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Sardine Run | Shark Diving South Africa | South Africa Dive Resorts | Africa Safaris

SEAL's Sardine Run

Extreme Africa ~ Above and Below
'National Geographic Calls Sardine Run Most Exciting Dive In The World'

Every year the world’s greatest marine migration takes place off the South African Wild Cost. Millions of sardines follow the cold winter currents moving north toward the warm Indian Ocean, bringing with them thousands of predators: dolphins, sharks, whales, seals and marine birds.

Sardine Run on Video
3rd place winner in the Conservation Video category is The Way It Used To Be,
by David Vik of the US

2010 SARDINE RUN rates and dates:

Rates: $3,995 pps

Expedition Dates
June 11 - 19
June 19 - 27
June 27 - July 05
July 05 - 13

What more can we say about this spectacle that hasn’t already been filmed or photographed. All we can say is, COME and experience the greatest event of the year as millions of sardines prepare for their northward migration following colder waters, setting the place for a predatory feast.

Experience the Sardine Run either beneath the waves or above, either way there is an abundance of marine life to see.

This amazing event is not just about the sardines, but about all the predators that follow them.

The diversity of animals associated with this annual event is staggering. On the A-list are hundreds of Copper sharks (bronze whalers), Dusky sharks, Black tip sharks, thousands of Gannets, thousands of Common Dolphins, hundreds of Bottlenose dolphins. Also to be seen are hundreds of Humpback whales and the Brydes whales. Many species of rays follow the sardines, as well as many bird species. Penguins and seals are frequently encountered. A great diversity of fish predators travel with the “sards” and take advantage of this feasting opportunity.

Many other species of shark and dolphin have made an appearance during the sardine run and the list is endless. You just never know what you are going to encounter and when.

What will you see?

Sardines : A 10 – 20 cm up to 30cm silver fish, bluish colour on top. Distinguishable by the row of 10 – 15 black spots on the flanks. These fish form vast shoals off the Agulhas Banks.

Predator (inter alia)

Sharks :
Copper sharks - carcharhinus brachyurus
Spotted ragged tooth shark – Carcharias Taurus
Black tip sharks – Carcharhinus limbatus
Dusky sharks – Carcharhinus obscurus
Tiger sharks – Galeocerdo cuvier

Cetaceans :
Common dolphins
Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins
Killer whale
Bryde’s whale
Occasional pygmy killer whale

Pinnipeds :
Cape fur seals

Birds :
Cape Gannet
Petrels & Shearwaters
Blackbrowed Albatross
African penguin

Water Conditions

Water temperatures are around 19 degrees and 21 degrees C. (66 to 70 degrees F) The "Run" takes place during South Africa's winter which is dry season. Theoretically, this means there's little runoff from rivers so the water should provide good visibility. In reality, because the sardines and their prey can really churn up the water, visibility can be anything from 3 meters (10 ft) to 20 meters-plus (60 ft). It is often found that the warmer waters are further out to sea.

Dive Type and Diver Certification Level

Surface drift dive. Snorkelling / scuba. Boat based opportunities available for non-divers.
NOTE: You do not have to be a scuba diver to take part in this amazing migration.

The Sardine Run is restricted to advanced divers only. The activity as a whole is considered to be strenuous. There is no hospital nearby so you should be in very good health. The trip can be summed up like this: big sharks, no bottom diving, deep blue type diving, dirty water, multiple ascents and strenuous boat trips. The trip is strictly for the avid diver/ photographer. Non-diving guests are welcome to join the trip and ride on the boat to witness the surface activity but must understand the boat is a "duck" and does not have toilet facilities or any shade.

It must be noted that the majority of the action is surface based and the occasional dive may take place, depending on water conditions, visibility and the action on the day.

Trip Report: Sardine Run SOUTH AFRICA ~ June 21-30 2007

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
ph- 415-444-5100
or
Request Info

Sardine Run | Shark Diving South Africa | South Africa Dive Resorts | Africa Safaris