Sundive in collaboration with Shark Explorers South Africa are excited to offer an amazing trip to the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’
GENERAL INFORMATION
Join Sundive’s marine biologist David Robinson and underwater photographer Simone Caprodossi together with the amazing team from Shark Explorers South Africa’s Sardine Run!
Nine days on the water with a group of 8 guests per boat. A spotter plane is used to locate bait balls and guarantee the best experience possible; underwater photography coaching available if required.
In terms of biomass, the Sardine Run is probably the largest movement of organisms on the planet. ‘The Run’ occurs when a band of cold water gets pushed up the coast by changing weather patterns. This band funnels billions of sardines up the East coast of South Africa towards hungry predators waiting. The action normally starts around Port Elizabeth and East London before reaching the Wild Coast and then onto the east coast. The area between East London and Port St Johns is located on the hot spot of this migration route and this area has brought the best action over past years. common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape gannets, Brydes whales, humpback whales, dusky sharks, copper sharks, bull sharks, black tip sharks, ragged tooth sharks (grey nurse), Cape fur seals, even sailfish can be seen in this area at this time.
Our main goal is to find bait balls, but it does not go off every day. On slow bait ball days, we will share the ocean with hundreds of dolphins, Humpback whales and sharks. This makes it the ultimate Ocean Safari. The run is unpredictable and the weather is unpredictable but, the payoff is very rewarding! The majority of in-water activity will be snorkelling after baitballs but, if there is a large enough bait ball, we will definitely try to dive it!!
Join Sundive Expeditions and the Shark Explorers team as we search for some unforgettable experiences.
EXPEDITION DETAILS
Location: Port St Johns, South Africa
Expedition Date: 10 July – 20 July (9 days/10 nights)
Accommodation: The Jetty River Lodge http://www.thejetty.co.za/
Meals: Continental breakfast, packed lunch on boat, dinners.
Equipment: Portable air compressor, 10lt Dive tanks (DIN/INT), Weight belts with 2-7 pound, weights, spare: Regulators, BCD’s, Fins, Masks for rent on site.
Boat: EXPLORER 1 – 9M FEREL SEMI RIGID DIVE BOAT, 2 * 140hp 4-stroke Suzuki motors, GPS, Fish finder, Licensed by SAMSA for up to 40 miles offshore. Carries 12 people.
Included:
- 9 days at sea (weather permitting)
- 10 nights’ accommodation
- Meals – dinners, boat lunch, continental breakfast
- Return transfers from Durban airport (noon pickup/drop off)
- Daily transfers to launch site and scenic drives
- Dedicated aerial information
- Cylinders, fills and weight belt
- Experienced dive guides and skipper
Excluded:
- Airfare
- Dive insurance/travel insurance
- Dive gear (can be rented if needed)
- Alcoholic drinks
The water temperature will be between 17 and 22 celsius (colder water = more sardines) so a good 5mm wetsuit or 7mm wetsuit is recommended.
Daily itinerary:
- 6am – 6h30am Breakfast
- 6h30am transfer to boat
- 7am – 2pm at sea searching for action (on non-sea days there will be land based activities planned)
- 3/4pm back at lodge
- 7pm dinner and fire
A detailed itinerary and suggested packing list will be provided upon booking.
Visa Information for South Africa: https://www.sahc.org.au/visa_countries_waivers.html
Flight suggestions: The closest international airport to Port St Johns is Durban International (where pick up and drop off will be).
Qantas run a direct flight from Sydney to Johannesburg and South African Airlines have a direct flight from Perth to Johannesburg; there are many daily flights to Durban International from Johannesburg. Emirates/Qantas run flights to Durban or Johannesburg via Dubai from most major Australian cities.
PRICE AND BOOKING CONDITIONS
Price:
AUD$ 6200
Payment Method:
- Credit card or bank transfer
- A 50% deposit is required to secure a booking
- The balance of payment is due on 10th June 2024.
Cancellation Policy:
- 120 days or more – 25% payable.
- 60-120 days – 50% payable.
- 30 days or less – 100% payable.
