Sardine Run 2025
IT'S TIME YOU JOINED...
The past Sardine Run's were awesome and there was so much happening out at sea. It is not the be 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 Package out there, we have perfected the experience for you! Fully inclusive and more, look no further than ScubaCo Diving & Travel for all your Sardine Run needs.
What to Expect on Sardine Run 2025
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.
Every year the Transkei and Kwazulu-Natal coastline experiences a phenomenon fondly known as the Sardine Run.
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 2025!
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!
Group Leaders - Contact us today on info@scubaco.co.za to get pricing and group deals
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.
Driving to Mpame is easy, 3 hours from East London airport or 6,5 hours from Durban. Transportation can be arranged if you don't want to self drive.
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.
All meals are supplied, Breakfast, packed lunch box on the boats. Afternoon snack & dinner with desert. You couldn't eat more if your tried. Drinks for your own account.
Keeping in mind our location, there is limited WiFi available at Bulls Inn & cellphone signal on top of the closest hill. You will be able to keep InTouch with your loved ones.
Sardine Run 2023 Gallery
Guest Expereinces
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. All reviews have been received on Trip Advisor.
When you take your family on a scuba adventure to dive the Sardine Run on the very wildest coast of Africa you not looking for anything but the most professional outfit and Scubaco are who I choose every time! Highly recommended outfit that is slick and consistent with great equipment and fantastic staff!
Brett
RSA
Epic, Blue Boat kind of a team 🙂
We did the Sardine Run 2021 and Safari with Scubaco. We had such a wonderful time with the staff and the entire operation. Tam was amazing! The staff, Abby, Tristan, Danie, Keegan, & Captain Dean all are great & at the end you just don't want to leave it feels like family. I would definitely recommend them.
Flora
USA
Great company with our safety in mind. Andy is great & Zynne always showing us a good time. They arranged an excursion on land to the gap, blowhole, beaches & airstrip when the waters were too rough to see any life. We saw humpback whales breaching & rolling. A very family run lodge thanks guys XXOXX
Doug & Kelly
Thailand
We went out snorkeling with ScubaCo on the Sardine Run & they were extremely professional, ensuring safety a top priority. They did their best to find us awesome wildlife, dolphins, whales, birds, sharks but they also didn't bother any animals so if they didn't want to be near us...
April
United Kingdom
Had an unforgettable experience in witnessing the Sardine Run 2018 in Port St Johns, I found our guide Dean& his team very experienced & a fountain of knowledge also very health and safety conscious. They took time & effort to tell us the do’s and don'ts. I found it well organized & accommodating.
Hayley & Owen
United Kingdom
What are you waiting for?
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."
What are you waiting for? The Sardine Run 2023 is a life-altering experience you don’t want to miss out on!
2025 Sardine Run Package Pricing
~R43 600 per person sharing
(2-3 Guests per room)
~R47 800 single travelers
(Private room)
~R89 700 per person sharing
(2-3 Guests per room)
~R98 800 single travelers
(Private room)
~R52 700 per person sharing
(2-3 Guests per room)
~R56 900 single travelers
(Private room)
LIMITED TO 6 GUESTS PER BOAT. SELECTED DATES.
PHOTOGRAPHERS,
VIDEOGRAPHERS AND DRONE
PILOTS ONLY.
NB: Transportation is not included; this can be arranged on request.
NON BOAT GOING PARTNER ACCOMPANYING
Sharing Room – R2 500 per night**
**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, please contact Tam for pricing and availability.
Additional Information
INCLUDED IN PACKAGES:
- Accommodation (Fully Catered - Breakfast, Boat Snacks, Lunch & Dinner)
- Sardine Run Boat Days
- Experienced Dive Master & Skipper
- Boat Fuel for the Day
- Cylinder & Weights Included
- Shared aerial information
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights & Taxes
- Airport Transfers to the lodge (Can be arranged on request.)
- Passports & Visas
- Personal Insurance
- Equipment Rental R200 per item per day or R3500 for the week for full gear hire.
- Beverages unless otherwise specified.
- Gratuities (10% of your trip price is recommended for your skipper and group leader.)
- Items of a personal nature
PLEASE NOTE:
- 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.
