Sardine Run Port St. Johns
The Sardine Run is an adrenaline-packed adventure often described as life-changing. From the moment the boat speeds off in search of bird and dolphin activity, your heart races with excitement. While finding a bait ball isn’t guaranteed, when you do, it’s electrifying. In the water, the sight of a shifting, exploding bait ball as predators charge through is mesmerising. With dolphins, sharks, sea birds, whales, and game fish feeding inches away, every sense is heightened. On the surface, you’ll witness dolphins riding waves, gannets plunging, and whales breaching, making this a truly awe-inspiring experience.
3 SEA DAYS | 4 NIGHTS
From $1780
6 SEA DAYS | 7 NIGHTS
From $3390
9 SEA DAYS | 11 NIGHTS
From $5175
Arrival
Arrive at Mthatha Airport and transfer to Port St. Johns. Check into the hotel.
Meet up in the early evening for a full expedition briefing and to meet the crew.
Sea Days
After breakfast you will embark the boat (8m semi-rigid RIB) directly in front of the hotel.
Spend the full day out at sea looking for Sardine Run action.
Ocean Safari. Lunch is provided on the boat.
Return to hotel at approximately 3 pm to relax and enjoy dinner at the resort
Departure
Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
NB: Please enquire if you would like to extend your package eg. Additional Sardine Run Days, Shark Diving at Aliwal Shoal or the Kruger National Park
The Cremorne Estate is nestled between the dramatic cliffs and lush forests, on the banks of the Umzimvubu river. They are our accommodation of choice, located on the quieter side of the river and offering a wide variety of cozy en-suite log cabins (singles, doubles & family rooms) overlooking the beautiful manicured gardens and river frontage.
There is a restaurant & pub on site, with its own private jetty allowing our boat to pick you up and drop you off on your doorstep.
The perfect place to rest and recharge during your Sardine Run adventure.
Alternative Accommodation Options in Port St. Johns
While we highly recommend our preferred accommodation options for a complete experience, we understand that everyone has different preferences. For those looking to explore other lodging choices in Port St. Johns, there are several fantastic alternatives available. Whether you’re seeking the social atmosphere of a backpackers’ lodge, the comfort of a guest house, or the tranquility of a riverside retreat, you’ll find something to suit your needs. Here’s a list of some great options you might want to consider during your stay in this beautiful area.
- The Pont – https://thepont.co.za/
- Amapondo Backpackers – https://amapondo.co.za/
- Jungle Monkey Backpackers – https://www.junglemonkeybackpackers.co.za/
- The Spotted Grunter – https://spottedgrunter.co.za/
- Sea Castle Guest House – https://www.onthebeachpsj.co.za/seacastle
- Kingfisher Cottage – https://thetranskei.co.za/port-st-johns/kingfisher-cottages/
- Keysers Cottage – https://www.onthebeachpsj.co.za/keysers
- Claudes Rest – https://www.wildcoast.co.za/port-st-johns/claudes-rest
- Purple Indigo – https://www.wildcoast.co.za/port-st-johns/purple-indigo
- Umzimvubu Retreat – https://www.umzimvuburetreat.co.za/
- Port St. Johns River Lodge – https://portstjohnsriverlodge.co.za/
- Ntaba River Lodge – https://www.ntabariverlodge.com/
Tour Includes:
- Exclusive Aerial Support – Spotter Plane & Pilot
- Accommodation – Cremorne Estate, on a shared room basis. Sinlge rooms available
- Breakfast & Dinner Daily
- Lunch Packs – Provided on Sea Days
- WiFi – Cremorne Guests
- Ocean Days – Full day Ocean Safari (weather permitting)
- Diver Permit – Pondoland Marine Protected Area
- Tanks /Weights/Airfills – 12L Tanks & Weight Belts
- Custom Built Dive Boat – Extra Seating, Camera Tables, Reduced Fuel Usage & Carbon Emissions
- Skipper & Guide – Experienced Skipper & PADI Certified Dive Guide
- Drying Room for Wetsuits – Increased comfort
Tour Excludes:
- Flights – Recommended flights into Mthatha Airport – only 2 hours from PSJ
- Airport Transfers – Quoted on request (Mthatha, Durban, East London)
- Drinks
- Equipment Hire – Pre booking essential
- Travel & Dive Insurance
- Sightseeing & Activities – Any additional tours and activities
- Tips/Gratuities – Suggested $60 per client per day
Please contact us for a quote on any of the below extensions or for a tailor made extension of your choice.
