🇿🇦 South African Sardine Run Expedition - 1 week INSIDE a nature documentary 🐬

Cape Town, South Africa

Mdumbi, Eastern Cape, South Africa

From Jul 5, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026

Trip Details

1 week of an exclusive, small-group ocean expedition for freedivers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts! If you love the ocean, this trip is for you.

WHAT IS THE SARDINE RUN?

Each year, the waters off South Africa’s Wild Coast transform into one of the planet’s most dramatic natural events. Billions of sardines migrate along the Wild Coast, making it one of the largest animal migrations on the planet. It attracts a diverse range of predators, from dolphins and sharks to whales and seabirds - all converging in a feeding spectacle few ever witness up close.

The Sardine Run remains one of the least predictable and most spectacular events on earth. Each day, ocean conditions, currents, and predator behavior determine what you’ll encounter. You’ll spend your days following the pulse of the sea - sometimes waiting, sometimes immersed in pure chaos and raw nature beauty.

HOW WE RUN THIS TRIP

Each week is limited to 7 guests, creating a focused, small-group experience.

We partner with a trusted local dive operator with extensive experience running ocean expeditions along the Wild Coast. Their skilled skippers, dive crews, and wildlife spotters bring a deep understanding of the area’s conditions and marine life, ensuring safety, precision, and ethical wildlife encounters. Launches take place from a rare, easy-access site, a significant advantage on this otherwise rugged coastline.

Weather permitting, the expedition offers up to 6 full days on the water, often spending extended hours at sea when conditions allow, to follow the movement of marine life safely and respectfully.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

This trip is designed for ocean enthusiasts with a strong comfort level in open water.

Non-divers are welcome to join the expedition, as most activity takes place at the surface while snorkeling. Certification isn’t required, though basic freediving ability and comfort in open water are helpful. The crew provides daily safety briefings and in-water guidance, but strong swimming skills are essential. You should be comfortable swimming in open ocean and able to climb back onto a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) from the water.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

We spend long days at sea - typically up to 7-8 hours - fully exposed to the elements. Expect sun, wind, and occasional spray, and bring sunscreen, a windbreaker, hat, sunglasses, and a buff. Ocean conditions vary, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication.

Water temperatures range from 16–22°C, and we recommend at least a 5mm wetsuit with a hood. Long-blade freediving fins are ideal for staying with fast-moving action.

Our base, Mdumbi, is a remote coastal village with no shops or facilities, so bring all personal essentials. Evenings can be cool in the South African winter (June), with land temperatures around 14–21°C — pack warm clothing for nights.

WHICH ANIMAL WILL YOU SEE?

The Sardine Run offers a wide range of marine wildlife encounters, though sightings vary depending on ocean conditions and timing.

Very likely (90–100%) – Common & bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, humpback whales, bronze whaler, dusky & spinner sharks, Cape gannets, Cape cormorants, seabirds, and loggerhead turtles.

Occasional (around 30%) – Humpback dolphins, southern right whales, Cape fur seals, African penguins, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and shy or black-browed albatross.

Rare (around 1%) – Orca, whale sharks, great white, tiger & bull sharks, sunfish (mola mola), blue marlin, and oceanic manta rays.

Each day on the water is different - some calm and patient, others filled with fast-moving action.

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

The Wild Coast is highly weather-dependent, and launch decisions are made daily by the skipper for safety. We plan for six potential ocean days, adjusting the schedule when conditions require. On non-diveable days, we arrange alternative activities suited to the group - such as kayaking, scenic walks and coastal hikes, or visits to nearby villages to experience the local culture and landscape.

IS IT SAFE?

The Sardine Run is a professionally operated marine wildlife expedition, conducted in collaboration with experienced local captains and guides who work in these conditions every season. Safety is our top priority, and all activities are planned around weather, sea conditions, and participant ability.

That said, the expedition takes place in the open ocean and involves inherent risks, including variable sea conditions, currents, boat transfers, and interaction with wild marine animals. While we follow strict safety protocols and adapt plans as needed, no open-water wildlife experience can be entirely risk-free.

Participants must be confident swimmers, follow all guide instructions, and carry appropriate travel insurance. By joining the expedition, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks as part of a unique and natural ocean experience.

IS THE SARDINE RUN GUARANTEED?

No wildlife encounter can ever be guaranteed. The Sardine Run is a natural, unpredictable event. What we can promise is an experienced team, optimal timing, and full days on the water, maximizing the chance to witness it.

Accommodation

We will stay 7 nights at Eco Swell Lodge in Mdumbi on the Eastern coast of South Africa. It's a private ocean-view base reserved exclusively for our group. Each guest has their own king-bed chalet with a private bathroom, offering comfort and privacy after long days at sea. There is a pool and the beach at a river is closeby. You are surrounded by the most beautiful nature of the South African Wild Coast. It is a very safe area with some villages and friendly locals closeby. All meals are provided here. You will even get a massage!

INCLUDED