The biggest migration of fish on the planet

The Transkei is a very remote part of South Africa called the "Wild Coast". This is where the Annual Sardine run takes place, It is a Rugged and breathtakingly beautiful coastline and during July to August it is visited by tens of thousands of Dolphins, birds, whales, sharks, seals and a host of other sea creatures all chasing the Sardines down South Africa's coast. You really need to be in the right place at the right time and you really need a team which has the most specialized and experienced team and equipment. Also the right knowledge to get you out into the action safely and also to pinpoint where to be.

We have partnered with SEAL operations who have been running Sardine run expeditions for 16 years.

SEAL is based out of Mboyti River Lodge which is the only Resort/Lodge in the area which means they have the best location to target the action which generally is the most impressive right in front of this area. It is also a really great private Lodge with excellent food, breathtaking views and is located right on the beach at the hotspot of this action. You will walk out of the resort onto your boat and head straight out into the surf and the Sardine run action.

A major advantage we have is that SEAL Expeditions has a dedicated microlight in the sky helping us to spot where the action on the water is everyday.

This allows us to move with speed and precision for the best result's. During your trip you will have an opportunity to go up in the sky with the SEAL microlight and see this Majestic coastline from above.

The communication with the Microlight allows us to move with speed and precision for the best result's. During your trip you will have an opportunity to go up in the sky with the SEAL microlight and see this Majestic coastline from above. Truly a sight to behold and something you will never forget. Think massive waterfalls falling into the ocean, big green rolling mountains, Incredibly large amounts of Whales, dolphins, birds and Marine life all framed by a rugged and breathtakingly beautiful African coastline...

SEAL and Mboyti River Lodge is based where the continental shelf shelf is closer to the coast which brings the Sardines into a more confined area along with all the whales, dolphins, sharks, birds and pelagic fish all herding, chasing and feasting on this mass migration. It really is the most incredible wildlife experience in the water and unlike anything else. Definitely a talking point with friends other something you want to experience at least once in your diving lifetime.

Prices and tour types

SEAL offers group tours up to a maximum of 8 persons per boat during an 8 day trip with 7 water days.

SEAL and SDK travel offers the Exclusive option of a private boat and guide

A Private tour is $27 500 ( can be for up to 7 persons)

A Group tour is $4095 per person

Dates & Availability

2025 Sardine Run available expedition dates are listed below:

June 29 – July 07

July 07 – 15

July 15 – 23

Private tours can be arranged on specific requested dates

Private Tour

The private boat option is absolutely the way to go to get the best of the action. It allows you to have more speed to get to the action on the water and also to be less intrusive in the water with only you and the guide meaning the action underwater is less disturbed and more natural.

Having the flexibility and speed of a private boat with less people allows you to move quickly in and out of the action. With just yourself and your guide it makes a big difference to how you experience the bait-ball action. It also allows us to focus just on you, allowing maximum safety and personal attention. If photography is your thing it is a major advantage to get the best shots, and have the luxury and flexibility to do whatever we want on the water.

Price: A Private tour is $27 500 ( can be for up to 7 persons)

The private package includes:

7 ocean days on the Sardine Run with your own Private boat and guide

1 x private Microlight to spot the action and also includes 1 x private flight to experience the action from the sky

8 nights accommodation full board (www.mbotyi.co.za)

All transfers ex Durban KSIA

Arranged afternoon activities- Guided trips to the waterfalls, trips to the African Sangoma and more(as per info-pack)

Cylinders, air fills, weight belt

A great plus of the the Private tour would be no other divers on the boat so we can move quickly to the action and to each jaw dropping moment and really fit as much as we can into a day. For safety and the best experience possible this is the ultimate way to experience the Sardine run.

Should you want to bring other divers with you on your private trip this is totally up to you and is included in the price, there would just be a discounted accommodation supplement of $995 per person for the 8 days accommodation portion per person. Your private boat would still be limited to a maximum of 7 divers for safety reasons.

"I would absolutely recommend going with SEAL operations. They helped pioneer the Sardine Run and have been delivering their highly specialized tours for the last 16 years and continuously put their divers into consistent amazing action with an amazing team, with serious knowledge, support and they have the best location hands down.:" Richie Sehman

Group tours

Price: $ 4095 per person sharing and includes:

7 ocean days on the Sardine Run (weather dependent)

1 x Microlight flight per guest (weather dependent)

8 nights accommodation full board (www.mbotyi.co.za)

All transfers ex Durban KSIA

Arranged afternoon activities-Guided trips to the waterfalls, trips to the African Sangoma( local medicine healer) and more(as per info-pack)