Spend a few days Aliwal Shoal, one of South Africa’s premier dive spots where sightings of Ragged Tooth sharks are common and the possibility of other large pelagics such as, sea turtles, potato bass and numerous game fish can be seen. Extremely popular with divers is the baited shark dive where you will be surrounded by anything from 20 – 80 bold Oceanic Black Tip sharks and might even have other species such as Tiger or Bull sharks come close.
Package Includes:
- 3 Nights’ Accommodation at Scottburgh
- Breakfast Daily
- 3 Reef Dives
- 1 Baited Shark Dive
- Hire of Tanks & Weights
- Diving Permit Note: transfers/car hire on request.
Kruger National Park Extension
Please contact us for a quote on any of the below extensions or for a tailor made extension of your choice.
The Kruger National Park is world famous for the Big 5, travelers from all over the globe come to pay a visit to one of our national parks to tick the box for this bucket list destination. Our country works very hard at preserving its wildlife, and we work with renowned safari lodges and suppliers to ensure your holiday will be one that will never be forgotten.
Tailor made packages are also available.
Package Includes:
- 3 Nights’ Full Board Tented Accommodation at Rhino Post Safari Lodge
- 6 Game Drives with optional bush walks
- Qualified Ranger & Tracker Note: transfers/car hire on request
When is the Best Time?
This is the most asked question and as with nature, we may never have an exact date but with over 25 years of Sardine Run experience the best time in Port St. Johns is typically between mid-June to the end of July.
Is it Guaranteed?
Like any wildlife encounter it is not guaranteed, however a day out on the ocean can bring about anything, anytime, and you are sure to be rewarded with awesome encounters with marine life.
Scuba or Snorkel
This is not a typical scuba diving trip. The majority of the excursion is experienced through snorkeling due to the boat moving along quickly to keep up and get the best action. A great product for both divers and non-divers.
It is usually only once we spot a large enough static bait ball, divers can scuba and be in close proximity to the feeding frenzy. We load one 12L dive cylinder per person for the day.
Minimum Diving Certification
It is recommended that you at least have your Advanced Diving qualification or at least Open Water with enough experience. It is important to have good buoyancy control as the dives are in mid-water and there is no reference to the bottom.
Weather & Sea Conditions
The air temperature varies between 14 – 25 degrees. The winter months are usually very comfortable with cold mornings and evenings, warm days & little rain.
The water temperature varies between 15 – 22 degrees Celsius, we recommend a 5mm 2-piece or 7mm wetsuit, including a diving hood & booties. Dry suits are not ideal as they create drag on the surface of the water.
The sea conditions can vary dramatically from flat mirror like conditions to choppy seas and big swells.
The visibility is usually very good with an average of 15 – 30m visibility, however there are days where it can drop down to 2 – 3m vis.
Physical Requirements
Diving Equipment
We provide 12L Tanks Din/Int and Weights and have all the other equipment available for rental.
Rebreathers are not recommended as they are cumbersome & not practical for staying with the fast moving action.
- Full Gear: $40 per day
- Full Gear plus Computer: $50 per day
- BCD: $7 per day
- Regulator: $7 per day
- Computer: $10 per day
- Wetsuit: $10 per day
- Fins: $5 per day
- Booties: $5 per day
- Mask & Snorkel: $5 per day
- SMB: $5 per day
- 15L Tanks: $10 per day
