The 2023 Sardine Run season in Port St. Johns has been one of the most remarkable displays of marine activity that we have encountered in the 25 years of operating in Port St. Johns. A combination of great diving conditions and continuous Sardine Run action day after day from mid-June until the end of July.
Social media was a buzz of activity showcasing the amazing action we were having in Port St.Johns with snorkelers, divers & photographers flying in from all over the world at short notice, to get their piece of the action.
The action this year was plentiful, from masses of bait balls, to Bryde’s Whales smashing through alongside other predators such as the Common Dolphins and sharks. We’ve had thousands of gannets hitting the water at speeds of up to 90km/h and diving deep to catch their share of the silvery fish. The adrenaline rush of diving alongside these powerful creatures is unparalleled. The sighting of thousands of sardines moving in synchronized harmony whilst being pursued by predators was mesmerizing.
A great sardine run experience is not just a simple boat ride out to open waters; it’s a life-changing adventure filled with unique wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments. This year’s spectacular run left us with lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
We patiently await the arrival of the 2024 season in anticipation of thrilling underwater encounters, swirling masses of bait balls, breathtaking natural beauty, and a profound connection to the marine world. It’s an adventure that offers both a sense of wonder and a heightened awareness of the need to protect our oceans and their incredible inhabitants.
