cancelled by weather β can do local excursions
Day 8 (July 5) β Transfer from King Phalo East London Airport (ELS)
Options to extend your trip:
Dive & Drive
Arrive a day or two early or stay a day or two extra to do a safari at a nearby game reserve where you can try your best to spot βThe Big 5β (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino!)
Work remotely from Crawfordβs
With fast wifi and quiet places for coworking, extend your trip and work from the beaches of South Africa for a few extra nights at a discounted rate Caitlyn has secured for this group!
City Sightseeing
If you fly in via Johannesburg or Cape Town and want to do some sightseeing in either city, Caitlyn is happy to help you plan a trip extension!
Whatβs included in this 1-week expedition:
7 nights luxury accommodation at Crawfordβs Beach Lodge
5 sea days (weather permitting)
One reserve sea day (in the case of bad weather)
Top of the line boats: 8m Ferel RIB boat equipped with 2 x 100 Suzuiki 4 stroke engines and licensed to 15NM offshore β they have the range, power and space to deliver an uncompromising sardine run experience
Experienced captain/skipper who is a Level 3 first aid provider
All SCUBA or snorkel gear (including wetsuits)
If you are a qualified SCUBA diver, you will be given a full kit (unless you prefer to bring your own) each day. This also includes all cylinder fills. Sizes will be acquired upon booking. Gear is regularly serviced and disinfected at the end of each day.
If you are a snorkeler, you will be equipped with necessary wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and everything you need for a great day watching all the action from in the water at the surface - which is where most of the sardine run action takes place anyway!
All meals - buffet catering with packed lunches for days at sea
Transport to/from King Phalo East London Airport (ELS)
BONUS: free bottle of wine and massage at Crawfordβs spa
Excludes:
International/domestic flights
Alcoholic drinks (range from $2-10 usually)
Crew/staff gratuities
Travel insurance and DAN dive insurance (ask Caitlyn about this if youβre unfamiliar with DAN insurance!)
Where weβre staying:
Crawfordβs Beach Lodge β where you walk from your room to the ocean in less than 5 minutes!
Wake up to spectacular sea views and magnificent surroundings, only footsteps from the beach. Crawfordβs has multiple swimming pools, bars, and activities to keep you busy when not at sea.
Relax in style - each room has an ensuite bathroom, Wi-Fi, DSTV, coffee & tea making facilities, and air conditioning or fans. Upgrade to the seaview option to keep an eye on those baitballs right from your balcony. Perfect for drone fanatics
Enjoy irresistible gourmet buffet-style meals! Lunches will be packed for days at sea. *Beverages are not included
Caitlyn recently stayed at Crawfordβs during her South Africa trip and this was BY FAR the best hotel and food of her entire 5 week trip!
Who weβre diving/snorkeling with:
Go Dive β an experienced sardine run operator who is providing a private boat and captain for these dates exclusively for our group!
Caitlyn has been working closely with the owner, Elton, to plan every detail of this trip and make it a special experience for our group at this hidden gem sardine run site πβ¨
From Elton at Go Dive: βChintsa is a hidden gem for the Sardine Run. I have done 5 Sardine Runs to Port St. Johnβs and as soon as I discovered Chintsa I decided that this would be our new home base.β
More about Why Cintsa VS Port St. Johnβs:
βThe best way to explain this is by describing the sardines' migration patterns. The sardines follow a cold current that sweeps up the coast, funneling shoals inland. Cintsa is located near the start of this funnel, meaning the shoals pass through here first on their way to the spawning regions in KwaZulu-Natal. As a result, the shoals are often at their largest in Cintsa, before many predators have had their fill.β
βCintsa is renowned for its scenic beauty and pristine beaches. Due to limited accommodation in the area, Cintsa can't support as many boats and guests as other Sardine Run hotspots, which means youβll enjoy a more personalized experience. Typically, during the Sardine Run, if one boat drops in on a baitball, other boats must wait in a queue, often without time limits for guests. This can result in long waits and even the possibility of missing the action. At Cintsa, you wonβt need to worry about queuing, which significantly improves your chances of seeing baitballs.β

Price: $2750
π¨β°Secure your place on this trip today β spots on the boat are strictly limited to 8 people!!
Non-refundable 50% deposit due upfront to secure your spot.
Final payment due 30 days prior to arrival.
**Payment plan options available to space out the payments, and options may be available to reduce the overall cost of the trip by removing activities or shortening your trip if needed.
Fill out this interest form to secure your spot, and Caitlyn can help tailor the trip customized to your needs!
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds on deposits or final payments. The reason for this drastic cancellation policy is due to limited space on the boat. Space is reserved on a firstcome, first-serve basis, therefore we have turned away potential guests to secure your space. Payments can be held transferrable to another expedition OR the next calendar year, provided there is space available at the time of transfer. All payments can be transferred for the following yearβs Sardine Run, should you not be able to join us due to unforeseen circumstances. However, there may be additional charges if the price of Sardine Run were to increase the following year.
Hope to be diving the sardine run with you !! - Caitlyn :)