Witness the Greatest Shoal on Earth
Every winter, the Wild Coast of South Africa becomes the stage for one of nature’s most spectacular events. Billions of sardines migrate up the East Coast, creating a massive feeding frenzy that attracts super-pods of dolphins, thousands of Cape Gannets, seals, and sharks in a display of raw power.
This is an underwater adventure of a lifetime. Imagine the Great Migration of the Serengeti, but underwater, and with sea-life that is rarely seen in such abundance.
Why choose ScubaCo for the Sardine Run 2026 season?
The Sardine Run is wild, fast-paced, and unpredictable. Your success depends entirely on your team’s ability to read the ocean and move quickly. As a boutique charter operator, we offer distinct advantages over larger, crowded tour groups:
Agile 8m Semi-Rigid Boats (RIBs)
To catch the action, you need speed. Our vessels are designed for surf launching and rapid deployment, ensuring we can get you to the bait ball before the action dissipates.
Experienced Skippers
Finding the run requires more than just GPS. Our skippers have decades of experience reading bird activity and ocean currents to predict where the shoals will rise.
Small Groups
Chaos requires coordination. We limit our boat numbers to ensure every diver, snorkeler, freediver, and photographer has a clear view and safe entry into the water.
Why the Boat matters: The ScubaCo advantage
The Sardine Run is a fast-paced hunt. Being on the right vessel often means the difference between watching the action from a distance and being in the middle of the bait ball.
| FEATURE | SCUBACO BOUTIQUE EXPEDITION | STANDARD LARGE-GROUP TOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel Type | Agile 8m Semi-Rigid RIB (Rubber Duck) designed for speed with 2 x 100hp Suzuki motors for rapid direction changes | Larger ferry-style boats or slower hard-hulls. |
| Speed to Action | High. We can race to breaking water the moment our spotters call it in. | Moderate/Low. Slower reaction times often mean arriving after the bait ball has dispersed. |
| Water Entry | Rapid Deployment. Low gunwales allow divers to roll in instantly when the skipper gives the “Go!” | Slow Queue. Queuing at a ladder or high gunwales can cost precious seconds. |
| Group Size | Intimate & Exclusive. Strictly limited numbers ensure every diver, underwater adventurer, and photographer has a clear line of sight. | Crowded. Fighting for position on the boat and in the water. |
| Skipper Focus | Photographer-Centric. Boat placement considers sun angle and current for the perfect shot. | General. Focus is often just on getting near the fish, regardless of lighting conditions. |
The Experience: What to expect
This is an adventure for the dedicated ocean lover. Days start early and are spent scanning the horizon for the tell-tale signs of action: diving gannets and breaking water.
The Bait Ball
When predators round up a shoal, they trap it against the surface. This is the “Bait Ball”: a chaotic, swirling sphere of fish being attacked from the air and the sea.
Oceanic Diversity
Even on quiet days, the migration route is a highway for Humpback Whales, Bottlenose and common Dolphins, and a wide variety of sharks. See the full list of sharks here.
2026 Sardine Run Packages & Availability
Our Sardine Run 2026 packages include boat charters, cylinder fills, diving gear, and fully catered accommodation, all inclusive. Due to the specialised nature of this expedition and the limited window of the migration, spots fill up well in advance.
R2 500
per person sharing, per night
(sharing room)
No boat days included, these can be added should you wish to join in for a day or two for snorkeling or viewing from the boat should there be space available.
R2 500
per person sharing, per night
(accommodation – full board,
en-suite room)
R5 900
per person, per day
(Sardine Run boat day,
no accommodation)
R200
per item of gear, per day
R700
Full equipment rental, per day
Please Note: A reasonable level of fitness is required in order to fully enjoy the Sardine Run experience. What do we mean by this? You will be required to climb into and out of a semi rigid inflatable boat unassisted. There will be a lot of swimming/snorkeling on the surface. You need to follow or keep up with the movement of marine life in the water. In order to see the most you will be required to be rather agile in the water and be “reasonably” fit.
Group Dates
If your dates do not fit into the below groups, please contact us and we can create a package that works for you.
Group 1
19th June – 25th June 2026
Group 2
25th June – 01st July 2026
Group 3
01st July – 07th July 2026
Group 4
07th July – 13th July 2026
Group 5
13th July – 19th July 2026
Sardine Run 2026:
Everything you need to know
What is Included?
Accommodation (fully catered – breakfast, boat snacks, lunch & dinner).
Sardine Run boat days.
Experienced Dive Master & Skipper.
Boat fuel for the day.
Cylinder & weights.
Shared aerial information.
What is not included?
Flights & taxes.
Transfers to the lodge (can be arranged on request).
Passports & Visas.
Personal insurance.
Equipment rental.
Beverages unless otherwise specified.
Gratuities (10% of your trip price is recommended for your skipper and group leader).
Items of a personal nature.
When is the best time to book for the 2026 Sardine Run?
The Sardine Run typically occurs between June and July, coinciding with the winter migration. Because the window of opportunity is short (approx. 4-6 weeks) and ScubaCo limits group sizes for a boutique experience, we recommend booking your 2026 package 6–12 months in advance. But, if you do miss this window, we still take bookings at the start of the Sardine Run, too.
Do I need to be an experienced scuba diver?
