KwaZulu-Natal / Eastern Cape dive sites

The Sardine Run is an annual migration of billions of South African sardines along the country's eastern coast from the Eastern Cape toward KwaZulu-Natal. Driven by cold water currents, the sardines move northward in massive shoals that attract virtually every predator in the ocean. Common dolphins herd sardines into dense bait balls near the surface, which are then attacked by sharks, Bryde's whales, and diving Cape gannets simultaneously, creating feeding frenzies of a scale unmatched anywhere else on Earth.

The Sardine Run is an annual event but its timing, location, and intensity vary significantly from year to year depending on water temperatures and current patterns. Some years produce spectacular surface action with multiple bait balls daily, while others see the sardines running deeper or further offshore where they are less accessible. Most operators run trips of 5 to 7 days to maximize chances of encountering the action. June and early July are typically the peak period, but exact dates shift annually.

The Sardine Run involves entering open water with multiple shark species in an active feeding situation, which carries inherent risks. Bronze whaler sharks, blacktip sharks, and dusky sharks are the primary species involved, and they can be aggressive during feeding. Most interactions are via snorkeling rather than scuba diving, as the action occurs near the surface. Experienced guides position participants carefully to minimize risk while maximizing encounters. The activity is not suitable for inexperienced open-water swimmers.