Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Location/Type
South Africa / Land Based
Tour type
Snorkel and Scuba
Diving Type
Bait Balls
ABOUT THE TRIP
Witness the Greatest Shoal on Earth
Picture the Serengeti’s Great Migration — except it unfolds beneath the waves. Every winter along South Africa’s remote Wild Coast, billions of sardines surge northward in a shimmering silver current, triggering one of the ocean’s wildest feeding frenzies. Super-pods of dolphins numbering in the thousands round the shoal into churning bait balls. Cape Gannets dive-bomb from the sky. Sharks slice through the chaos from below. And humpback, southern right, and Bryde’s whales cruise the same migration highway, often breaching within view of the boat.
This is raw, unscripted ocean drama — and for six days, you’ll be right in the middle of it.
The Experience
Based in the tiny coastal village of Mpame, deep in the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, this expedition puts you on agile rapid-deployment boats built to chase the action the moment it breaks. Days start early, with eyes on the horizon for diving birds and boiling water — the telltale signs a bait ball has formed. When it happens, you’re in the water fast, snorkeling or diving right at the edge of the frenzy as dolphins, sharks, and thousands of sardines swirl around you.
No cages, no scripts — just open water and one of the most electric wildlife encounters on the planet. Even on quieter days, the migration route rarely disappoints: humpback whales breaching, super-pods of common dolphins stretching for miles, and gannets working the sky overhead.
Why This Trip
Sardine Run bait balls are chaotic and fleeting — some form and dissolve again within minutes. Getting there fast, and being ready the second it happens, is everything. This expedition is built around exactly that: small groups, quick water entries, and a crew focused entirely on getting you into the heart of the action rather than watching it from a distance.
If you’ve ever wanted a single trip that delivers whales, dolphin super-pods, sharks, and seabird spectacle in one wild week — this is it.
Join the Apex Ocean Travel family and embark on an epic adventure to witness one of the top marine predation events on the planet!
Payment Schedule:
50% deposit to secure spot
Balance due by April 1 2027
Book Now: info@apexoceantravel.com
$4700
Special Offer
Free Video Package
Book your spot!
Contact Us Today
Trip Leader
Michael Pizzi
Itinerary
Know More about the days
The 7 days / 6 nights itinerary is designed for guests to have 5 full water days comfortable accommodations to unwind at after long sea days.
Day 1
Arrival
- Land transfers from either (UTT) or (ELS) domestic airports.
- Check into accommodations
- Dive briefing at 6pm
Day 2-6
Safaris
- Full day open ocean safaris looking for wildlife
Day 7
Departure
- Check out of accommodations
- Land transfers back to airport
- Accommodation (Fully Catered – Breakfast, Boat Snacks, Light Lunch on return & Dinner
- Experienced Dive Master & Skipper & Fuel
- Sardine Run Boat Days (Including boat snacks)
- Cylinder & Weights Included
- Shared aerial information
- Pictures and Videos of the experience
- Flights
- Trip Insurance
- Dive Insurance
- Land Transfers
- Rental Gear
- Taxes
- Gratuities
Wildlife and Vessel
Accommodations
$4700
About the Operator
The Sardine Run rewards speed, skill, and local knowledge — which is exactly why we partner with a boutique dive and charter team that has built its reputation on exactly those strengths.
Their fleet of agile 8-meter rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) is purpose-built for this event, powered by twin 100hp outboards for rapid direction changes and the low gunwales needed for fast, safe water entries the instant a bait ball breaks. When the action is here one minute and gone the next, that speed and maneuverability make all the difference between watching from a distance and being right in the middle of it.
Behind the wheel are skippers with decades of experience reading bird activity, current lines, and water color to predict where the shoal will surface — a skill that goes well beyond GPS. Paired with dive masters focused on safety and positioning, the crew keeps every guest oriented, informed, and ready to move the moment conditions call for it.
At Apex Ocean Divers, we go beyond ordinary tours. Every expedition is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence in the water, and connect you with the ocean in ways that are meaningful, thrilling, and unforgettable. We combine expertise, innovation, and respect for the sea to turn every trip into a true discovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
Guests will fly into and out of Johannesburg International Airport (JNB), and then connect through a domestic flight to either Mthatha (UTT) or East London (ELS).
Do I need a scuba certification to join this tour?
No, as this tour is mainly snorkel/freedive tour, there is no certification necessary. For certified divers, there may be opportunities to scuba if conditions allow. All guests should be strong open ocean swimmers.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should feel comfortable swimming in rough open ocean conditions without touching the bottom.
What marine life can I expect to see?
Wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. However, South Africa is one of the best places in the world for pelagic encounters. Common sightings include whales, dolphins, sharks, tuna and birds. Every day is different – that’s the beauty of the open ocean!
What dive gear is recommended?
This is a winter event. Water temperatures generally range from 14°C to 20°C (57°F – 68°F). We strongly recommend a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit with a hood. An open cell suit will keep you warmer. A Drysuit is not recommended as it is too bulky in the water and could slow you down. Gloves and booties or socks are a must. We spend long hours at sea, so windbreakers and warm clothing for the boat are essential.
Do you take photos or videos during the tour?
Yes! Your trip leader will be taking photos and videos during your experience so you can focus on being in the moment.
Will I get seasick?
What should I bring?
Wetsuit and Exposure Protection
- 5mm or 7mm wetsuit with hood (a hood is essential — water temps run 14–20°C / 57–68°F)
- Wetsuit gloves
- Dive booties or thick neoprene socks
- Rash vest or thermal base layer to wear under your wetsuit
- Note: drysuits are not recommended — the bulk can slow you down in fast-moving water
Snorkeling / Diving Gear
- Mask and snorkel (bring your own for the best fit)
- Fins (freediving)
- Weight belt or harness, if you prefer your own over rental
- Defog for your mask
- Save-a-dive kit (spare mask strap, fin straps, o-rings)
- Dive certification card, if diving
On the Boat
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket — essential for cold, spray-heavy rides
- Warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) to wear over your wetsuit between water entries
- Sunglasses with a retention strap
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Motion sickness remedy, if you’re prone to seasickness
- Dry bag for personal items on the boat