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South Africa

Shark Explorers - Sardine Run

© Image used with permission from Shark Explorers

10 Night Package

Departs from Durban

independent Trip

From
$7,150
AUD
The Greatest Shoal on Earth!
REF: Sardine Run

10 Night Package

Departs from Durban

independent Trip

From
$7,150
AUD
REF: Sardine Run

10 Night Package

Departs from Durban

From
$7,150
AUD

Package Details

The Greatest Shoal on Earth!
One can only describe South Africa's SARDINE RUN as the best natural event humans can witness. This phenomenon happens when a band of cold water gets pushed up the coast by changing weather patterns. This band funnels massive shoals of sardines up the East coast of South Africa towards hungry predators in waiting. Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Cape Gannets, Brides whales, Humpback whales, Dusky sharks, Copper sharks, Bull sharks, Black tip sharks, Ragged tooth sharks, Cape fur seals, even Sailfish can be seen in this area at this time. The main goal is to find the bait balls. However, this does not occur every day. On slow bait ball days, one may dive with dolphins, Humpback whales and sharks. This dive adventure often turns into the ultimate Ocean Safari. Whilst the run is unpredictable, and the weather can be unpredictable, the payoff is very rewarding!

Departure Period

2026 | 2027 SARDINE RUN DATES - Ex Durban Airport

10 NIGHTS

2026 : from ZAR 78,650 | approx. AUD $7,150 pp twin share

30 June to 10 July 2026; 30 July to 09 August 2026

2027 : from ZAR 82,580 | approx. AUD $7,500 pp twin share

10 June to 20 June 2027; 20 June to 30 June 2027; 30 June to 10 July 2027; 10 - 20 July 2027; 20 - 30 July 2027

Inclusions

10 Nights accommodation at The Jetty River Lodge in Port St Johns - TWIN | DOUBLE
9 Days at sea (weather permitting) snorkeling / diving with SHARK EXPLORERS incl. tank, weights, dive guide services
Continental breakfast, Packed lunch on the boat, Hot soup after the boat trip, Dinners
Return airport transfers ex Durban; Daily transfers to launch site and scenic drives

Exclusions

  • ● International airfare & taxes
  • ● Meals other than specified
  • ● Scuba gear rental
  • ● Gratuities
  • ● Travel and dive insurance
  • Upgrades

  • ● Please enquire for sole occupancy
  • ● Contact us for a quote with airfares for your preferred travel dates
  • Proposed Itinerary

    Day 1 Arrive Durban and transfer at noon (12pm) to your accommodation
    Day 2 - 10 Sample Daily Itinerary (weather permitting) ● 6am - 6h30am Breakfast ● 6h30am transfer to boat ● 7am - 2pm at sea searching for action (on non-sea days there will be land based activities planned) ● 3 - 4pm back at lodge ● 7pm dinner and fire
    Day 11 Transfer to Durban Airport

    Terms and Conditions

    Package price is per person. Price is correct as at 2Sep25 and is subject to change without notice due to supplier rate changes and currency fluctuations to the ZAR. Divers should be comfortable and experienced diving in currents out in the blue, have good buoyancy control, good air consumption and a good level of fitness and mobility.
    Valid for travel from June 30, 2026.
    Valid for travel until June 30, 2027.
    Only available for sale until May 31, 2027.

    Subject to availability and COVID-19 conditions – please contact your Dive Adventures travel specialist.

    Kwa-Zulu Natal Information

    Located on the east coast of South Africa, the KwaZulu-Natal coast is all about beaches, fishing and golf. Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline catering to every need from diving to dining, with top-notch golf courses often forming the basis of holidays to the area. This popular coastal strip offers visitors an endless summer with a variety of activities including excellent swimming, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, dolphin spotting, and viewing the annual sardine run.   

    The main city in the region is Durban; however, the three main stops along this coastline for divers are St Lucia, Umkomaas and Margate. There are plenty of exciting spots along the way, with some fantastic national parks to explore. Where you stop along this coastline is dependent on your trip itinerary.

     

    Shark Explorers

    Shark Explorers offers customised shark and adventure diving expeditions in South Africa and the Bahamas with the aim of making a difference by showing people a positive experience with sharks, and setting the standards and guidelines for responsible shark diving and interactions high.

    Shark Explorers’ speciality is offering rare diving opportunities with Sevengill Cowsharks and Spotted Gully Sharks in a magical kelp forest setting, Blue and Mako Sharks off Cape Point and Great White Sharks near one of the largest Cape Fur Seal colonies in the Cape. Tiger Sharks, Whale Sharks, Ragged-Tooth Sharks, Bull Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Dusky Sharks and Catsharks are also on the species list.

    Shark Explorers will show you these misunderstood creatures like you have never experienced before. Their holistic approach includes treating sharks with respect, reducing their impact on the sharks and their environment, educating divers about shark behaviour and the threats they face, and most importantly – showcasing to divers the sheer beauty of these fascinating creatures of the ocean. Shark Explorers is also active in several research, awareness and conservation projects involving sharks and rays around the world.

    Between June – July, divers can also witness the annual Sardine Run off the east coast of South Africa with Shark Explorers.

    Facilities

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    Wi-fi
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    Dive Center on Site

    Book Your Next Dive Adventure

    Start your Dive Adventure here!

    Simply fill in the following booking form, a member of our team will get back to you within 24-48 hours to confirm your booking and take a deposit. 

    Please wait for our booking confirmation before purchasing your air tickets or making any other non-refundable travel arrangements.

    Additional payments may be required throughout the booking process. Details of this will be advised by our reservations team at the time of booking confirmation.

    *Time period is a guide only, subject to change according to your specific booking. 

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