The Greatest Shoal On Earth
SARDINE RUN 2026
What is the Sardine Run?
Sardine Run 2026 – The sardine run is a spectacular natural phenomenon that takes place each year between May and July in South Africa. It is an incredibly unique experience that has to be seen to be believed. Millions of sardines migrate along the coastline, followed by predatory dolphins, whales, sharks and birds.
Witnessing such a sight is truly unforgettable. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it is also an important ecological event that plays a crucial role in balancing the marine ecosystem.
Experienced guides are on hand to provide information and ensure the safety of participants making Go Dive, one of the best sardine run operator South Africa. Join us for an adventure like no other and experience the amazing sardine run in all its glory.
Your Ocean Adventure Awaits
Sardine Run Packages
1 WEEK EXPEDITION
All prices include 7 nights accommodation at the stunning Crawfords Beach Lodge, 5 days at sea (weather permitting) and full buffet catering with packed lunches for sea days. Also included are transfers to and from East London (King Phalo) Airport and all SCUBA gear
SINGLE – $3050 USD
SHARING – $2800 USD
Tour operators and group leaders email today for package deals scuba@godive.co.za
2026 EXPEDITION DATES
10 May – 17 May
17 May – 24 May
24 May – 31 May
31 May – 7 June
7 June – 14 June
14 June – 21 June
21 June – 28 June
Dates dont fit your schedule? Message now to see if we can assist.
2 WEEK EXPEDITION
All prices include 14 nights accommodation at the stunning Crawfords Beach Lodge, 10 days at sea (weather permitting) and full buffet catering with packed lunches for sea days. Also included are transfers to and from East London (King Phalo) Airport and all SCUBA gear
SINGLE – $5450 USD
SHARING – $5000 USD
Tour operators and group leaders email today for package deals scuba@godive.co.za
Accommodation in Cintsa - Sardine Run 2026
Days at sea during the Sardine Run can be physically demanding, with the relentless action and long hours often taking a toll on your energy. That’s why we’ve chosen Crawford’s Beach Lodge as our base of operations. With its comfortable rooms and delicious, hearty meals, Crawford’s Beach Lodge ensures that you can unwind and recharge after an exhilarating day on the water. Our focus is on providing you with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, so you’re well-rested and ready for each day’s adventure during the Sardine Run 2026.
Crawford's Beach Lodge
Airport shuttle
Buffet-style gourmet meals
Wi-Fi
Satellite TV
Ensuite bathroom
Pool
Beach access
Seaview option
Why Cintsa?
- Lots of Sardine Run action
- No queues on a baitball
- Luxury accomodation
- Close to a large international airport
- Clean safe beaches on the doorstep
Most people think that Port St Johns is the only place to experience the Sardine Run. While it is a popular location, its not necessarily better than any other stretch on the wild coast of South Africa.
Any one who has been to PSJ for a Sardine Run, will know that it can get a little crowded out at sea especially around the bait balls.
Our guests in Chintsa get to enjoy the Sardine Run 2025 “action” exclusively.
Sea day Itinerary
Sardine Run 2026
07H00 – Buffet breakfast
08H00 – Meet on the beach for launch
Lunch packs are provided at sea – dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
14H00-16H00 – Return to the lodge for warm showers and rest
19H00 – Buffet dinner
Additional Information
Includes
- Accommodation at Crawford's Beach Lodge
- Sea days
- ALL meals (full buffet catering with packed lunches for days at sea)
- Transfers to/from King Phalo Airport (East London)
- All SCUBA/snorkeling gear
Excludes
- Flights (international/domestic)
- DAN Insurance / Travel Insurance
- Staff / Crew gratuities
- Alcohol
Still not sure what to expect? Check out this video from 2025
magical moments captured by our guests
Sardine Run FAQ's
The annual migration of sardines up the eastern coast of South Africa is an event no one wants to miss. From May through July, shoals of sardines follow cold, nutrient-rich currents that sweep in-shore up the east coast due to changes in weather patterns. Along with these sardines comes a vast array of hungry marine predators such as Cape Gannets, superpods of Common dolphins, Brydes whales, and several shark species (Dusky sharks, Copper sharks, Black tip sharks, Ragged tooth sharks, Bull sharks, and more). Aside from the incredible shoals of sardines, there is also the annual migration of Humpback whales traveling north where they will give birth. They can be seen daily in small family groups. The Sardine Run is unpredictable – making it the most exciting way to spend a day at sea. You just never know what you will witness next. BBC recognizes this event as ‘The greatest shoal on Earth’, and we couldn’t agree more. Whether you are a certified diver or non-diver, this experience is for you. All ocean lovers and conservationists will thoroughly enjoy this spectacular marine event.
No! In fact, most of the action happens at the surface so 90% of your time will be spent on snorkel. We will have SCUBA gear availible for qualified divers but your experience will be awesome either way.
It is vital that all adventurers considering joining us on the sardine run 2025 ,understand the realities of this expedition. Go Dive cannot and will not offer any guarantee of sightings. We are meeting nature entirely on its own terms, we are not chumming, interfering, or manufacturing the sardine run, but watching, waiting, and hoping to witness this spectacular event!
On the sardine run we are out in the ocean wild! Whilst near to shore, the only launch site that can be easily utilised is our initial beach site at Chintsa. Often, we are a two hour boat ride away from this site, thus cannot return back to land for sea sickness. If you are prone to sea sickness, it is best to take as many precautions as possible to control it prior to launching.
