Sardine Run
The Sardine Run is widely recognised as one of the largest movements of marine life on the planet. As huge shoals of Sardines move north up the South East African coast, feeding on phytoplankton and zooplankton, they in turn attract an incredible number of predators. Huge pods of Common Dolphin work in teams to force the Sardine shoals into ‘bait-balls’, as sardines react to threat by contracting to a defensive mass of swirling sardines often several thousand strong.
These ‘bait-balls’, once formed, act as a magnet for the sharks, other dolphins, game fish and Cape Gannets that follow the Sardines on their North bound journey. The three main predators that feed on the Sardines are the Copper Shark, the Common Dolphin and the Cape Gannet. The run is so important to these last two species that they have even married their breeding cycle in to the super abundance of food provided by the sardines.
This incredible marine event is not only unique in its magnitude but is also, undoubtedly, one of the most spectacular events any diver will witness in their diving career.
The Sardine Run is a natural phenomenon and as such, is subject to its own timetable and agendas. The run begins toward the end of May and can extend into late July, though the movements of the shoals are virtually impossible to forecast.
Dates for the expedition run over the period that historically falls in the middle of the run to maximise the chances of seeing this incredible spectacle.
The dive boats are assisted from the air by a microlight aircraft. The pilot radios sightings of the sardine shoals direct to the dive boats to guide them to the action.
Conditions will vary from glass-like seas to flying through giant rollers in pumping winds. Visibility can vary from 2 to 20 metres and the dive master will determine if it is safe to enter the water if visibility is particularly low.
The reasonably strenuous nature of the diving means the expedition is only suited to experienced, advanced divers and requires a minimum of 50 logged dives.
Water temperatures vary from 15 to 21 degrees Celsius in the winter season. Due to the nature of the diving it is advised that you take your own dive equipment to ensure comfort and ease in the water. A 5mm wetsuit will most often suffice with boots, hood and gloves recommended. A 7mm semi-dry will be appropriate for divers who get cold easily.
