SARDINE RUN

Join Pisces Divers for an unforgettable week on South Africa’s Wild Coast and experience the Sardine Run with us!

We have been operating on this stretch of coast since 2012 and will get you on the action with our highly experienced crew and skippers. We operate two boats, with a maximum of six guests per boat for the best viewing and diving experience.

The Sardine Run is an annual migration of sardines up the East Coast of South Africa from the Southern Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal, where the fish spawn. They follow a cooler than usual counter-current which passes close in-shore and there is an array of marine predators ready to meet them, from thousands of Cape Gannets, huge pods of Common Dolphins, several shark species, such as Dusky sharks and Copper sharks all the way up to the impressive Brydes Whales. We will spend six days at sea, following the incredible marine action and getting you into position to experience the sardine bait balls from the boat or in the water, where you will witness birds, dolphins, sharks and whales all working together feeding off the bait balls. 

During this time of the year the Humpback whales migrate up the coast and they can be spotted daily, moving in pairs or small family groups. Southern Right whales can also be seen occasionally, but it is the Brydes whales that really get involved with the sardines and it’s an incredible spectacle to witness a Brydes whale engulfing a bait ball in a single mouthful. We also see Bottle-nosed Dolphins and have also seen the shy Humpbacked Dolphins near the shore. Aside from the Cape Gannets, there are several other bird species that have been spotted: African Penguins, Cormorants, Yellow-nosed Indian Albatross, Sub-Antarctic Skuas to name a few.

We base ourselves in Cintsa near East London and launch our boat directly off the beach there, sea conditions permitting. On days with larger swells, we divert to the East London harbour which allows a safe launch in almost any sea conditions.

Cintsa is a beautiful location and gives us an effective range of some 100 km of the South African Wild Coast, from East London in the West to the Kei river in the East. Our base is the stunning Buccaneer’s Lodge on the Cintsa river mouth, where our guests are accommodated in en-suite rooms with beautiful sea and river views. Meals are delicious and generous: full hot breakfasts and health breakfasts are served daily, delicious packed lunches are sent out with the boat and our evening meals are buffet style themed dinners. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate your specific dietary requirements.

DETAILS

Arrive at East London Airport on Sunday afternoon where you will be met and transferred to Buccaneers Lodge (40 minute transfer) on the first day of your trip. We have a full safety briefing in the late afternoon, where we can sort out equipment and load the boats.

We spend six days at sea (Monday through Saturday) In the event of a bad weather day, Pisces will provide and alternative activity and lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Please Note: The sardine run relies on the coming together of many different variables: weather and currents, predators and of course, the sardines and other baitfish! Some days are going to be quiet and some days will be very busy. We will do our utmost to get you into the best position to appreciate this event, either from the boat or in the water. Each day will be different and will offer new sightings and opprtunities!

ITINERARY

• 0700 – Breakfast overlooking the stunning Cinsta valley
• 0730 – Kit up and walk down to Cintsa beach
• 0800 – Launch boats just after sunrise
• We spend the day at sea, enjoying a packed lunch and refreshments between the action
• 1500 – Return to beach at Cintsa
• 1600 – Late afternoon and evening at leisure
• 1900 – Delicious themed buffet dinner

INCLUDED

• Airport Transfers from East London
• Shared en-suite accommodation for seven nights on a full-board basis.
• Six days at sea.
• We supply cylinders and weights and additional equipment rental is available by request.
• Single supplementary is available on request.
• Activities on non-diving days will be arranged and included in the cost.

EXCLUDED

• Flights
• Dive equipment other than cylinders and weight-belts (but can be rented)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Staff gratuities

PACKING LIST

• Good quality wind and water-proof jacket/sailing jacket for the boat – this is super important
• Wetsuit: 5mm open-cell is the most comfortable for several hours a day – chat to me if you need advice.
• Mask/snorkel/fins. Low volume freediving mask recommended and longer freediving fins.
• SCUBA regulator and BCD if you would like the option of SCUBA.
• Sun hat, sunglasses (preferably polarised), beanie for the cold mornings.
• Good quality suncream, waterproof.
• Camera: a GoPro is the perfect device – small, portable and wide-angle. Also recommended top-side camera with long lens for the action seen from the boat.
• Seasickness medication if you are prone to it and any other medication you might need.
• Small (15l max) personal drybag for your bits and pieces on the boat.
• Clothing: comfy and warm for the mornings and evenings which can be chilly. Laundry service is available so don’t overpack.