FAQ

  • Once a year, billions of Sardines migrate up the east coast of South Africa to spawn. The Sardine Run is believed to be the biggest migration of animals on Earth, and creates a massive feeding event that includes multiple species of whale, dolphin, shark, as well as game fish, seals and birds. When various elements align, divers get to experience all of this on a Sardine Run expedition.

  • It takes place between Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) and Durban (Kwazulu Natal). Our expeditions are based out of Chintsa, just north of East London in the Eastern Cape.

  • Usually for around six weeks between May and July, with each year being slightly different. Our trip in 2025 is organised from 8 until 15 June – right in the centre of this window, in order to help guarantee the best action.

  • No. The Sardine Run is a completely natural and often unpredictable event that requires the alignment of several natural forces. We use all of our experience to maximise chances of major action, but nothing can be guaranteed. However, when it all comes together, the opportunities to experience marine wildlife can be life-altering.

General Information

Diving Requirements

  • No, the Sardine Run is often best experienced on snorkel, and you don’t even need to be a particularly good freediver, as most of the action is relatively shallow. Many people enjoy the Sardine Run by simply staying on the boat.

  • Most of the Sardine Run is best experienced on snorkel, with very little experience necessary. However, if using scuba, then one should have a t least a PADI Advanced / BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent qualification, as much of our diving is in open ocean with almost no depth reference points. Most important is that participants are relatively fit and healthy, as there is a lot of getting in and out of the water required from a semi-inflatable boat.

  • Minimum age is 16, as days on the boat can be long and, sometimes, arduous.

  • Yes, many people enjoy the Sardine Run purely from the boat. Snorkelling is also an ideal way to enjoy the Sardine Run. For the optional Cape Town leg, all diving is on scuba, but non-diver packages are available for partners who may not dive.

Trip Details

  • Our Sardine Run packages are seven nights long, with six days at sea (or five days at sea with a rest day that includes a selection of land-based activities).

  • Our Sardine Run package includes accommodation, all meals while in Chintsa (catered to personal dietary requirements), transfers, boats, guides, cylinders, weights, most rest day activities. Details of other packages can be found under “Rates” for each expedition on our “Upcoming Expeditions” page.

  • Up to four species of whale, three species of dolphin, numerous species of shark, seals, game fish, penguins and other marine birds.

  • We ordinarily launch at around 8 am, and return between 2 pm and 4 pm (depending on weather, sea condition, etc.)

Safety

  • Yes, our guides and divemasters are highly experienced, and ensure that participants are properly briefed and managed during dives. 

  • There is access to helicopter airlifting and recompression chamber treatment in the nearby city of Port Elizabeth. However, all divers must have comprehensive dive insurance in place before they arrive.

  • If conditions are not considered to be safe or comfortable, the skipper may cancel a day’s safari. In this case, alternative land-based activities are included in the cost of the package.

Gear and Equipment

  • We recommend you do, except for tanks and weights. However, dive gear can be hired if necessary (only by pre-arrangement).

  • A 5 mm open cell wetsuit is ideal, as it provides the necessary balance between warmth and all-day comfort.

  • You will need a warm sailing jacket (or dry robe) for the early morning launches. As the day heats up, however, you will need plenty of sunscreen and a sun hat. Seasickness can ruin your experience and, as much of our time is spent in the open ocean, we recommend that you bring seasickness medication – even only as a precaution.

Booking and Payment

  • Fill in the enquiry form on the ‘Contact’ page of www.saltdiving.com. We will then be in touch with you via email and/or phone to talk through the details.

  • Different trips have different requirements. On all trips, a deposit will need to be made, followed by further payment tranches. Please request more information when enquiring about your specific trip.

  • Refunds can range between 0% and 100% depending on when a cancellation is made, and on the particular trip. Details pertaining to your trip will be given before any monies are paid or received.

  • All flights from abroad should be booked into and out of Cape Town International Airport because our domestic flights will be booked from there too. You may travel into and out of Cape Town as early (before the expedition) or as late (after the expedition) as you wish, provided you are available to make your domestic flights – which are limited. We are more than happy to advise further.

  • Yes, and this is included in the price of our expeditions.

  • Yes, dive insurance is mandatory, as we’ll be operating out of some fairly remote areas that would require an airlift in the event of a diving emergency. Travel insurance is also highly recommended to cover your gear and other travel arrangements.

Travel Logistics

Environmental Concerns

  • It is eco-friendly in that consideration is always given to minimising our impact on the Sardine Run migration and the environment in general. Also, our hosts in Chintsa (Sean and Sal Pryce) are highly involved in, and committed to, uplifting their local community.

  • Unlike some other operators, we work within the limits of local environmental laws. For example, we choose to respect the mandatory distances between our boat and any whales that we may encounter.

  • Like us, simply respect local laws – even if it means sometimes not getting as close to certain cetaceans as you may wish. Your sightings will almost certainly be brilliant anyway.

Special Requests

  • Yes, absolutely. In the past we have accommodated vegans, vegetarians, and members who are gluten and lactose intolerant. It is our aim to make you as comfortable and happy as we possibly can.

  • Certainly. If you wish to charter a boat for the week that accommodates only your party, you are more than welcome to do so. Rates for doing so can be discussed personally; simply make an enquiry on the ‘Contact’ page of our website.

  • Of course! The Sardine Run is a paradise for photographers and videographers, and we would be more than happy to help recommend any particular equipment or equipment set-ups that have proven fruitful on previous expeditions.