Sardine Run East London

Sardine Run East London: As a sardine run location, East London has many advantages. Serviced by a modern domestic airport the sardine run packages from East London are by far the most easily accessible. The southerly location also means that East London experiences sardine related activity earlier than other areas on the Wildcoast, so clients looking at dates in May and June are best accommodated.

For this Sardine Run East London option we will be based at Areena River Resort adjacent to the pristine Kwelera River coastal forest reserve. 

Our location is a mere 40 min road transfer from East London Airport. On arrival clients will settle in meet their crew and prepare for the next day’s action. The divemaster and skipper will have the latest information on where and what the sardine run action has been recently and will be able to brief and plan for the next days adventure accordingly.

Sardine run action: The excitement starts early as you board the boat just after sunrise and venture downriver from the lodge to the river mouth. Life jackets are then issued for the launch through high energy surf zone. Your highly experienced skipper will bring you safely to the back-line where we rest briefly and recuperate after an exhilarating ride through the breakers.

Our objective for the day is to locate shoals of sardines to view the feeding activity of dolphins, birds, seals sharks and whales. Once sardine activity has been found we assess each situation and decide on site how best to approach. Often the action is fast and furious so it’s important to be ready at all times.  

This is a freedive only package. There is no scuba option on this charter. Entering the water on snorkel allows for faster response time and means you have a better chance of success with fast moving action.

Clients are asked to adhere to the safe diving protocols and instructions from their divemaster and Skipper.

Should the action stabilise into a bait-ball, the skipper and divemaster will decide how many clients can enter the water at the same time, based on the size of the baitball, sea conditions and animal behavior on the day.

The sardine run 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.

Our boat: For this package our boat is an 8m Superduck with 2 x 115 Suzuiki 4 stroke engines, licensed to 40NM offshore – she has the range, power and space to deliver an uncompromising sardine run experience. Your skipper is highly experienced surf launch skipper, a member of the NSRI (National Sea Rescue) and a Level 3 first aid provider.

Areena River Lodge: Located on the banks of the Kwelera River among unspoiled indigenous forest, Areena River Lodge is the perfect place to kick back and relax after a long day at sea.

Accommodation options: This sardine run package has the most flexible accommodation options. Choose between superior timber chalets, double en-suite rooms, rondavels and well serviced camping with 4 star ablutions and communal facilities.

Meal Plans: Meals are not included in this package. A packed lunch with drinks and snacks is provided on all sea days. All accommodation has self-catering facilities and the on-site restaurant is open for evening meals. Dinner Bed and Breakfast packages can be arranged with the lodge in advance. Otherwise the skipper and crew are always keen to make a fire and cook with you under the sky!

Afternoon Activities Areena River Lodge: Nested in pristine coastal dune forest the lodge is a paradise for nature lovers. The birdlife along the river banks is spectacular so photographers will want to  get those long lenses out. Areena River Lodge offers a huge variety of adventure activities, including river kayaking, archery, zip lining and quad bike safaris, so you may wish to book some extra nights to enjoy them all.

The lodge plays and vital role bringing income and jobs to the local community and the Sardine Run is a very important part of the local tourism industry. Activities offered by the 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 can be done on site.