Experience the Sardine Run with us! - Twobar Scuba

Experience the Sardine Run with us!

What is the Sardine Run and what to expect

The Sardine Run is also known as “The greatest shoal on Earth” and in terms of biomass it is
estimated that the Sardine run could rival East Africa’s great wildebeest migration that takes
place on the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains of Africa. It’s the largest marine migration on
the planet and it is still not fully understood.

It is an Ocean Based Safari and the experience of a lifetime for snorkelers, divers and
photographers alike. It is a natural phenomenon and anything can happen on any given
day. It is a totally wild and unpredictable real African event. If you are serious to experience
the Sardine run the best way is from a boat.

Aside from sardines there are 5 or 6 species of baitfish migrating at the same time.
(Anchovies, sugar mackerel, redeye herring, East coast herring, Sauri & a few more) These
attract predators in all shapes and sizes and this creates an incredible natural mayhem and
action at a very fast moving pace. Some of the above species have a tendency to “ball” as a
defensive strategy, as sardines do, while others just scatter and create chaos.

You may see huge pods of dolphin and numerous species of sharks. At the same time we
have the annual Humpback whale migration. They can be spotted daily moving north in
small family groups or pairs. A huge variety of oceanic birdlife arrive in their thousands. This
include the well-known Cape Gannet, Albatross, Petrels, Cormorants and Terns and all dive
bomb the bait balls and schools of fish on the surface.

The Sardine run takes place on the Wild Coast or Pondoland coast of South Africa. The Wild
coast has a breathtaking and dramatic coastline of cliffs, waterfalls and secluded beaches.
Port St Johns is situated on the eastern seaboard of South Africa about 400km south of
Durban. Port St Johns is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle.

It perches alongside the massive Umzimvubu River which has carved its way through the
ancient rocks leaving two 300 meter ramparts towering on either side.

On a typical day at sea these schools of fish are constantly on the move. Indicating that the
predators are feeding on bait such as Sauri and halfbeak, which have a tendency to move
fast, scatter and just generally create chaos. The only way to take advantage of this is to
jump in, and watch the action pass by, jump back onto the boat and do it all over again.

There is often no time to don scuba and we then take advantage of it by jumping in on
snorkel. This can go on for days and can be very tiring. But rest assured that each time you
jump in, it can be your opportunity to see or photograph something phenomenal.

A stationary bait ball can last anything from a few minutes up to a few hours. These “balls”
can appear at any time and this is what everyone looks and hopes for. This occurs when the
common dolphin start feeding on baitfish such as Redeye herring, anchovy, and sugar
mackerel which have a tendency to ball as a strategic defence.

The dolphins “herd” the ball and bring it to the surface using their speed and ability to blow
bubbles whilst other predators such as sharks and sea birds attack from above and below.
This static bait ball allows you enough time to don scuba equipment and dive in with a front
row seat the most incredible marine action on Earth.

 It is difficult to describe the excitement of the Common and Bottlenose dolphins that hunt
the sardines. Cape Gannets, Albatross and other sea birds dive into the shoals from great
heights. Humpback, Southern Right and Brydes Whales can also be seen in pursuit of this

moving feast. Below the surface, the action continues with Copper, Dusky, Blacktip,
Whitetip, Bronze Whaler and Zambezi sharks.

The Sardine run is a natural phenomenon that normally happens from the second week of
June to the middle of July. Join us and experience the sardine run with an open mind. It is
one of the most amazing marine experiences in the world and most go away with special
and lasting memories.

                             Why do the Sardines migrate?

Sardines have a short life cycle of 2-3 years. Spawning takes place in the spring and summer
months off the Southern Cape on the Agulhas Banks. Each females release tens of
thousands of eggs into water, which are then fertilized by the males. The eggs drift with the
current in a westerly and then northerly direction, into the nutrient rich waters off the
South African west coast. The larva mature and develop into juvenile fish which congregate
into dense shoals and migrate southwards, returning to the Agulhas Banks in order to
complete their life cycle.

During the South African winter months of June to August, the penetration of cooler water
eastwards along the Eastern Cape coast towards Port St Johns, expands the habitat for the
sardines. Sardines are typically found in water between 14 °C and 20 °C. Sardines group
together when they are threatened. This instinctual behaviour is a defence mechanism, as
lone individuals are more likely to be eaten than large groups.

It is likely that a cool north flowing current, inshore off the warm Agulhas current (that flows
southwards), can be one of the factors responsible for the large shoals of sardines along the
coast of Port St Johns.

