Sardine Run - South Africa

Dive into Nature’s Greatest Ocean Spectacle

Every winter, one of the world’s greatest marine spectacles unfolds off the coast of South Africa – the Sardine Run. This extraordinary natural phenomenon sees billions of sardines migrating in dense shoals along the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastline, followed closely by a frenzy of marine predators. It's a fast-paced, unpredictable adventure that turns the ocean into a living, breathing feeding ground.

For adventurers, divers, photographers, and wildlife lovers, the Sardine Run offers a front-row seat to nature in its rawest form. Dolphins herd the sardines into tight bait balls, while sharks dart in with precision, and Cape gannets dive like missiles from above. If you're lucky, you might even witness Bryde’s whales joining the feast.

Experiencing the Sardine Run is not just about the marine life—it’s about the thrill of the chase. Tours are often launched on rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), bouncing over the swell in search of action. The dynamic nature of the event means every day on the water is different. You might snorkel among thousands of fish one moment and then watch a superpod of dolphins the next.

Operating between May and July, the Sardine Run is a seasonal adventure that requires flexibility, patience, and a sense of awe. Whether you're in it for the dive, the photo, or the sheer spectacle of it all, this is wild South Africa at its most dramatic.

Join Dirty Boots and our experienced operators as we chase the action and immerse ourselves in this once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventure.