Sardine Run Cinsta

Arrival East London: On arrival to East London, you will be met by our local operator and transferred down to the Lodge in Cinsta which is an approximate one hour drive. It is best to ensure that your flight to East London arrives before 14h00 as this allows time settle in, relax and prepare for you first day on the sardine run.

At the 4 star Buccaneers Lodge clients will settle in and prepare their gear for the next day’s action. After a sumptuous buffet dinner, guests will discuss the next day’s plan with the divemaster and skipper. They will have a good idea of where and what the sardine run action has been and will be able to brief accordingly.

Sardine run action days: The excitement starts immediately as the launch through high energy surf conditions, can be the most thrilling introduction to the action awaiting you in the deep. The aim of the day is to locate shoals of sardines to view the feeding activity of dolphins, birds, seals sharks and whales. Once activity has been found its all stations go. Most of the time you will enter the water with mask and snorkel as the action is usually fast and furious requiring you to jump in and out of the boat many times. The sardine run relies relies on the coming together of many different variables: weather and currents, predators and of course, the sardines. Some days are going to be quiet and some days will be very busy. Your skipper and divemaster will do their utmost to get you into the best position to appreciate this event, either from the boat or in the water.

Scuba dive or snorkel? Each qualified diver has one dive cylinder on board for the day. If the action stabilises into a bait-ball, it should be possible to enter the water on scuba. This will be entirely at the discretion of the skipper and divemaster. The decision to enter on scuba or not, based on the type of activity, sea conditions and animal behavior on the day.

Although sardine run related activity is usually in the top 10m, dives are often far offshore and the actual bottom may far beyond diving limits (usually over 100m). Good buoyancy control is essential and divers must follow the safe diving protocols and instructions from their divemaster. Clients must understand that it may not be possible to enter the water on scuba in many instances and that dives on scuba may just not be practical during their sardine run package.

Bucaneers Lodge is tucked away behind forested dunes the lodge has panoramic views over the estuary and ocean – the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long day at sea. Accommodation for this package is in superior en-suite rooms complete with private balcony and beautiful views looking over the bay. Beds are either twin or king-size doubles. All suites have private bathrooms, bar fridge, tea and coffee making facilities. Linen and towels provided and rooms are serviced daily.

Meals: Buccneers takes pride in their amazing meals, generous portions and themed menus. Packed lunches are supplied to the boats, while breakfast and dinner options are buffet style for sardine run guests, with excellent vegetarian options at every meal.

Breakfast at the lodge is taken at 06h30, with full English and health options. Divers then walk down to the beach at sunrise to meet for the launch at 07h30. The boats will on the beach, packed, ready and waiting.

Afternoon Activities at Buccaneers Lodge: The lodge plays and vital role bringing jobs and income into the community and the Sardine Run is a very important part of the local tourism industry. Activities offered by Buccaneers Lodge are available to all clients that would like to do something in the afternoon instead of just relaxing by the pool. There will be a small service charge levied by the Lodge and all bookings need to be done in advance.

Rest day: There will be one rest day during the week where you can explore the local area. The package includes a choice of guided walks, horse rides and cultural tours. You may simply prefer to stay at the lodge and relax and enjoy the on-site facilities. The rest day is kept flexible and is used to minimise the risk of losing any sea days to bad weather and sea conditions.

Due to the expeditionary nature of this sardine run package, sea days lost to bad weather will not be refunded. Should this situation arise, alternative land- based activities will be offered to clients and lost time at sea will be added to later trips where possible.

Additional info: The hotel has 220V power supply with 3-prong round-pin sockets. Power supply is usually 24 hours a day. However un-scheduled power cuts are always a possibility. The hotel has a Wi-Fi net available however signal can be weak at times and the connection slow.