Sardine Run South Africa

Destination: South Africa

South Africa | From $324/night

Sardine Run South Africa Quick Pitch

Since 2008, Sardine Run South Africa has provided all-inclusive Sardine Run packages, giving guests the chance to witness the mesmerizing migration of millions of sardines off Port St. Johns, South Africa. Surrounded by dolphins, sharks, diving birds, whales, game fish, and seals, guests often feel as if they’re part of a BBC Earth or NatGeo production. Packages also feature a dive at Aliwal Shoal, ranked among the world’s top 10 dive sites, and include all transfers, accommodation, scuba diving gear, air fills, permits, and meals.

Diving Aliwal Shoal

The dive sites at Aliwal Shoal are truly spectacular! This resident reef stretches approximately 3 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, offering an unforgettable diving experience. Whether you’re interested in pelagics, macro life, or anything in between, Aliwal Shoal has it all—from beautiful to thrilling encounters.

The area is also home to two unique and impressive wrecks, enhancing the dive experience. A highlight of Aliwal Shoal is its renowned shark diving! As part of a Marine Protected Area, fishing is prohibited on our dive sites, ensuring a pristine environment where no touching, teasing, or taking is allowed.

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Sardine Run 2025 PackageS

9-Day / 8-night Sardine Run Adventure

The 9-day, 8-night Sardine Run Adventure is hosted at Blue Ocean Dive Resort and in Port St. Johns, South Africa. From the moment guests arrive, the team acts as their hosts, guides, and dive instructors throughout the duration of the adventure. The Sardine Run packages encompass airport transfers, transportation to and from Port St. Johns, accommodation, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive at Durban International Airport and transfer to Blue Ocean Dive Resort in Umkomaas. Upon arrival, guests will check into their rooms, relax by the beach or pool, and meet the team. In the late afternoon, there will be a briefing about shark diving at Aliwal Shoal, followed by dinner at the on-site restaurant. Overnight at Blue Ocean Dive Resort, including breakfast.
• Day 2: Two dives at Aliwal Shoal. This day provides an opportunity to check gear and ensure proper weighting. The shark dives will feature Ragged Tooth Sharks and other species, such as Blacktip and Dusky Sharks, with occasional Tiger and Bull Sharks.
• Day 3: Transfer to accommodation in Port St. Johns at 10 a.m. After breakfast and packing, guests will embark on a 4-hour drive to Port St. Johns, where they will check into riverside accommodations.
• Days 4-8: Five full days of ocean safari. Each morning, updates about the Sardine Run will guide daily activities. Boats launch around 7 a.m. for a day of diving and snorkeling, providing close encounters with dolphins, sharks, game fish, and millions of sardines. The annual Humpback Whale migration offers spectacular sightings. After returning to shore in the late afternoon, guests can enjoy local excursions or relax. Overnight in Port St. Johns.
• Day 9: After breakfast, depart at 8 a.m. for airport transfers to Durban International Airport or choose to extend the stay with an optional Big Five safari.

Inclusions

• 2 Reef / Wreck Dive – Aliwal Shoal
• 8 Nights Accommodation
• Daily Breakfast & Dinners
• Boat Lunches on Sardine Run days
• All Transfers
• Dive equipment
• Nitrox Fills for Aliwal Shoal Dives
• MPA Permits

Exclusions

• Flights
• Airport Taxes
• Visas
• Passports
• Personal/Travel Insurance
• Tips / Gratuities (optional cost at guest’s personal discretion)

Accommodations

Blue Ocean Dive Resort

Blue Ocean Dive Resort is the leading dive operator at Aliwal Shoal, ensuring top-notch service for all guests. The team is passionate about what they do, creating an enjoyable experience that guarantees guests will have the time of their lives. With ample accommodations available, there are no single supplement charges, so solo travelers are not penalized. The resort can host large groups of up to 24, with the option to hire a fourth boat for groups of 32, and the Dive Lodge accommodates up to 54 guests.

Set amidst stunning grounds with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Umkomaas Golf Course, Blue Ocean Dive Resort is unique in offering hotel accommodations, a fully licensed sea-view restaurant and bar, and a dive center—all conveniently located on-site. Established in 1934, this colonial-style hotel is a historic icon of Umkomaas and the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The focus is on comfort, convenience, and value to ensure a pleasurable getaway.

From the moment guests are picked up at the airport until their return, the team strives to make Blue Ocean Dive Resort a happy place—a home away from home where visitors can unwind and enjoy thrilling dives.

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Other Information

This information might be useful to you!

Useful Information 

• Local Currency:  South African Rand (ZAR)
• Nearest International Airport: Mthatha Airport (UTT)
• Language spoken: English 
• Time Zone: GMT+2

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