Experience The Greatest Shoal on Earth – The Sardine Run South Africa 🐟

Pods of dolphins danced through silver shoals as the ocean exploded with life — witnessing the Sardine Run South Africa was a thrill I’ll never forget. Every winter, billions of sardines migrate along South Africa’s East Coast in what’s often called Africa’s Greatest Shoal on Earth creating a breathtaking marine migration that rivals the Wildebeest migration on land. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a living, breathing ocean spectacle, this is it.

🐟 What is the sardine run?

Imagine the ocean shimmering with silvery fish as dolphins leap around you, seabirds dive from above, and even whales glide nearby. That’s the Sardine Run. The sardines travel in massive shoals, sometimes stretching for kilometres, following cold-water upwellings that bring nutrients to the surface. Water temperature needs to drop below 21°C for the migration to kick in — which is why timing is everything.

It’s not just a feast for the eyes — it’s a full-on marine drama. Dolphins, whales, and seabirds join the sardines, creating a spectacular display of nature’s choreography. 🐬🐳🐦

Why does the sardine run happen? 

Why the Sardines Migrate: Upwelling is a complex process in oceanography involving the movement of cold, dense, nutrient-rich water driven by the wind. Triggered by cold-water upwellings and reproduction cycles. The shoals come so close to shore that crowds gather to watch, fishers cast their nets, and dolphins, whales, and seabirds join the feast. Water temperature plays a crucial role, and needs to drop below 21°C for the sardine migration to occur, as these fish are known to thrive in cooler waters.

Ocean Drama: Predators and the Shoal 🐋🐟

Whether you’re a diver, photographer, or just a curious traveller, each region offers unique encounters with this spectacular marine phenomenon. KwaZulu-Natal’s mild winter weather and school holidays make it the perfect time to witness the Sardine Run.

🌊 Where to See the Sardine Run in South Africa 👀

The sardines start in the cold Agulhas waters and move north along the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastlines, reaching as far as St Lucia and Mozambique. Here’s a handy guide to prime viewing spots:

Eastern Cape & Wild Coast (May to July)

• Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Mboyti (Transkei)
• Early sightings happen near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London
• Ideal for diving and witnessing thrilling bait balls

Hibiscus Coast & South Coast (KZN) – May to July

• Ramsgate, Shelley Beach, Pennington, Park Rynie, Scottburgh
• Early morning or late afternoon gives the best light and ocean conditions for viewing

Durban & Dolphin Coast – May to July

• Nets are often set by fishermen, creating stunning displays of sardines and marine life
• Watch pods of dolphins weaving through the shoals

KZN North Coast & St Lucia – May to July

• The final stretch before sardines move northward
• Perfect for observing dolphins, and sometimes coinciding with the humpback whale migration 🐋
• Understanding this area helps monitor ecological changes and appreciate local marine biodiversity

The spectacle attracts pods of dolphins, and even coincides with the Humpback whale migration 🐋— making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Sardine Netting: A Local Tradition 🐟

During the Sardine Run, experienced fishermen set their nets close to shore, a tradition supporting local families for generations. Commercial fishermen, pilots, and the KZN Sharks Board work together to monitor sardine shoals, which helps them time the deployment of nets effectively.

Safety Considerations & Shark Nets 🦈

• During the Sardine Run, large predators often follow the shoals.
• KZN Sharks Board temporarily lifts shark nets; some beaches may restrict swimming.
• Always check local updates before entering the water.