This cool band of water inshore is critical to the Run. If the water is too warm (> 20 °C) the
sardines will remain in the cooler water further south or move further offshore and at
greater depths where the water is cooler.

Itinerary for the Sardine Run Ocean Safari

Day 1: Arrive at King Shaka International airport in Durban. At 12h00 we transfer from the
airport on a scenic road transfer to Port St Johns. It is a 5 to 6 hour road transfer which we
complete during the day as travelling at night is not advisable due to stray animals,
pedestrians etc on the road. On arrival in Port St Johns we will have a full briefing.

Day 2 to 6: Full days at sea (Weather permitting). Breakfast is from 06h00. We transfer to
the dive boat for a 7h30 launch for the days sardine activity. We spend the day searching for
sardines. Depending on the Sardine activity, we return to Post St Johns and the guest house
at about 15h00. The rest of the afternoon is free and dinner is served at 19h00. On the days
that we can not go to sea, due to bad weather, we will arrange for land-based activities.
Accommodation is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. A packed lunch and refreshments is
included on the sea days on the boat.

Day 7: After an early breakfast you depart for the 5 to 6 hour road transfer to King Shaka
International airport in Durban.

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Important notes/ additional information:

The action can be incredibly fast paced and chaotic at times, and a certain level of fitness is
required to thoroughly enjoy each and every encounter. Any in water activity must be
undertaken by those reasonably comfortable in the water.

Due to our typical African surf launch and beaching of our boats, along with the possibility of
uncomfortable and choppy sea conditions at times, we do not advise that those with limited
mobility or frailty take part in boat activities of this nature.

Please note that on a Sardine Run Expedition most of the “diving” (approx 80%) is on
snorkel as the shoals move fast and there is not enough time to don scuba gear to follow
the action. Only when there is a “static bait ball” there may be time to don on scuba gear.
Most of the action takes place on the surface up to a depth of 10 meters. This is a Marine
Ocean Safari as most of the action can be viewed from the boat, and on snorkel.

If it is a slow day and all clients agree, a reef dive can be a nice diversion and a chance to
blow bubbles.

What to bring on the boat each day:

      Sun protection i.e. hat, sunglasses & sun block

      Warm and waterproof jacket

      Waterproof bag for your towel and anything you wish to bring onto the boat (space
       is limited so please choose something relatively small)

      Camera, video equipment, binoculars (in a waterproof bag)

      Sea sick tablets (If necessary)

Our boats:

Our boats are 8.5m Superducks powered by 2 x 100hp 4 stroke Yamaha outboards.

Each vessel is licensed to carry 12 passengers including skipper and guide, to ensure your
comfort we limit our carrying capacity to a maximum of 8 clients.

Our boats are certified by SAMSA and carry all required safety equipment including oxygen,
trauma kits and communication devices.

Our crew:

Our team has the experience and knowledge to make sure your Sardine run safari is an
incredible experience. We have are highly experienced skippers and dive guides with many
years of experience with the Run. We want to ensure your safety and to make your trip as
informative and enjoyable as possible.

Weather and Sea Conditions

The best weather and sea conditions on the Wild coast happen to be during the South
African winter months. A little rain and overcast conditions can be expected on some days,
though normally good weather prevails.

Sea conditions can change from calm to rough. We put safety first and our crew decisions at
sea are based on your safety at all times.

The air temperature ranges between 14 to 25 ºC (58 to 76 ºF) and it is often colder at night.

Water temperature ranges between 15 to 22ºC (59 to 71 ºF)

Visibility ranges from 2 to 30m. As a safety precaution, in water activities are only
conducted in conditions with visibility of more than 5m.

Notes for divers

Divers will be asked to produce their certification cards as well as logbooks and sign
indemnities on arrival at Port St Johns and prior to taking part in any ocean activity.

Checkout dives will be done on the first day and prior to any sightings taking place. This is
for your own safety and comfort, also to enable you to tweak your equipment and to
familiarize yourself with local conditions ahead of all the action. When we join the action
there is little or no time to tweak your gear.

Gear Hire

All gear has to be pre-booked. We encourage you to bring your own wetsuit, mask, snorkel,
fins, BCD and regulators. We however do have a full range of equipment for rental.

Rental: Per item @ R 65.00 per item and for full equipment @ R 325.00 per day.

Cylinders and weight belts will be supplied. We make use of 10 & 12ltr steel dive cylinders.

With water temperatures between 14 – 22 ºC, a wetsuit thickness of 5 – 7 mm with hood,
booties and gloves are recommended for this time of year.

