Sardine Run Durban South Coast

Arrival Durban: When you arrive at Durban International Airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Umkomaas. That evening you will meet your hosts and team for Aliwal Shoal. Any gear rental requirements will be issued and dive gear assembled and checked for the following morning. In the evening you will enjoy dinner at the dive lodge.

Dive Aliwal Shoal:  Today you will enjoy 2 dives on the world famous Aliwal Shoal. It’s ragged-tooth shark season so expect to see large numbers of these impressive sharks cruising the reef edges or sheltering in the many caves and gullies. These dives are your chance to acclimatize to South African diving protocols and conditions and troubleshoot any equipment and weighting issues before heading down to the Sardine Run. It’s also a vital chance for your dive guides to get to know you and your requirements.  After diving you will return to the lodge in Umkomaas, to pack before the transfer down to Port Edward, a mere hour and a half drive away. On arrival in Port Edward, you will be settled into your accommodation. Where you can spend the afternoon at the beach, or by the pool, or simply on the patio enjoying the view. During the evening meal at the lodge you will meet the sardine run crew. They will have a good idea of where and what the sardine run action has been and will provide a comprehensive briefing accordingly.

Sardine Run Daily Ocean Adventures: The morning starts with a hearty breakfast and an update on any sardine action and condition reports. Armed with an action plan for the day,  the shuttle will get you to the beach at Port Edward where the boat waits for you to launch, at around 07h00.

Each ocean day, you’ll spend around five hours on the water, searching for signs of sardine-related activity, scanning for bird activity or surface splashes that hint at predators below. Depending on the sardine movements, the boat may range far to the south from Port Edward, past Red Sands and even down past Mkambati. The goal is to find the best action on the day — sardine shoals under pressure — and watch as birds, dolphins, sharks, and even whales move into the fray.

When Things Kick Off: When sardine related action is located we move fast. The divemaster and skipper will make a quick assessment of the nature of the activity and will determine whether to enter the water on scuba or with just mask and fins. The activity often moves quickly, so expect to be in and out of the boat several times, sometimes in quick succession. It’s full-on and unpredictable — which is all part of the adventure.

Expect the Unexpected: Some days, the ocean feels like it’s showing off — chaotic feeding frenzies, bait balls, and big predators all around. Other days, it’s quieter, and you’ll need patience. This is wild nature, after all. You might not get the full BBC moment, but most days offer something unforgettable.

After the Ocean: Once you’re back on land, there’s time to relax. Some guests like to unwind, while others head out to explore the South Coast. There’s a lot to see nearby if you’ve got any energy left to spare.

A quick but important note: This is an expedition, not a packaged show. Weather sometimes wins. There are no refunds for no-launch days, however alternatives activities on land can be arranged, and if possible,  for missed sea time will be made up later in the week.