South Africa – Sardine Run Ocean Expedition

The Sardine Run Ocean Expedition takes place in Port St. Johns, a small coastal town on South Africa’s spectacular Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape Province. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, indigenous forests, and the Umzimvubu River, the area offers a dramatic natural setting and remains one of the country’s least-developed coastal regions.

Each winter, between June and July, billions of sardines migrate northward along this coastline in one of the largest marine migrations on Earth. This seasonal event attracts an extraordinary concentration of marine predators, including common dolphins, sharks, whales, Cape gannets, seals, and numerous seabird species. The interaction between these animals creates a constantly changing marine environment that draws wildlife enthusiasts, underwater photographers, snorkelers, and divers from around the world.

Unlike traditional wildlife tours that follow a fixed itinerary, each day on the Sardine Run is guided by nature. The expedition crew carefully monitors weather conditions, ocean temperatures, bird activity, and marine mammal movements to determine where wildlife is most active. This flexible approach gives participants the best opportunity to witness the remarkable interactions between predators and schooling sardines while exploring different sections of the Wild Coast.

Beyond the ocean, Port St. Johns offers beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. After a day at sea, participants can unwind while enjoying views over the Umzimvubu River and the surrounding hills before preparing for another day of wildlife exploration.

About the Expedition

The annual Sardine Run is one of the world’s greatest marine wildlife events. As vast schools of sardines move along South Africa’s eastern coastline, they attract an incredible variety of marine predators that gather to feed. Dolphins work together to herd the fish into tightly packed bait balls, while sharks, whales, Cape gannets, and other seabirds join the feeding activity above and below the surface.

This expedition is designed to give participants the opportunity to observe this remarkable natural phenomenon responsibly alongside an experienced local crew. Rather than following predetermined dive sites or sightseeing routes, every day is shaped by wildlife activity and sea conditions. The crew uses local knowledge, communication with other boats, and, when available, aerial observations to locate areas where marine life is most active.

Because the Sardine Run is a natural migration, every expedition is different. Some days may offer several opportunities to enter the water, while others may involve longer searches along the coastline before wildlife is located. This unpredictability is part of what makes each experience unique.

Daily Expedition Activities

Ocean conditions and wildlife activity determine the schedule each day, allowing the crew to make the most of every opportunity encountered at sea.

During the expedition, participants may:

• Search the coastline for signs of the annual Sardine Run.
• Observe dolphins, sharks, whales, Cape gannets, seals, and other marine wildlife.
• Snorkel alongside marine life when conditions are suitable.
• Scuba dive on bait balls when conditions allow and it is safe to do so (certified divers only).
• Photograph marine wildlife above and below the surface.
• Learn about predator behavior, marine ecology, and the Sardine Run ecosystem from experienced guides.
• Explore different sections of the Wild Coast depending on daily wildlife activity.
• Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery while travelling by boat.

Wildlife You May Encounter

The Sardine Run attracts an impressive variety of marine species. Depending on the season and daily conditions, participants may encounter:

• Common dolphins
• Humpback whales
• Bryde’s whales
• Dusky sharks
• Blacktip sharks
• Copper sharks
• Cape gannets
• Cormorants
• Seals
• Flying fish
• Large schools of sardines
• Other seasonal marine wildlife

A Typical Day

Most expedition days begin before sunrise with breakfast at the lodge, followed by a weather and safety briefing before departing for the harbor. Boats typically launch early in the morning to maximize time on the water while sea conditions are at their best.

Once offshore, the crew searches for wildlife activity along the coastline. Participants may spend time observing dolphins, whales, seabirds, or sharks from the boat before entering the water to snorkel or scuba dive when suitable opportunities arise. A packed lunch is provided during the day, and the expedition usually remains at sea for between four and eight hours, depending on wildlife activity and weather conditions.

In the afternoon, the boats return to Port St. Johns, where participants can relax, review photographs, and enjoy dinner while discussing the day’s sightings with fellow travelers before preparing for the next day’s adventure.

What Makes This Expedition Unique?

Unlike a traditional diving holiday, this expedition follows wildlife rather than a fixed itinerary. Every day begins with a search for signs of marine activity, allowing the crew to adapt the route based on where the Sardine Run is unfolding. Some days, bait balls may be found close to shore shortly after departure, while on others the crew may travel further along the coastline in search of feeding activity.

