Sardine Run on the Wild Coast - 7 Nights, 6 Ocean days - Latitude 31°

Port St. Johns

7 nights

The sardine run in South Africa is the marine equivalent (in biomass) of the wildebeest migration of the Serengeti. It has featured in an Emmy Award winning BBC film (and since been called) “The greatest shoal on earth”. The run occurs from May to July when millions of sardines (the Southern African pilchard, Sardinops Sagax) spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. During this “migration” these animals fall prey to vast amounts of marine predators including seabirds (especially gannets), sharks, game fish and marine mammals.

This is your chance to see thousands of dolphins separating groups of sardines into bait balls and driving them to the surface. While they take their pickings from underneath along with sharks and whales, the Cape gannets launch their aerial attacks in astonishing dives of up to 10m / 33ft to feed on the fish.

This marine spectacular happens pretty close to the actual latitude 31° south, and you are travelling in one of our favourite areas – the Eastern Cape and Wildcoast. Also still heartwarmingly referred to as the Transkei, this area was an independent country surrounded by the borders of South Africa until 27 April 1994 when it became part of the Eastern Cape in the Republic of South Africa. This is Nelson Mandela country and he was born not to far away from Port St Johns, in Mvezo near Mthatha. Port St Johns is a town of about 7 000 people that is situated at the mouth of the mighty Umzimvubu River. It is a surreal area and people here might warn you about “pondo fever” – it’s the ‘condition’ of those who show up, expecting to stay a few days and end up staying for months or years. You’ll know why they stay once you enjoy a sundowner on Mount Thesiger, overlooking aforementioned river (this airstrip was used in scenes of the movie ‘Blood Diamond’). Maybe you’ll understand it when you take a walk through the village or to the ‘gap’ and the blow-hole on Second Beach as you experience this part of the ‘Wild Coast’ and more of the raw beauty of the Indian Ocean

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Please select your start date on the calendar when booking your tour. We require a 35% deposit on confirmation of booking, we’ll be in touch for the total amount. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your tour date. In contrast to our other services this is a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit!

Upcoming trip dates:

04 July – 11 July 2021, 2020

18 July – 25 July, 2021

Trip direction: Fly from Johannesburg to Mthatha, transfer to Port St Johns and return.

Sardine Run on the Wild Coast at Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

This tour is operated by Offshore Africa in Port St Johns

Please note that a single supplement of ZAR 2,272 will be added if you prefer your own room. This will bring your total amount to ZAR 41,267

Included in trip prices:

Accommodation at Port St John’s River Lodge dinner, bed & breakfast basis.
Ocean days (weather permitting)
Cylinder / air
Weights / belt
Packed boat refreshments
Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area
Full and exclusive to Offshore Africa aerial support (spotting) with our aircraft & pilot
WIFI
Drying room for wetsuits
Hot shower rinse-off at boat jetty
Walking distance to convenience store and liquor store
Heated and unheated swimming pools on site

Excluded:

Drinks / items of a personal nature
Meals – where specified above (Lunches are not included)
Transfers – can be arranged at an additional charge. Mthatha airport to Port St Johns – one-way transfer = R 1250.00 (4-seat vehicle). R 1670.00 (15- seat vehicle). R 150.00 trailer.
Dive gear rental – MUST be pre booked. R 70.00 per item, per day OR R 350.00 full rental per day
Additional chargeable land-based activities i.e. guided hikes / cultural tours / afternoon flights
Diver / travel insurance
Air fares / taxes
Passports / visas
Gratuities for staff – at your own discretion

A typical day on the sardine run ocean safari trip

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 depends on the action on the day. 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 at around 07h30, our boats will head out from the Umzimvubu River, Port St John’s and after a 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. Our skippers will be in touch with our “eye in the sky” gyrocopter pilot for an update on sightings. 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 with our pilot and other networks is vast and we are also in communication with Natal Sharks Board members that conduct regular flights further afield. Our local knowledge of “hiding” places also comes into play here and all avenues are explored to find action for you.

Once action is located, our experienced crew will determine whether this action 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.

Boat Trips Enjoy a sunset booze cruise on the mighty Umzimvubu river.

Whale Watching Get close and personal and experience these gentle ocean giants during the sardine run.

Guided Walks and Hikes There are beautiful walks and hikes you can explore. River mouths, mountain trails, romantic walks on white sand beaches… the list goes on.

Traditional Village Tours Experience a way of life far removed from yours by roaming the hills with a guide. He’ll introduce you to his home village where you can also sample the local food. This is a great way to learn more about one of the 11 different cultures that make up South Africa’s rainbow nation.