Sardine Run - The Greatest Shoal On Earth

SAFARI DETAILS

The Sardine run safari is an ocean related experience involving scuba diving, snorkeling and Boat based photographic opportunities. Bearing in mind that the ocean realm changes from day to day, for recreational divers, a 7 day safari will offer the best possibility of success.
This allows for bad weather scenarios and variable degrees of marine activity. Recreational divers are to have a minimum certification level of advanced diver and have a required minimum of 50 dives behind them.
Daily outings last for approximately 6 – 8 hours depending on sea conditions and the amount of activity about. With the action being fast and furious in conjunction with variable sea conditions, long boat rides and the whole day out at sea , outings can prove strenuous so it is recommended that clients be relatively fit.
Guests will be based in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, from where they will be taken to sea on a daily basis to observe and follow the migration.
Each vessel, licensed to carry 12 passengers is limited to carry 6 passengers for space and comfort purposes. Experienced skippers and Safety Divers (DM's) come with all vessels on all outings to ensure your safety and make your trip interesting and informative while on safari.

 

GENERAL INFO

 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Please bear in mind that all international flights arrive and depart through three airports in South Africa viz -  Cape Town International airport, King Shaka international in Durban and O R Tambo International airport in Johannesburg.  From there a domestic flight to Durban, Umtata or East London is required.

 

Charter flights can be arranged directly to the small Port St Johns air strip if you would prefer to fly rather than be driven or self drive. 

 

For ease of planning, King Shaka international airport in Durban (K.S.I.A.) is approximately 6 hours drive from Port St John’s.

 

Umtata airport, as a domestic connection via SA Air link (UTT code) is approximately a 1 hour drive from Port St John’s and is highly recommended due to the proximity and short travel time to Port St John’s.  There is one flight in and one flight out per day and the air craft is a smaller one.

 

East London airport, as a domestic connection, is approximately 4 hours drive to Port St John’s.

 

WEATHER AND SEA CONDITIONS

 

The best weather and sea conditions on the Wild coast happen to be during the winter periods A little rain and overcast conditions can be expected on some days, though normally good weather prevails.

 

Sea conditions can range from glassy smooth to white capped seas…exciting and sometimes strenuous.

 

Our team ensures your safety first at all times and all decisions are based on this.

 

AIR temperature ranges between 14 – 25 ºC (58 – 76 ºF) and it is often colder at night.

 

WATER temperature ranges between 15 – 22º*C (59 – 71 ºF)

 

VISIBILITY ranges between 2 – 30m and as a safety precaution, in water activities are only conducted with conditions offering us visibility of 5m plus.

CLOTHING

 

Wind and rain proof outdoor gear…smart casual wear for evening outings…casual beach wear for those afternoons one wants to soak up the sun on the beach…you are on holiday after all.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR DIVERS AND NON-DIVERS

 

WHAT TO BRING ON THE BOAT EACH DAY

• Sun protection i.e. hat, sunglasses & sun block.
• Waterproof jacket - each boat is equipped with PVC marine type jackets with hoods.
• Waterproof bag for anything you wish to bring onto the boat (space is limited so please choose something relatively small. If you are in a group, sharing a larger bag would be advisable).
• Camera, video equipment, binoculars (in a waterproof bag).

FOR RECREATIONAL DIVERS

 

Recreational scuba divers are to have a recommended minimum certification level of advanced diver and be able to sustain the level of fitness required on the sardine run. An Open Water diver qualification linked to sufficient experience in the ocean realm will be accepted upon discussion with us. It must be understood that the sardine run is a high risk and fast action event, resulting in this trip being rated as “strenuous” and it is often done in limited visibility diving. It is aimed at the adventure seeker. Sharks are often encountered under water and intense and fast moving action is the order of the day when sardines meet their predators.

INSURANCE

 

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all guests and should be organized in their country of origin.

BASIC ITINERARY FOR SAFARI

 

Daily outings last for approximately 6 – 8 hours depending on sea conditions and the amount of activity about. With the action being fast and furious in conjunction with variable sea conditions, long boat rides and the whole day out at sea , outings can prove strenuous, therefore it is recommended that clients be relatively fit.

 

Departure time is usually between 07h30 and 08h00 and return time is action dependant. We are usually the last boats in each day, giving our clients a full day out at sea, capitalizing on whatever Nature has to offer.