Even when a large bait ball is not located, participants often enjoy memorable encounters with dolphins, whales, sharks, seabirds, and other marine life. This flexible, wildlife-focused approach means no two expeditions are ever the same and reflects the unpredictable nature of one of the world’s greatest marine migrations.

Good to Know: The Sardine Run is a completely natural event. Wildlife sightings and bait balls cannot be guaranteed, but June and July offer the best opportunity to witness this extraordinary migration and the remarkable marine life it attracts

Accommodations: Participants stay in comfortable en-suite rooms overlooking the Umzimvubu River in Port St. Johns. The lodge provides a peaceful base for the expedition, with communal indoor and outdoor areas where guests can relax after a day on the water. Rooms are shared by default, while private room upgrades may be available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Food: A full English breakfast is served each morning before departing for the ocean, and packed lunches are provided on expedition days to maximize time at sea. In the evenings, participants return to the lodge for a buffet-style dinner, offering a chance to unwind and share stories from the day’s wildlife encounters.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. Please note that connection speeds may vary due to the remote location.

Laundry: A laundry service is available for an additional fee. Participants can also hand-wash smaller items if needed.

This expedition is suitable for adventurous travelers who are comfortable spending extended periods on the ocean and enjoy wildlife experiences in a natural environment. Because the Sardine Run is a seasonal migration, participants should be flexible and understand that weather, sea conditions, and wildlife activity determine each day’s itinerary.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Participants should be confident swimmers and comfortable in open-water conditions.
• Snorkeling experience is recommended for those wishing to enter the water.
• Certified scuba divers may participate in dives when conditions are suitable. Divers should bring proof of certification.
• Participants should be in good general health and physically able to board boats, enter and exit the water, and spend up to eight hours at sea.
• The expedition operates in changing sea conditions, and moderate ocean swells can be expected.
• Winter mornings can be cold. Please bring a warm windbreaker to wear over your wetsuit for protection against wind chill on the boat.
• Travel insurance is mandatory and should include coverage for marine activities and evacuation. Divers should ensure their policy also covers scuba diving.
• Dive insurance is strongly recommended for certified divers.
• Participants should bring suitable clothing and equipment for cool mornings, changing weather, and time spent at sea. A detailed packing list will be provided before departure.
• A valid passport and any required visas are the participant’s responsibility.
• Participants with medical conditions or dietary requirements should notify GoEco before arrival.
• The itinerary may change due to weather, sea conditions, or wildlife activity to ensure participant safety and maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.

Expedition Equipment

The Sardine Run takes place in open-ocean conditions, so participants should arrive with appropriate clothing and personal gear. A detailed packing list will be provided before departure. Scuba equipment is available to rent if required, while snorkelers should bring or rent suitable snorkeling equipment. A 5–7 mm wetsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, seasickness medication (if needed), a reusable water bottle, and waterproof bags for personal items are highly recommended.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

This expedition is offered for only 4–5 weeks each year during the annual Sardine Run and requires extensive planning and logistics well in advance. Combined with small group sizes of just eight participants per boat, this means that strict booking and cancellation terms apply.

A deposit is required to reserve your place. The remaining balance is due by January 1, while bookings made on or after January 1 require full payment at the time of booking. See Dates and Fees below.

Beyond the daily ocean expeditions, the Wild Coast offers a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy South Africa’s natural beauty. Stay in the charming town of Port St. Johns, surrounded by lush hills, dramatic cliffs, and the scenic Umzimvubu River. During your free time, take in panoramic coastal views, explore nearby beaches, or simply unwind at the lodge after a day at sea. The region’s unspoiled landscapes and relaxed atmosphere provide the perfect complement to this unforgettable marine wildlife experience.

Extend Your South African Adventure

Make the most of your visit to South Africa by adding one of GoEco’s recommended travel extensions before or after your Sardine Run Ocean Expedition. Our team can help you create a seamless itinerary to suit your interests.

Popular Extensions:

• 🦈 Aliwal Shoal Diving – Spend three nights diving one of South Africa’s top dive sites, with reef dives, a thrilling baited shark dive, and opportunities to encounter ragged-tooth sharks, sea turtles, potato bass, and other pelagic species.
• 🦁 Kruger National Park Safari – Experience one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations with game drives led by qualified rangers in search of the Big Five while staying at a comfortable safari lodge.
• 🌍 GoEco Volunteer Programs & Tours – Combine your expedition with one of our wildlife conservation, marine, or community programs, or explore more of South Africa with one of our guided tours

Contact GoEco to learn more about available extensions or to create a customized itinerary.