The Sardine Run, a Magnificent Ocean Migration

The Sardine Run ocean experience is the single finest event on the marine calendar because you never know what each day and hour will bring. This, along with the most fantastic marine encounters, makes the Sardine Run ocean experience the single greatest event on the marine calendar.

Annual sardine run, june and july

As the name suggests, billions of sardines move northward along the east coast of South Africa. The sardine run takes place annually during June and July. The sardine run passes the small coastal town of Port St Johns, and it is from here that dive operators launch their daily trips. This momentous event is known as the greatest shoal on earth and creates a feeding frenzy for sharks, whales and dolphins. Diving the run is the pinnacle of all dive adventures for most scuba divers and snorkelers across the globe.

sardine run big predators

This boat-based trip is suitable for scuba divers and snorkelers, enjoyed by nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, dolphin and whale lovers. Dive into the water with Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Cape Gannets, Brides whales, Humpback Whales, Dusky Sharks, Copper Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Ragged Tooth Sharks and Cape Fur Seals. Experienced operators and crew offer daily shark, whale and dolphin diving as weather allows.

sardine run more information

The daily goal is to get in on the bait ball action. On days where we do not find any bait balls to dive with, a dedicated shark, whale or dolphin dive will be at the order of the day. Spotter planes keep the dive operators informed of the bait ball movements. By constant communication, dive operators know exactly where to intercept the run with their rubber duck dive boats. Divers await the bait ball, prepped and ready to drop in on instruction.

Sardine run included

Full and exclusive aerial support (spotting) with our aircraft & pilot
Lodge Accommodation – Dinner + Bed + Breakfast basis
Ocean days (weather permitting)
Cylinder / air & Weights / belt
Packed boat refreshments
Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area

Sardine run excluded

Drinks / items of a personal nature
Meals (excl. Dinner + Bed + Breakfast)
Transfers (can be arranged at an additional charge)
Dive gear rental
Additional chargeable land-based activities
Diver / travel insurance, Air fares / taxes & Passports / Visas
Gratuities for staff

rates per person sharing

4 Nights / 3 Days, R18 500
5 Nights / 4 Days, R24 500
6 Nights / 5 Days, R30 500
7 Nights / 5 Days, R32 000
7 Nights / 6 Days, R36 500
8 Nights / 6 Days, R38 000
8 Nights / 7 Days, R42 500
9 Nights / 8 Days, R48 500
10 Nights / 9 Days, R50 500
12 Nights / 10 Days, R57 500

Facilities include Wi-Fi, a drying room for wetsuits, and a hot shower rinse-off at the boat jetty. Walking distance to a convenience shop and liquor store, a fuel station, swimming pools (1 heated / 1 unheated), a family room and twin bedrooms.

For privacy reasons YouTube needs your permission to be loaded. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.

GANSBAAI

Shark species in Gansbaai include Great White and Copper Sharks

VIEW GANSBAAI

CAPE TOWN

Shark species in Cape Town include Great White, Sevengill, Blue and Mako Sharks

VIEW CAPE TOWN

MOSSEL BAY

Shark species in Mossel Bay include Great White and Hammerhead Sharks

VIEW MOSSEL BAY

DURBAN

Shark species in Durban include Oceanic Blacktip and Tiger Sharks

VIEW DURBAN

PORT ELIZABETH

Shark species in Port Elizabeth include Great White Sharks

VIEW PORT ELIZABETH

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 232 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Walid Riahi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing and truly unforgettable experience! Everything was perfect, the transportation was punctual and very professional, safety was a top priority, and the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. And the food was the cherry on top! I highly recommend this experience to everyone!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Xav VillaCan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely incredible experience with SharkLady! 🦈 I went cage diving with them yesterday and had such an amazing time that I actually came back and did it again today. That says everything! The whole crew on the boat were fantastic. Super friendly, professional, energetic and genuinely excited about what they do. The management was also great and made the whole experience feel really well organised while still being fun and relaxed. Seeing the sharks up close was obviously the highlight, but honestly, the people made the experience even better. You can tell they really care about the animals, the experience and making sure everyone has an unforgettable day. If you’re thinking about doing cage diving, 100% go with SharkLady. I couldn’t recommend them more. I’m already looking forward to coming back again! 🦈🤙
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniele Rainone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staff competente e gentilissimo, abbiamo avuto la fortuna di vedere tanti squali (soprattutto squali bronzo e una bellissima razza), anche se purtroppo non lo squalo bianco (sembra ormai molto raro in quelle acque). Un consiglio: in gabbia meglio se massimo in 4, in 5 adulti si sta un po' strettini
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dean Lochkovic 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an awesome time!  Lots of sharks and one giant stingray. Only downside is the Orkas have run off all the great white so just copper left   Still a bucket list checked!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Aaron Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What an amazing day we drove 4.5 hours from cape town and back, just to see the white sharks and SHARK DIVERS  did not disappoint we saw 2 great whites and they were both beautiful in there habitat, the team were so helpful in organising it, all from diving to the pick up and travel esp last minute were another dive place let us down. Would highly recommend esp this time of year, thank you again SHARK DIVERS YOU MADE MY LIFE LONG DREAM COME TRUE
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alex Hoyt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an incredible time on this tour. Janeen made it easy to book and was clearly communicating the plans for us. The skipper Ron and Alan the guide were nice, knowledgeable and made sure we were happy! We were able to see several sharks and get some good up close viewing. You could tell how much everyone cares about these creatures and their safety as well as ours. We loved our time with this group and plan on returning! Mossel Bay is also a very cute town with great food. Cannot recommend enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasia Gougoustamos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Even though we had a long wait and were resigning ourselves to not seeing sharks we got to see 3 different great white sharks! such a thrilling experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Zildomar Machado 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a memorable time during the tour!!  The staff, boat, experience in the cage and getting to see a great white shark was simply amazing!!💯👏🫶
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mildret Hlama 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My shark diving experience was absolutely unforgettable! From the moment we set out, the crew made us feel safe, comfortable, and excited for the adventure ahead. The professionalism and attention to detail were outstanding- everything from the safety briefing to the gear was handled with care. Once in the water, the thrill of seeing these magnificent creatures up close was beyond words. Watching sharks glide gracefully right past the cage was both exhilarating and humbling. It’s rare to feel such a powerful connection with nature, and this experience delivered that in the most breathtaking way. I truly appreciated the operator’s focus on conservation and respect for the sharks, which made the trip not only thrilling but also meaningful. This is an adventure I would recommend to anyone seeking a mix of adrenaline, awe and appreciation for marine life. Five stars all the way! I loved every minute of it 🌸.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more