Sardine Run Expedition
The world’s largest migration
The ultimate ocean safari.
The largest school of fish in the world.
The finest demonstration of wilderness.
A biomass greater than the famous great wildebeest migration in East Africa.
The Sardine run
In South Africa, between the months of May and July, along the Transkei coast, a prevailing wind phenomenon blows the surface waters away. The water temperature, which is usually 23°, then falls below 20°. A current of cold water rich in plankton pushed close to the coast then brings a school of billions of sardines which can be up to 35 km long and extends from the surface to about thirty metres.
The sardines carry out this migration in order to perpetuate the species, they head upstream of the sea currents to lay their eggs where they were born and thus attract many predators in a great feeding frenzy. Our main goal is to find the baitballs: these sardine balls pushed towards the surface by dolphins that are agile and fast enough to isolate them.
This phenomenon coincides with the migration of humpback whales that come to give birth in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, their encounter is guaranteed.
Your underwater encounters
You are about to experience the ultimate ocean safari, the most memorable dives of your life. The dives are snorkeling or scuba diving.
Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, humpback whales, humpback whales, fringed sharks, copper, bulldogs, blacktips, bull, cape fur seals, sailfish, cormorants, cape gannets, penguins, killer whales, albatrosses and tuna will put on a Dantesque show for you. Witness a rare phenomenon: the furtive collaboration of sharks and dolphins.
During your dives, share moments face to face with the Cape fools who drop like missiles to catch sardines, their presence will be precious to give us the signal.
It will be a unique opportunity to witness scenes of predation that are usually extremely rare. An ideal subject for photographers and videographers, both on the surface and underwater.
An intense adventure close to the ruthless wilderness.
Your guide
We will be greeted by an outstanding South African guide who has over 15 years of diving experience with great white sharks for National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, CNN, Discovery channel and CBS.
Specific logistics
The action begins between Port Elizabeth and East London before reaching the Wild coast, a coast with jagged topography. Port St Johns, our base camp, is located on the central point of this migration.
Thanks to the support of our microlight, we have eyes in the sky, which greatly optimizes our chances of encounters.
When the sardines are waiting, we still come across dolphins, humpback whales and sharks. The appearance of the sardines and the weather are unpredictable, but when the action materializes, the reward is breathtaking.
Highlights of the trip
The largest school of fish in the world, up to 35 km long.
Shipping logistics, air support of an ultralight
The most beautiful demonstration of the wilderness
An outstanding guide who has been working for National Geographic for 15 years.
Guaranteed encounters with dolphins, humpback whales and sharks
Dives for all in snorkeling or scuba diving for the initiated
A true “Noah’s Ark” of the ocean: dolphins, whales, sharks, sea lions, swordfish, cormorants, cape gannets, penguins, killer whales, albatrosses and tuna.
A unique opportunity to witness scenes of predation that are usually extremely rare.
An ideal subject for photographers and videographers
Logistics
Equipment :
– Portable compressor
– 10 litre steel bottles
– Belts and seals
– Equipment available for hire: regulators, stab, flippers and masks.
Boat :
EXPLORER 1, semi-rigid of 9m
Approved up to 40 miles
Equipped for diving and for photographers
2 Suzuki 140 hp 4-stroke engines
GPS and Fish finder
Dispatch team:
Diving guide
Skipper
Crew
Rhythm of a day:
– Breakfast at 6:00 a.m.
– Boat lunch from the river at 6:45 am.
– Return between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm depending on wildlife activity.