⚓ While sardine netting is a spectacular tradition, it’s not without risks. Tragically, during the 2024 KZN Sardine Run, a boat capsized at Umgababa, and one fisherman lost his life — a sobering reminder of the dangers these skilled crews face. 🚤🐟

Dolphins, Whales & Other Spectacles 🐬🐳🐋🐦

The Sardine Run brings the ocean to life:

• Dolphins patrol the coast in huge pods, working together to hunt sardines.
• Orcas, and even Killer whales may appear, their powerful presence awe-inspiring.
• Humpback whales migrate up the East Coast from June to January – some females reach 12m!
• Southern Right Whales and Bryde’s Whales also grace the waters.
• Cape Gannets who are renowned for their dive-bombing skills.
• Cormorants, Terns and Seagulls: Often seen in large flocks, they feed on sardines.
• African Penguins are sometimes present in the water during the run.
• Yellow-nosed Albatrosses & Skuas also take advantage of the abundant food supply.

➡️ Don’t miss, Where to see the best spots for whale watching in South Africa! 🐳

Other Baitfish Species & Mini-Migrations 🐟

The Sardine Run isn’t just about sardines. These tiny fish attract predators, creating a dynamic, chaotic, and breathtaking underwater spectacle. Other baitfish undertake their own mini-migrations simultaneously and include the following:

• Anchovies
• Sugar mackerel
• Red-eye herring
• East Coast herring
• Sauri

Diving the Sardine Run South Africa 🤿

✨ The Sardine Run South Africa isn’t just a migration, it’s one of our God Almighty’s greatest nature shows, and a major bucket-list experience for any diver, and ocean lover. With every breathtaking moment → billions of sardines move in perfect harmony with dolphins, seabirds, and whales, and is an experience that stays with you forever. 🐟💙

🏖️🐾 Want to explore the Province of KwaZulu-Natal like a local?
👉 From the Hibiscus Coast → South Coast, all the must-see spots 📸 visit my Comprehensive KZN Travel Guide.

Tips for Experiencing the Sardine Run 🤿

• Timing: Winter months (June–July) are best.
• Safety: Check beach restrictions due to lifted shark nets. 🛶
• Accommodation: Stay nearby in Port St Johns or along the Wild Coast for early sightings.
• Bring: Binoculars, waterproof gear, and a camera to capture the fleeting action.
• Diving: Book with reputable dive operators; every day is a new adventure.

How to Get to KwaZulu Natal South Coast

Currently, two airlines offer flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Durban South Coast. The average one-way flight duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Flights to Durban from Cape Town take 2 hours and 5 minutes. Another option is to fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Margate Airport on the South Coast in Margate.

• ✈️ For the best Flights to Durban from Johannesburg or any of the above, compare tickets between Travelstart and CheapOair.
• 🚗 Make your trip stress-free – the perfect car rental for your adventure is just a click away with DiscoverCars.
• 🚐 Shuttle service Durban Airport transfer to South Coast and/or Durban Shuttle to Margate South Coast.

⭐ You might like to check out the following related posts:

• 🏖️ Explore more of this warm-water paradise with my South Coast Guide, covering top beach towns, and top attractions.
• 🌊 From Margate to Port Edward, the Hibiscus Coast Guide covers the best beaches, activities, and seaside towns.
• 👉 Want to experience the best of the entire KwaZulu-Natal region, do not miss out on the Ultimate Guide to KwaZulu Natal-Province.

Where to Stay

Accommodations on the South Coast vary greatly, from camping to staying in a lush beach bungalow or a fancy hotel. Here are our suggestions on the best hostels and hotels to help you determine the best places to stay.

My Pick of Booking Resources

Plan a trip soon? The following Companies consistently offer the best deals and excellent customer service, and are the only ones I use for travel deals.

• For the Best Flight deals and frequent specials, book Qatar, Travelstart, or CheapOair.
• Book the best hotels and other accommodations with Klook
• For Hostel and budget rooms, book with Hostelworld.
• Book the best Trips and tours with GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook and G Adventures.
• Car rental options for every need: book with Discover Cars.
• Most importantly, book Travel Insurance with SafetyWing.

Citation Source

Sardine run. (2024, June 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardine_run; The Ocean’s Greatest Feast | About | Nature | PBS; Sardine run – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardine_run; Citation: “This article has been polished using Grammarly’s AI tool.”