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The Greatest Shoal on Earth
The Sardine Run
Copper sharks feeding during the Sardine Run
© Charles Maxwell
Did you know?
Albatrosses, petrels, penguins and whales sometimes follow the Sardine Run.
South Africa's annual Sardine Run is a marine phenomenon, one of the largest of its kind in the world, drawing 1 000s of spectators.
News of the sardines’ mass migration from Port Elizabeth races up the coast like wildfire, as sea and land inhabitants go into sardine mode and wait expectantly for the pilot shoals to appear.
The unpredictability of the shoals' arrival adds to the sense of anticipation that accompanies the appearance of these tiny silver fish around June each year. In bygone years million-strong shoals were a regular sight along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, but latterly, rising sea temperatures have caused the bulk of the sardines to retreat to the cooler waters of the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast.
This doesn't mean that the KwaZulu-Natal Sardine Run is any less exciting as pilot shoals, numbering thousands, still cruise close inshore past Margate, Port Shepstone, Hibberdene, Scottburgh, Amanzimtoti and even as far as Durban's main beaches, sending locals and marine predators into fish-gathering frenzy!
Though it’s possible to watch the the greatest shoal on Earth from shore, the most exciting way to experience the Sardine Run is out at sea where all the action takes place. Super-pods of dolphins converge on massive concentrations of sardines, herding them into a bait ball. Those lucky enough to have witnessed the spectacle from a boat or by diving with the fish, describe the scene as electrifying. It’s marine mayhem, with Bryde's whales breaching, dolphins leaping, and gannets raining down like arrows all around as they attempt to spear some edible quicksilver for dinner.
Below the waves, the drama intensifies, and if you’re an experienced scuba diver, you can observe the sardines’ struggle to evade hungry sharks and game fish. When the visibility is good, snorkellers can also glimpse the unforgettable battlefield
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
South Coast Tourism
Phone: +27 (0) 39 682 7944
Fax: +27 (0) 39 682 1034
Cell: 086 570 5688
Web: www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za
Wild Coast Holiday Association
Phone: +27 (0) 43 74361281
Fax: +27 (0) 43 7436188
Mobile Number: +27 (0)83 2995300
Email: william-r@iafrica.com
How to get here
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast is a fly-in and self-drive destination, while the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast is best reached by car, or by 4x4.
Around the area
Great beaches, adventure sports at Oribi Gorge, golf courses and the world famous Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks dive sites.
Get around
Scuba dive and charter boat operators all have their secret launch sites to join the Sardine Run safari, so it’s best to get travel recommendations direct from them.
What will it cost
Prices and length of stay vary per operator. Packages to the Wild Coast tend to be more expensive due to the logistical constraints of translocating a full service dive operation to this remote area for the duration of the run. Nearby infrastructure and a greater choice of dive operators means South Coast packages are generally less expensive.
Length of stay
Sardine Run packages to the Wild Coast range from 1 week to 10 days. Day excursions to experience the Sardine Run can be organised from most towns along the South Coast.
What to pack
Most dive operators provide all the gear you’ll need to scuba dive. Snorkellers have the option of providing their own equipment. To get the most of your experience you’ll need a camera or video camera with a waterproof housing.
Where to stay
Dive packages, especially those to the Wild Coast, would typically be all-inclusive. Enquire with the individual operator.
What to eat
Sardines aren’t to everyone’s taste as they’re quite bony but cleaned and grilled on a braai, straight from the ocean, they are delicious. South or east coast, you’ll be guaranteed fresh seafood to sample.
What's happening
The South Coast Tourism Authority hosts an annual Sardine Festival from June to July. Fishy in name only, festivities include a food and wine show, jazz festival, mountain bike challenge, half marathon and ski boat events.