Sardine Run
Port St. Johns, South Africa
Trip Details
When
June 26th - July 2nd
Length
7 Days & 6 Nights
5 days on the water
Price
$4995
$4695 -Early Bird Discount until the end of the year 12/31
Where
Port St. Johns, South Africa
Experience
Confident Swimmer with Basic Snorkeling
Group Size
7 people + 1 trip leader
*No Scuba Diving experience is necessary for wildlife interaction
South Africa • June–July
Every winter, something extraordinary happens along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Billions of sardines surge northward in a shimmering silver wave, attracting an all-star cast of predators that feels straight out of a BBC documentary.
This is the Sardine Run, a natural spectacle unlike anything else on the planet.
Picture this: gannets dive-bombing like missiles, dolphins corralling bait balls with military precision, bronze whaler sharks slicing through the frenzy, and humpback whales crashing into the chaos with gaping jaws. All of it unfolding in front of you, not on a screen, but in real time.
Why Join
This isn’t just a dive trip, it’s an expedition into the heart of raw, untamed ocean life.
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Epic Action: You’re not guaranteed a scripted scene, but when the ocean comes alive, it’s pure adrenaline.
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Front Row Seat: You’ll be right where the action is.
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The Unexpected: No two days are the same. Some bring dolphins racing at your bow, others deliver bait balls and some days you might not see anything but this is how ocean safaris go and why we spend several days on the water.
FLY
OR TAMBO TO MThatha Airport
DRIVE
MThatha Airport to Port St. Johns
How to get to Port St. Johns
Fly into OR tambo int in Johannesburg and the fly to Mthatha airport where you’ll be collected!
Day 1: Arrive at Mthatha Airport (UTT);
transfer to Port St. John’s.
Check into accommodation. Dinner & briefing.
Days 2-6: Full day sardine run using aerial support (spotting)
Day 7: Goodbye breakfast & transfers back to airport
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Surface Temperature: Around 18–24°C (64–75°F). Mornings can be chilly, especially on the boat with wind, so warm layers are essential.
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Water Temperature: Usually 15–20°C (59–68°F). A 5–7mm wetsuit with hood is recommended
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Visibility: Highly variable—anywhere from 5–20 meters (16–65 feet) depending on currents, weather, and where the action is happening. Some days are crystal-clear, others more plankton-rich (which is why the bait fish are there in the first place).
The Sardine Run is unpredictable, some days the ocean is calm and quiet, others explode into frenzied action. That’s part of what makes this expedition so legendary.
Itineray
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6 nights accommodation. Port St John’s River Lodge
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All meals: dinner, breakfast, lunch on boat
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Transportation to and from the airport Mthatha airport
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5 ocean days (weather permitting)
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Weights / belt
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Packed boat refreshments
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Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area.
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In-water guide
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Full and exclusive aerial support (spotting)
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Gift
INCLUDED
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Airfare (Mthatha Airport (UTT)
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Personal drinks / expenses
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Dive gear rental- needs to booked in advance
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Additional chargeable land- based activities
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Diver / travel insurance
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Passports / visas
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Gratuities for staff
NOT INCLUDED
*There is a $1500 non refundable booking deposit and
two payment installations
* Remainder is due 4 months before departure.
*Single supplement and accommodation upgrades are available for an additional fee.
Passport
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Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date from South Africa.
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Must have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
Visa
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Most travelers (including U.S., U.K., EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days if traveling for tourism.
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If you’re from a country not on the visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance at a South African embassy/consulate.
Health Requirements
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Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required only if you’re traveling from (or transiting through) a country with yellow fever risk.
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No routine COVID requirements anymore (but always double-check before travel).
Tip for Guests: Always confirm based on your nationality, as visa rules can change. I recommend travelers check the official South African Department of Home Affairs site or their nearest embassy before booking flights.
ABOUT YOUR TRIP LEADER
Danel Wentzel
As your trip leader, I bring a unique blend of scientific knowledge and a deep-seated love for adventure. I am a hardworking, adaptable, and self-motivated individual who has built this company on a foundation of leadership, communication, and a deep love for the ocean. When I'm not leading expeditions or creating captivating content, you can find me exploring the beautiful kelp forests near my home or conquering the tallest mountains on a trail run.
My goal is to share my passion with you, creating a space where you can experience the same joy and wonder in the ocean as I do.
ACCOMODATION
Port St Johns River Lodge offers double, twin bed, single; 3-4 people sharing options.
If you want a single room that is available for an extra charge.
SARDINE RUN GUIDELINES
Qualifications & Comfort in the Water
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No Advanced or Rescue dive qualification is required.
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What matters most is being completely comfortable in open ocean waters with no reference to the bottom. The sardine run happens off the continental shelf where the ocean is deep.
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In-water users must be at ease around sharks and other predators, as sightings are unpredictable.
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Scuba divers must have solid buoyancy control, especially around bait balls. Dive guides are not responsible for managing buoyancy — their role is to safely guide already capable divers.
Nature of the Expedition
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This is an expedition, not a typical scuba diving trip. We can travel long distances daily in search of action.
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Days are long: we usually meet at 06h30 at Port St Johns River Lodge jetty, head out by boat, and return anytime between lunch and 4pm — 6–8 hours at sea depending on conditions.
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Action happens fast: you must gear up quickly, as encounters won’t wait for camera adjustments or delays.
On the Boat
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Space is limited due to dive/snorkel gear and cameras. Pack only what’s necessary.
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Good housekeeping on board is essential.
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Refreshments are provided, along with oilskin/PVC jackets. Bring your own lighter jacket, hat, and sunglasses if preferred.
Weather & Clothing
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The sardine run takes place in winter. Early mornings and evenings are cold, while days can be warm under the sun. Bring suitable layers.
Port St Johns & Supplies
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Port St Johns is a small rural town, about 2 hours from the nearest larger town. Supplies are limited.
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Offshore Africa is a sardine run operator, not a full dive shop. Gear rentals are limited and may not fit unusual sizes — bring your own wetsuit, fins, gloves, and booties.
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Lost rental gear will be billed.
Preparation & Logistics
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We prefer to meet the day before your first ocean day to check gear and load boats for an early start.
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If traveling long distances or arriving with jet lag, consider adding an extra rest day before starting the expedition.
Mindset & Participation
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What you put in, you get out: the more you drop into the water, the greater the chance of unforgettable encounters.
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This is a fast-paced, unpredictable, and wild experience. Be ready to adapt, act quickly, and embrace the adventure.
