Plongée à Sardine Run — South Africa

South Africa's Sardine Run (June–July) is the ocean's equivalent of the Serengeti wildebeest migration. Billions of sardines move up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, pursued by dolphins, sharks, whales, and diving gannets in chaotic feeding frenzies. It's unpredictable, conditions are rough, but catching a bait ball is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Score
51.9
Visibilité
3–12m
Température
18–22°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July
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World Class
Intermediate
Sardine Run
South AfricaIndian Ocean
51.9

SCORE

-30.8667°N

30.3333°E

South Africa's Sardine Run (June–July) is the ocean's equivalent of the Serengeti wildebeest migration. Billions of sardines move up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, pursued by dolphins, sharks, whales, and diving gannets in chaotic feeding frenzies. It's unpredictable, conditions are rough, but catching a bait ball is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

The Greatest Marine Migration on Earth

Visibility3–12 m
Temperature18–22°C
Max Depth24 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$200
Best MonthsJune, July
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML67.0CH28.0VIS49.0SV25.0TMP56.0DA51.0OP73.0TS60.0GT68.0VAL32.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

67.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
96
Megafauna Encounters
56
Reef Fish Abundance
98
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
50
Marine Life Diversity
67.0
Coral & Reef Health
28.0
Visibility & Conditions
49.0
Dive Site Variety
25.0
Water Temperature
56.0
Depth & Access
51.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
60.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
32.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

pelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Wild Coast hikingwatching sardine run from shorePort St Johns Waterfall Walk

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Wild Coast Xhosa cultural villages

Non-Diver Score

3/10

Dedicated dive destination — not ideal for non-divers.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber300 km — St. Augustine's Hospital Chamber, Durban
Nearest Hospital30 km

Remote Wild Coast — limited medical facilities; helicopter evacuation to Durban for chamber

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Blue Wilderness

PADI

4.8
180 reviewsNITROX

African Watersports

PADI

4.6
120 reviewsNITROX