Experience The Greatest Shoal On Earth

The Sardine Run is one of the greatest marine migrations on earth. Every winter, massive shoals of sardines move up South Africa's east coast as cold water currents push northward, drawing huge numbers of predators into a feeding spectacle unlike any other on the planet.

The action typically begins around Port Elizabeth and East London before reaching the Wild Coast hotspot between East London and Port St Johns — where our expedition is based.

Possible encounters include common and bottlenose dolphins, Cape Gannets diving like missiles into the shoals, Bryde's and humpback whales, dusky, copper, bull, blacktip and ragged tooth sharks, Cape Fur Seals and sailfish — all hunting sardines together.

The main goal of every day at sea is finding bait balls. Ocean conditions are unpredictable and every day offers different wildlife experiences. On slower days guests may dive with dolphins, whales and sharks while the team works the coastline searching for the next eruption.

Widely considered the greatest marine wildlife spectacle on Earth.

Each winter the cold Benguela current pushes northward up South Africa's east coast, sweeping countless billions of sardines along with it. As the shoals stretch for kilometres beneath the surface, an entire food chain mobilises — dolphins corral the fish, sharks hunt the edges, whales push through the chaos and Cape Gannets dive from the sky like missiles. This is the South Africa Sardine Run, regarded by marine biologists, ocean photographers and dive expedition leaders as the greatest shoal on earth.

Wild Coast diving expeditions from Port St Johns

Our 10-night Wild Coast Sardine Run expedition is based in Port St Johns, the established hotspot between East London and the rugged Pondoland coastline. From here, three SAMSA-licensed semi-rigid dive boats launch daily into the Indian Ocean to track bait ball activity using aerial spotting, surface signs and decades of local ocean knowledge.

Bait ball behaviour

A bait ball forms when predators corral sardines into a tight, defensive sphere. Common dolphins use bubble curtains and coordinated sweeps to compress the shoal. Sharks circle from below. Cape Gannets dive from above. Whales push through the middle. For divers and snorkelers prepared to enter the water at speed, it is the closest a human can get to a true open-ocean feeding frenzy.

Shark and whale encounters

Even on slower bait ball days, the Wild Coast delivers world-class shark and whale encounters. Dusky, copper, bull, blacktip and ragged tooth sharks are all regular visitors. Humpback and Bryde's whales pass through on their seasonal migration. Cape Fur Seals and sailfish round out the marine wildlife portfolio.

Marine wildlife photography

The Sardine Run is one of the planet's most rewarding — and most demanding — ocean photography assignments. Expect saltwater, surge, fast-moving subjects and explosive surface action. Wide-angle, fast lenses and dome ports excel. Our boats and guides are accustomed to working alongside underwater photographers and documentary filmmakers.

Adventure tourism in South Africa

South Africa is one of the world's great adventure tourism destinations. The Sardine Run pairs beautifully with Cape Town wildlife experiences, shark cage diving in Gansbaai, Hermanus whale watching, Garden Route surfing and Big 5 safaris. We are happy to extend your trip into a full multi-week South African ocean and bush itinerary.