 

Each morning, the boat will head out from the Umzimvubu River, Port St John’s, and after typical and highly exciting African surf launch, crew will start looking for all types of action, from whales, dolphins and ocean bird action to the little silver sardine type action. Sardine activity is usually sighted from large flocks of cape gannet sightings or by the more trusted large pods of common dolphin activity. Our communication network with others is vast and we are also in communication with Natal Sharks Board members that conduct regular aerial flights. Our knowledge of “hiding” places also comes into play here and all avenues are explored to find action for you.

 

Once the sardines are located, our experienced crew will determine whether the bait ball is fast moving, necessitating snorkel viewing, or more static, whereby we can go straight onto scuba equipment for those wishing to use scuba gear. First hand action will be experienced by snorkellers, divers and boat based passengers, which ensures an exciting day out for everyone where no one is left out of all the excitement that nature brings with her.

 

SAFARI DATES 2015

• June 20 - June 26
• June 21 - June 27
• June 22 - June 28
• June 23 - June 29
• June 24 - June 30
• June 25 - July 1
• June 26 - July 2
• June 27 - July 3
• June 28 - July 4
• June 29 - July 5
• June 30 - July 6
• July 1 - July 7
• July 2 - July 8
• July 3 - July 9
• July 4 - July 10
• July 5 - July 11
• July 6 - July 12
• July 7 - July 13
• July 8 - July 14
• July 9 - July 15
• July 10 - July 16
• July 11 - July 17
• July 12 - July 18
• July 13 - July 19
• July 14 - July 20
• July 15 - July 21
• July 16 - July 22
• July 17 - July 23
• July 18 - July 24
• July 19 - July 25

 

Additional packages dates for your convenience

• June 20 - June 26
• June 27 - July 3
• July 4 - July 10
• July 11 - July 17
• July 18 - July 24

 

The sardine run can continue into the month of August, therefore our dates can and will be extended depending on action at the time.

 

COST

 

ZAR 18 500.00 per person.

 

Price is based on a per person sharing rate.

A single supplement rate of ZAR 20 350.00 will apply.

 

We are holding our 2014 rates for 2015 which means a much more affordable sardine run trip for you to plan ahead of time.

 

Please note: We are happy to organize any tailor made package for you, whether you are simply unable to fit into our set trip dates or if you wish to extend your sardine run experience with a longer stay.

 

Our package rate includes accommodation based on a medium / 2 -3 star, bed & breakfast type accommodation facility.

 

We are also in a position to offer you a daily boat rate in the event that you are seeking more flexibility, or if you would prefer to organize your own accommodation. Kindly contact us for further information.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

 

• 5 full days of boat based viewing / diving / snorkelling the sardine run
• 6 night’s accommodation on a bed & breakfast rate, normally at Port St John’s River Lodge (www.portstjohnsriverlodge.co.za)
• On board boat refreshments – our boat refreshments have been voted to be the best and most comprehensive by all crew and clients and our food is home-made
• Cylinder & air fills
• Weight belt & weights
• Diver permits
• Highly qualified team of skipper & in water guide / boat guide

 

WHAT IS EXCLUDED

 

• Transfers to and from Port St John’s. (We can arrange this on your behalf if required. Kindly contact us for details, costs and a variety of pick-up destination options)
• Lunch (if required)
• Dinner
• Equipment rental of BCD, Regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask & snorkel. We have a full range available should you require equipment. Kindly notify us up front to secure your equipment needs.
• Additional land based activities
• Items of a personal nature
• Beverages
• Gratuities
• Taxes / flights
• Passport / visas
• Personal insurance

 

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

 

If you wish to choose your own accommodation, we make use of a variety of great accommodation establishments in town, which will cater to most needs.

 

Please feel free, however, to ask us for suggestions / recommendations and we will be more than happy to advise you.

 

Please note that accommodation fills up rapidly during the sardine run period and accommodation choice will be severely limited for late bookings. Kindly check our list of options below.

 

• Claude’s Rest
• Cremorne Estate
• Ferry Point Resort - Self Catering
• Gecko’s Place - Self Catering
• Intaba River Lodge
• Keysers Cottage - Self Catering
• King Fisher cottages - Self Catering
• Outspan Inn
• Port St John’s River lodge
• Sea Castle guest house - Self Catering
• Sunlof
• The Spotted Grunter
• The Jetty River Lodge - Self Catering
• The Lodge
• The Pont - Self Catering
• Umngazi River Bungalows
• Umzimvubu Retreat
• Jungle Monkey Backpackers
• Amapondo Backpackers
• Madhatters Backpackers

 

If you are selecting your own accommodation and require a more budget orientated option, kindly contact us for further suggestions and recommendations as there are various back packer establishments in town.