The Sardine Run
Every year the Transkei and Kwazulu-Natal coastline experiences a phenomenon fondly known as the Sardine Run.
The past Sardine Run’s were awesome and there was so much happening out at sea. It is not the best kept secret…now is the time for you to do the things that you have always wanted to do – THE SARDINE RUN.
Below you will find all the details on the best Sardine Run Packages, we have perfected the experience for you! Fully inclusive and more, look no further than ScubaCo Diving & Travel for all your Sardine Run needs.
Sardine Run 2026 Packages
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
FAQ’s
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.
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 to expect on 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!