Diving the Sardine Run


Breakfast, Kit-up & Dive Briefing

We meet at 7am for breakfast and we receive updates about the sardine run action and the days conditions so we can decide where the best diving will be.

Once breakfast is finished, we kit up for the days action. The ScubaAddicts dive team are there to help you with all your diving needs and to brief you on your days diving and the action you are likely to see.


Dive dive dive.

We launch from the Umzimvubu River in Port St. Johns and operate north and south depending on where the sardine run action is. We spend most of the day at sea, launching at about 8am and generally we are back by about 3pm. We take lunch with us on the boat

The day is ruled by the Sardine Run action, we follow the dolphin as they work together to separate the bait balls and then the action begins, the dolphin, birds, sharks, whales all enjoying a huge feast.The noise of the diving gannets is amazing as they surround the boat, diving for the sardines.

We enter the water many times during the day, sometimes just on snorkel and other times on scuba, it really depends on how fast the action is moving. The action is amazing and you are often surrounded by hundreds of dolphin, sharks, diving birds, whales and more. We also have many opportunities to watch the humpback whales on their annual migration.


Rest of the day.

In the late afternoon we return to the lodge, where you can choose to relax, download photos & video footage or you can opt to go sightseeing in the afternoon. We are always available to take you on local excursions to show you more of the area.


The evening.

In the evening we enjoy dinner at the restaurant. If you are not completely tired by your days diving and sight seeing, then you can have a drink at the bar, watch TV [Satellite]. After all this you retire to your bedroom with en-suite facilities to enjoy a relaxing nights sleep, ready for the next days diving.

       

Why Port St Johns?

Many dive operators offer Sardine Run packages at the Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and many other dive sites in South Africa with the offer of regular diving when the Sardine Run doesn't arrive.

Whilst this is an easy option, it's not fair to divers who travel from far to see the Sardine Run, it's not reliable and it's the main reason people think the Sardine Run doesn't happen each year.

We move our dive centre to Cremorne Estate, Port St. Johns rated as one of the best diving sites for the Sardine Run.

Join ScubaAddicts in Port St. Johns for the ultimate Sardine Run diving adventure in South Africa.

Sardine Run
Port St Johns, South Africa




Sardine Run
Port St Johns, South Africa




Sardine Run
Port St Johns, South Africa




Sardine Run
Port St Johns, South Africa




Sardine Run
Port St Johns, South Africa

Dive Gear

Wetsuits : Most divers seem to favour 5-mm wetsuits, if you feel the cold then gloves and a hoodie are a good idea. We do have shortie wetsuits that you can add to your wetsuit if you are cold.

Cylinders : We use 12-liter steel cylinders which are available as A-clamp [international] or DIN so will suit all divers.

Gear Hire : Dive gear is available for rent so you don't need to bring your own gear with you. Once we have your booking, you can just let us know what dive gear you will need.

General Weather

June & July :

The weather is generally warm and dry, however due to our location in Port St. Johns the evenings & mornings can be cold so it it worth bringing warm clothes and a jacket.

Sea conditions are generally calm at this time of the year however it can get windy so a good water-proof jacket for the boat is recommended.

Tempertures

Air Tempretures : June & July

Daytime Temperature : 18- 26°C

Water Temperature : 19- 22°C