Sardine Run South Africa

Diving Aliwal Showal

The Aliwal Shoal is rated as one of the top-10 dive sites in the world and is where we operate our shark diving packages year-round. On the first day of your Sardine Run package, you will dive the Aliwal Shoal which gives you a chance to check your dive gear, get your weights sorted and also to dive with the sharks found on the Aliwal Shoal in South Africa.

During June & July, the main shark species found on the Aliwal Shoal include Ragged Tooth Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Sharks & more. The Aliwal Shoal is also home to a huge variety of other marine life including Whales, Dolphin, Turtles, Rays, Eels, Game Fish, Reef fish & more. Between dives we often see Humpback Whales & Dolphin from the boat.

Diving Port St Johns

The Sardine Run is amazing, you are often surrounded by hundreds of dolphin, sharks, diving birds, whales, game fish, seals and millions of sardines. During the Sardine Run, the annual Humpback Whale migration passes Port St Johns, offering some amazing up-close sightings of the Humpback Whales in the water, close to the boats and when the whales are breaching!

The birds, dolphin, sharks, whales all take part in the awesome event, all enjoying a huge feast. The noise of the diving gannets, the speed of the dolphin, the sharks and the whales coming in to join the feast is amazing.

[Read More: South Africa Dive Travel Guide]

5-Day Sardine Run Package

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 2: 2 Dives at Aliwal Shoal transfer to Port Saint Johns (5hr drive) -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 3: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 4: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 5: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 6: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 7: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 8: 2 x Dives at Aliwal Shoal -- Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 9: Transfer to Durban International Airport

Pricing

R34,950 pp (double) or R38,750 pp (single)

Inclusions

• 8 Nights Accommodation
• Daily Breakfast
• 4 Dives on Aliwal Shoal
• 5 Days Sardine Run Ocean Safari
• Cylinder Hire
• Weight Hire
• MPA Permit
• All Transfers

10-Day Sardine Run Package

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 2: 2 Dives at Aliwal Shoal transfer to Port Saint Johns (5hr drive) -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 3: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 4: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 5: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 6: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 7: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 8: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 9: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 10: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 11: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Cremorne Estate
• Day 12: Sardine Run Ocean Safari -- Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 13: 2 x Dives at Aliwal Shoal -- Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort
• Day 14: Transfer to the airport

Pricing

R60,750 pp (double) or R63,750 pp (single)

Inclusions

• 13 Nights Accommodation
• Daily Breakfast
• 4 Dives on Aliwal Shoal
• 10 Days Sardine Run ocean Safari
• Cylinder Hire
• Weight Hire
• MPA Permit
• All Transfers

Accommodation Overview

Blue Ocean Dive Resort In Umkomaas

Dive Centre & Lodge, Blue Ocean Dive Resort, based in Umkomaas, South Africa is perfectly situated for diving the Aliwal Shoal.

The newly renovated rooms offer any diver comfort and escape. The resort is a mere 3 minute walk from the beach with views of the ocean from our restaurant deck. Rooms are available as single occupancy (1 x king size bed), twin occupancy (2 x single beds) & double occupancy (1 x king size bed). Every room has private en-suite facilities with showers, is serviced daily and has air-conditioning.

Blue Ocean Dive Resorts on-site dive centre means no daily transfers between your accommodation and dive centre whilst diving Aliwal Shoal!

Facilities

• Free Wifi
• Restaurant & bar
• Swimming pool
• Room aircon
• Transport available
• Laundry service
• Local excursions
• Dive center

Cremorne Estate In Port St. John

Cremorne Estate, situated in Port St. Johns, is rated as one of the top locations to stay during Sardine Run South Africa. Cremorne Estate has direct access into the Umzimvubu River where Sardine Run South Africa launches their boats from, so there is no daily travelling to the launch site and makes for a much more comfortable start to your day which is important as the mornings can be very cold.

Every room at Cremorne Estate overlooks the Umzimvubu River and have awesome views of Mount Thesiger which towers over the resort with a height of 342-meters. Rooms available are single rooms (1 x king size bed), twin rooms (2 x single beds) or double rooms (1 x king size bed) which all have private en-suite bathroom [with showers], private balconies and are serviced daily. Each morning breakfast is served on a deck over-looking the river.

After the diving enjoy some fantastic walks, visit some local attractions or relax in the awesome restaurant & bar area over-looking the river.

Facilities

• Free Wifi
• Restaurant & bar
• Swimming pool
• Satellite TV (DSTV)
• Riverfront lodge
• Laundry service
• Local excursions
• Dive center

Practical Information

• Local Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
• Nearest International Airport: King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
• Language spoken: English
• Electrical adapters: Most international adapters dont work in South Africa. A range of adapters that take UK & European plugs are available for use at the lodge.
• Time Zone: GMT+2