While we recommend being an Advanced Open Water diver to get the most out of the experience, the Sardine Run is often enjoyed just as a freediver. The action happens fast and often near the surface. We welcome snorkelers and freedivers, provided you are comfortable in open water and choppy conditions.
Is it safe to dive without a cage during the Sardine Run?
Yes. ScubaCo specialises in open-water predator interactions. During the run, sharks (Copper Sharks, Dusky Sharks, and Blacktips) are focused on the bait ball, not the divers. Our experienced crew maintains strict safety protocols, ensuring you can witness the feeding frenzy safely from the perimeter.
What happens if we don't find a bait ball?
Nature is unpredictable, but the “Ocean Safari” never disappoints. Even on days without static bait balls, the Wild Coast migration route is a highway for Humpback Whales (often breaching), super-pods of Common Dolphins (sometimes numbering in the thousands), and migrating gannets. We spend the day hunting for action, ensuring you have incredible wildlife encounters such as the bird-life that surrounds the sardine run too.
What gear do I need for the water temperature?
This is a winter event. Water temperatures generally range from 14°C to 20°C (57°F – 68°F). We strongly recommend a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit with a hood. A Drysuit is not recommended as it is too bulky in the water and could slow you down. Gloves and booties or socks are a must. We spend long hours at sea, so windbreakers and warm clothing for the boat are essential.
What is the Sardine Run booking policy?
A 50% reservation deposit is required to book your spot, this deposit is non-refundable.
We are at the mercy of Mother Nature, on bad weather or sea condition days we provide alternate activities to keep you entertained. You will not be refunded for not being able to go to sea.
The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to the start of your trip.
Sardine Run is non-refundable, in other words once you have booked if you are not able to make the trip you will not be refunded.
Experience the true Transkei
Deep within the Eastern Cape Coastal Homeland, nestled in the foothills of what was formally known as the Transkei Wild Coast, lays a small coastal village called Mpame. Here you find Bull’s Inn Lodge a dot on the map. The lodge is based on a home from home atmosphere, which makes for a unique experience and a far cry from your day to day city life. This separates it from the rest. Accompanied by remote and tranquil rural setting where livestock and an ancient people live.
Full Board
All meals are supplied, breakfast, packed lunch box on the boats. Afternoon snack and dinner with desert. You couldn’t eat more if your tried. Drinks for your own account.
En-suite Rooms
All rooms have either a double or two single beds and are en-suite. In room amenities are supplied and there is a communal coffee station for your early morning cup.
Wifi
Keeping in mind our location, there is limited WiFi available at Bulls Inn and cellphone signal on top of the closest hill. You will be able to keep in touch with your loved ones.
Self drive to Mpame
Driving to Mpame is easy, 2 hours from Mthatha airport, 3.5 hours from East London airport or 6.5 hours from Durban. Transportation can be arranged if you don’t want to self drive.
What happens during the Sardine Run?
Operating from Mpame on the Wild Coast which is approximately 6.5 hours drive from Durban. ScubaCo will take care of everything from assisting with arrangements to get you to Mpame and to getting you out on the boat. Whether you are a scuba diver or just want to spend the day enjoying the sardine run action from the boat we at ScubaCo Diving & Travel will make this possible.
Over the years, the Sardine Run has provided tons of fun for everyone; and by everyone, we mean not only the sardines, but the numerous shark species, Humpback whales, and dolphin super-pods that come along for the ride. If you’re looking to experience the ultimate marine migration, you have got to join us and get in on the action for the Sardine Run!
Travelling down to Mpame in the Transkei, ScubaCo Diving & Travel wouldn’t miss this yearly phenomenon for the world; and you shouldn’t either!
Dolphins, usually the common dolphin, Delphinus capensis, come out in droves to show off their hunting prowess and fancy fin work! Experts have estimated that these super pods that come to feed on the migrating sardines have often reached almost 20 000 in number! When these dolphins round the unsuspecting sardines into bait balls, you’ll want to have your camera ready! These bait balls can be massive, up to 20m in diameter, and can extend to a depth of 10m!
You’ll want to have your finger on the trigger though, so to speak, as these bait balls aren’t sustainable or long lasting, and one will have formed and deteriorated into chaos again in minutes!
Sharks are also a feature at the Sardine Run, and they’re not likely to let the dolphins have all the fun. Sharks are also likely to take the opportunity to pick off a couple hundred or thousand sardines when the dolphins do the dirty work of rounding them up into bait balls.
We must not, however, forget those who strike from above! A variety of bird life flocks to the sardine every year, hoping to pick off as much as, if not more than, they can chew! From the hyperactive Cape Gannet to some smaller chance-takers, our feathered friends won’t miss the Sardine Run, why should you?
Finally, some of our water’s most beautiful and majestic whale species can be found in the vicinity of the run every year, despite the fact that many of them don’t actually join in on the run; at least not in the same way that our apex predators do. Keep a keen eye out for Humpback, Southern Right, and Brides whales!
Guest experiences
Over the years ScubaCo has worked hard for Sardine Run to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience and here are a few reviews that we have received. It is always about the little things that make the world or a difference for our Sardine Run explorers. Hopefully your review will be the next one we post.
What are you waiting for?
The Sardine Run is a life-altering experience you don’t want to miss out on!