Bad weather is an unfortunate reality on the Sardine Run. The wild coast of South Africa got its name for being, well, a little wild (weather wise)! Thus, it is likely that we will lose a day or two (or three) on each expedition to bad weather. We keep a ‘floating’ reserve day for any bad weather days. If there is more than one bad weather days, then it is up to you to decide what alternative activities you would like to do. Unfortunately, Go Dive is not able to offer refunds on additional bad weather days for this expedition.
Crawfords Beach Lodge caters for all our meals, and ensures we are well fed and happy at all times. The food is homemade, with buffet style dinners and breakfasts. Meals are a fun social event around a communal table and open fire. On the water, an assortment of high energy snacks and drinks will keep our energy up throughout the day! They can cater for most eating preferences. If you do have special eating or dietary requirements, simply let us know in advance, and we will arrange suitable catering for you.
Yes of course! The sardine run does involve a lot of jumping in and out of our boats, and for this a smaller camera like a ‘GoPro’ is ideal! But when that big stable bait ball arrives, then nothing quite gets the incredible photos like a good underwater DSLR or mirrorless camera!
From our experience with sardine run expeditions, we know that this duration of expedition will maximize the probability of success. Coming for a shorter period exponentially increases the probability that you will not experience the incredible sights that the sardine run has to offer, due to the difficulty of locating great bait balls and the possibility of bad weather spells. Thus, to ensure that we feel morally comfortable that we can deliver the promised service, we do recommend that guests join us for an entire Sardine Run 2025 expedition.
The Sardine Run is tough, and anybody joining us on an expedition should have a relatively good level of fitness and be used to spending time on the ocean. Spending 8 hours a day on a small boat is challenging for even experienced ‘seadogs’.
Crawford’s Beach Lodge has a shuttle that will pick you up and drop you off at King Phalo airport in East London – South Africa.
Go Dive has made a great partnership Crawfords Beach Lodge in Chintsa. The lodge is four star quality, incredible activities, stunning meals and we have personally assessed to ensure that they meet the level of service for all our sardine run guests.
Deposits are non-refundable, however, can be redirected to subsequent years’ expeditions in case of forced cancellation – such as travel bans. In case of additional bad weather days following our one reserve day, additional activities can be organized at on guests account (e.g. golf, snake parks, horse riding), but Go Dive does not offer bad weather refunds.
The prime locations for viewing the Sardine Run are along the southeastern coast of South Africa particularly where shoal come close to the shore like in areas like East London, Cintsa, Wave Crest and other spots on the Wild Coast.
Successful sardine run operators don’t simply follow reports from other boats — they actively read the ocean and predict where activity is likely to develop.
Experienced crews constantly monitor:
- Bird behaviour and feeding patterns
- Dolphin movement and hunting activity
- Water temperature breaks and current lines
- Surface slicks and bait movement
The best sardine run operators often arrive at developing action before bait balls fully form, giving guests longer and better wildlife encounters.
Skipper experience is one of the biggest factors separating successful sardine run operations from average ones.
Experienced sardine run skippers understand:
- How bait balls form and move
- How dolphins and sharks behave around bait fish
- How to position boats safely and effectively
- When to enter the water for the best encounters
The sardine run changes constantly throughout the day. A knowledgeable skipper can dramatically improve both safety and encounter quality.
Yes. The sardine run often requires long hours of searching offshore before activity is found.
Top operators typically:
- Launch early in the morning
- Stay at sea for extended periods
- Cover large search areas
- Continue searching even on slower days
The operators who consistently produce quality encounters are usually the ones willing to put in the most time and effort on the water.
Finding a bait ball is only part of the challenge. Proper boat positioning is critical.
Experienced operators aim to:
- Position guests ahead of moving wildlife activity
- Avoid dropping guests directly on top of the bait ball
- Minimise disturbance to predators and sardines
- Create safer and longer-lasting encounters
Good positioning often results in:
- Better visibility
- Longer time in the action
- More natural wildlife behaviour
- Better photography opportunities
The best encounters usually come from a combination of:
- Experience
- Ocean knowledge
- Patience
- Good teamwork
- Strong safety procedures
Successful operators focus on:
- Smaller, controlled water entries
- Calm and organised briefings
- Efficient gear preparation
- Managing guest expectations realistically
This creates a safer and more enjoyable experience for both photographers and adventure travellers.
Yes. Certain regions along South Africa’s Wild Coast are known for more consistent sardine run activity.
Popular sardine run launch areas include:
- Cintsa
- Port St Johns
- Coffee Bay
- Mdumbi
These areas often experience:
- Better bait ball formation
- Productive predator activity
- More accessible offshore conditions
The Wild Coast remains one of the most popular sardine run regions in the world.
No. The sardine run is a natural migration and conditions vary daily.
Factors affecting activity include:
- Water temperature
- Ocean currents
- Weather
- Wind conditions
- Sardine movement patterns
Professional operators understand that no wildlife encounter can ever be guaranteed. Honest communication and realistic expectations are important when choosing a sardine run expedition.
When comparing sardine run operators, consider:
- Years of experience
- Safety standards
- Local knowledge
- Time spent searching offshore
- Group sizes
- Boat quality and reliability
- Wildlife ethics
- Reviews and repeat guests
The best sardine run expeditions combine:
- Safety
- Professionalism
- Ocean knowledge
- Strong wildlife encounters
- Realistic expectations
Water temperatures during the Sardine Run typically range between 18°C and 23°C (64°F–73°F), although colder upwellings can occasionally drop temperatures lower for short periods. Conditions can change quickly depending on currents, wind and recent weather.
Most divers are comfortable in a 5mm wetsuit, with a 3mm hooded vest for additional layering during longer days on the water. Air temperatures are often mild and pleasant during winter on South Africa’s Wild Coast, making surface intervals comfortable even after multiple water entries.