It is advisable to bring your own SMB (surface marker buoy) to keep inside your BCD pocket.

Rinsing and drying facilities will be available on site.

                                      Travel Information

Our 16 seater Quantum transfer bus will depart from Durban Airport at midday on the
following dates 19th/25th June & 1st / 7th of July 2020. Transfer by road on a scenic drive to
Port St Johns

The transfer back to Durban will leave early from Port St Johns on the last morning of each
safari.

All international flights to/from South Africa arrive and leave from Durban, Cape Town or
Johannesburg. Various regional internal flights are available to all the other airports in South
Africa.

Please book your departure flights for after 16h00 from Durban if you are transferring with
us from Port St Johns.

There is also a SAA Airlink flight from JHB to Umtata. A one way road transfer from Umtata
to Port St Johns is R1500 per person.

Sardine Run 2020 Pricing

6 nights/5 sea days (leaving on day 7)            R31 750.00 pp sharing

Includes:

      6 night’s accommodation in Port St Johns in a beach front guest house per person
       sharing.

      Road transfers from Durban airport to PSJ and back to Durban airport

      Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

      Packed boat lunch and refreshments for the 5 sea days.

      5 Ocean Days (weather permitting).

      Cylinder and air fillsWeights/Belts.

      Dive permit to dive within the Pondoland Marine Reserve.

      Experienced Sardine Run skipper, guide, boat and fuel.

      Shared spotter plane

Excludes:

      Airfares and airport taxes.

      Passports/visas.

      Drinks and all items of a personal nature.

      Lunch and all alcoholic drinks.

      Diver/travel and medical insurance.

      Dive gear rental.

      Additional land based activities.

      Staff gratuities.

      All flights and other road transfers

      All extra tours, activities and add-ons

      All equipment except weight belt, weights and cylinder.

Shorter stay: 4nights /3 sea days (The dates must fall between our safari dates listed below)

               R20 750.00 per person sharing excluding transfers

               R22 350.00 single occupancy

               R10 200.00 non diver – land based

Join our boat on our sea days for the day only R3800 per day (subject to availability)

For an extra night accommodation - R1500 per person sharing. Dinner, bed and breakfast -
subject to availability

**** Group incentives are available for groups of 6 or more paying divers ****

                           Sardine Run Ocean Safari - Dates
               Safari 1       19 - 25 June 2020

               Safari 2       25 June – 1 July 2020

               Safari 3       1 July – 7 July 2020

               Safari 4       7 – 13 July 2020

Booking Conditions

      A 20% non-refundable and not transferable deposit is payable when making a
       booking.

      Full payment/balance 60 days before start

      Bookings are non-transferable.

      No refund less than 30 days before the start of the safari.

      All extras have to be settled the night before departure.

      Payment can be done by EFT or by credit card (Visa)

      No refunds or credits will be given due to unsafe weather conditions, if the client
       decides not go out on the boat for any reason or for any circumstances not under
       our control.

                                     Extra Excursions

We can arrange a number of land activities for the afternoons and for non-divers.
      Horse riding
     Micro light
     Visit Silaka Reserve
     Visit Magwa and other waterfalls
     Sunset river cruise
Please enquire for more details and pricing.

                                Optional Scuba add-ons

      Shark and reef dives at Aliwal Shoal (Umkomaas)

      Sodwana Bay dives at one of the top ten scuba diving destinations in the world.

This can be arranged either prior to the start of your Sardine Run Safari or immediately
following it. We will arrange the dives including accommodation and transfers.

Contact us for more information.

Accommodation
Sea Castle Guest House

This beach front house has 5 spacious bedrooms and can sleep up to fifteen people. Three
of these bedrooms are en suite and two are serviced by a separate beautiful bathroom.

Flanked by another two bedrooms, the sun deck stretches outward, soaking up the wild
coast sun. The premises are secure and have an assistant in attendance on the premises.
The guest house is within 50 meters from the shoreline.

Accommodation is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis with packed boat lunches on our sea
days.

Keyser's Cottage

The cottage provides accommodation for up to 6 people. Relax on balmy summer evenings
with the sounds of rolling breakers a mere fifty metres from your front door. You cannot
find a better way to relax.

Accommodation is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis with packed boat lunches on our sea
days.

Experience the amazing Sardine Run with Deep Blue Safaris!

       For more info, questions and your bookings contact

           Rika +27 791165084 or Eve +27 833819246

          or mail us Deepbluesafaris2020@gmail.com