Upcoming Trip ποΈ
Itinerary and details
π Port St. John's, South Africa
South Africa Sardine Run
The Greatest Shoal on Earth πΏπ¦π€Ώ
via Port St. Johnβs/Durban Airport
July 6 β July 12, 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:
βοΈDurban (DUR airport) β π€ΏAliwal Shoal (Umkomaas) β π€ΏPort St. Johnβs β βοΈDurban (DUR)
Itinerary:
Day 1 (July 6) β Arrive at King Shaka airport (DUR) and private transfer to Blue Ocean Dive Resort
When you arrive at Durban International Airport [KSIA / DUR] [or other pick-up points as required], we will meet you and transfer you to Blue Ocean Dive Resort which is situated in the diving village of Umkomaas about 80km south of Durban International Airport and about 50km south of Durban.
When you arrive at Blue Ocean Dive Resort you will be checked into your room, then you can spend the day relaxing on the beach or around the pool and get to meet the team. In the late afternoon we will give you a briefing about the shark diving at the Aliwal Shoal. In the evening enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant.
Day 2 (July 7) β Shark & reef dives (x2) at Aliwal Shoal
The diving today will give you a chance to check your gear and get your weighting comfortable. Our shark dives during the Sardine Run take place on the reefs of the Aliwal Shoal in South Africa. During this time period, the reefs are home to hundreds of Ragged Tooth Sharks as well as a number of other shark species including Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Sharks, Copper Sharks [Bronze Whalers] and on occasion Tiger Sharks & Bull Sharks.
Day 3 (July 8) β Transfer to Port St. Johnβs / Spotted Grunter Resort
After a leisurely breakfast and packing up your belongings and dive gear, (check that you have everything you need) you will then be transferred to Port St Johns [about a 4-hour drive].
Once there we check in to our accommodation, situated on the bank of the Umzimvubu River in Port St. Johns. The resort overlooks the river and has en-suite facilities. The restaurant and bar is awesome. You enjoy your meals there, have some drinks & chat to the dive team about diving the Sardine Run.
Days 4-6 (July 9-11) β Sardine Run Ocean Safari Day
Each morning we receive updates about the Sardine Run movements. We launch the boats around 7am and spend the day out at sea diving the Sardine Run. Get up close & personal with many species of marine animal including birds, dolphin, game fish, whales & sharks and millions of sardines.
The Sardine Run offers activity from the boat as well as in the water. We enter the water as many times as possible during the day, sometimes just on snorkel and other times on scuba, depending on how fast the action is moving and how comfortable the animals are as sometimes the bubbles from scuba diving chases the action away.
The Sardine Run is amazing, you are often surrounded by hundreds of dolphins, sharks, diving birds, whales, game fish, seals and millions of sardines. During the Sardine Run, the annual Humpback Whale migration passes Port St Johns, offering some amazing up-close sightings of the Humpback Whales in the water, close to the boats and when the whales are breaching!
In the late afternoon we return to shore where you can enjoy a local excursion or relax at the bar. There are fantastic views and walks. In the evening enjoy your meal at the restaurant.
Day 7 (July 12) β Transfer from PSJ to King Shaka Airport (DUR)
After breakfast you depart Spotted Grunter Resort at 8am and transfer to Durban International Airport or optional add on.
You will arrive at Durban Airport at about 14:00 [2PM]
Domestic flights need to depart after 15:00 [3PM] & International Flights need to depart after 16:00 [4PM]
If you cannot get suitable flights, we can arrange overnight accommodation and airport transfers the following day.
Options to extend your trip:
9-day Sardine Run
Get 2 more days to test your luck out on the open ocean and see what Mother Nature throws your way with two extra days of ocean safari.
Dive & Drive
Arrive 3-4 days early or stay 3-4 days extra to do a safari with multiple game drives across Isimangaliso Park Safari, Umfolozi, Cape Vidal for your best shot at spotting βThe Big 5β (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino!)
Lesotho Trekking
Arrive a few days early or stay a few days later to explore the small, yet mighty, mountainous country of Lesotho, which is fully surrounded by South Africa and only a few hours away from Durban airport!
Mozambique Diving
Stay in southern Africa longer (roughly a week is recommended) and join Caitlyn for more diving in the paradise of warm waters and tropical fish in Ponta do Ouro and/or Tofo Beach, Mozambique just across the border of South Africa
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:
2 nights shared accommodation at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
4 nights shared accommodation at Spotted Grunter Resort
All breakfasts and dinners included
Boat lunches on sardine run days
3 sardine run ocean safari days
Weights and Cylinder (12/15L)
If you are a certified diver who does not own your own gear, high quality scuba gear per piece or full set available for rental at extra cost
If you are a snorkeler, you will be able to rent the 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!
Free nitrox for all dives (if certified)
Transfer to/from King Shaka Durban Airport (DUR)
Transfer from Blue Ocean Dive Resort to Spotted Grunter Dive Resort in Port St. Johnβs
Price: $2750
π¨β°Secure your place on this trip today!
30% deposit due upfront to confirm your spot.
Final payment due 6 weeks days prior to arrival.
**Payment plan options available to space out the payment if needed, 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
Cancellation 0 - 14 days before date of arrival, or no-show β forfeit 100% of deposit paid
Cancellation 15 - 28 days before date of arrival β forfeit 75% of deposit paid or 25% of full quote value (whichever greater)
Cancellation 29+ days before date of arrival β visitor forfeits 50% of deposit paid or 25% of full quote value (whichever greater)
Hope to be diving the sardine run with you !! - Caitlyn :)