Scuba Dive Asia is proud to have teamed up with SEAL, one of the leading dive operators for the Sardine Run in South Africa. This means we can now also offer divers the chance to experience this incredible event and SEAL’s distinctive brand of African adventure. They offer trips in June and early July that maximize the chances of being part of this marine spectacle.

The Sardine Run range of operation spans the area north and south of Port St John’s in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa - dependent on the animal activity. Conditions will vary from calm, crystal clear seas to flying through giant rollers. Visibility can vary from 2 to 20 meters.
The dive boats are 8 meter zodiacs catering for maximum 8 divers plus licensed skipper and a Divemaster who will determine if it is safe to enter the water if visibility is particularly low. Numbers are kept low to ensure diver comfort, safety and flexibility to move quickly in and out of the water and relocate.

Of the several accommodation options available for Sardine Runners, Mbotyi River Lodge is by far the most luxurious and the best situated just south of the Waterfall Bluff, an area of steep cliffs in Eastern Cape, near Cathedral Rock. There are many waterfalls in the area which run directly into the Indian Ocean and this is where the sardines mass before running up the coast. Being surrounded by the spectacular Mbotyi hills and the magnificent Magwa Tea Plantation with close proximity to Fraser Falls and Magwa Falls, Mbotyi offers spectacular vistas over this wild and undeveloped part of Africa. In combination with a wonderful cuisine and warm South African hospitality, Mbotyi makes for an unforgettable experience and fantastic holiday destination. Mbotyi River Lodge is also the base for the Sardine Run scuba diving expeditions. Weather permitting each guest will get to fly in the Seal microlight aircraft and see the Wild Coast from the air.

The annual great Sardine Run  is a natural phenomenon which usually occurs between the months of May and July, when massive schools of sardines spawn in the cool waters around the Cape and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline; an incredible spectacle which before only the locals used to get drawn into.
There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of common dolphins along the coast hunting the sardines and there are whales everywhere. Sardines group together when they are threatened to form what is called a bait ball. This instinctual behavior is a defense mechanism, as lone individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups. Once the bait ball is formed, the sharks and dolphins swim through and through and other fish and birds take advantage of the opportunity until not one sardine is left. This, for obvious reasons, is the ideal time to get into the waters and behold Mother Nature at work.

2012 Sardine Run expedition dates are listed below:

·         June 19 – June 27

·         June 27 – July 05

·         July 05 – July 13

·         July 13 – July 21

These trips are available for divers and non-divers. Almost anyone can snorkel the Sardine Run.

SEAL has a 100% safety record on the Sardine Run.

Contact us now to customize your scuba dive trip for this amazing expedition.