Join ALIWAL DIVE CENTRE for an amazing fun filled trip on the Sardine Run. Our staff has over 20 years’ experience on the Sardine Run, so we know our stuff!

This is an annual event that takes place along the ‘Transkei Wild Coast’, coast line. During the months of June & July, cold currents move inshore allowing the sardines to move along the east coast of South Africa basically a range extension, in the cold nutrient rich water. Apart from the sardine bait balls that one can see, there is also the annual migration of the Humpback whales that are heading north to give birth. There are super pods of Common dolphin, thousands of Cape gannets, Bottle nose dolphin and sharks galore.

This event known by BBC as ‘The greatest shoal on earth’ is an adventure for everyone, whether you are a diver or a non diver. All nature lovers and adrenalin enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy this amazing spectacle of nature.

We operate from Wavecrest Hotel and Spa along the Southern Transkei, Wild Coast and have been doing the sardine run on this coast line for over 20 years, therefore our skippers and dive guides have an extensive knowledge and experience of where to find the best “action” for our clients.

Wavecrest is the only lodge in the area and is well removed from the busy, somewhat commercialized hub for the Sardine Run (Port St John’s) – we are one of only two operators at Wavecrest. This means slow and steady is the way to go as there is no overcrowding or rush when we come across Sardine bait balls. Allowing you to have enough time to enjoy the action without having to share with numerous other boats.

Wavecrest lodge features various amenities such as a bar, a TV room, a spa, and sports facilities for relaxation after sea adventures. Its deck offers a view straight down the bay to the ocean. All rooms are en suite, and there are family room options available. The lodge is rural, so the cell phone signal is intermittent. However, the lodge’s rustic nature and location add to the feeling of connection to nature and the sea, making it an ideal place to experience the Sardine run far from the busy crowds. You can’t help but sit back and feel relaxed. Guests can also enjoy private boat trips for sardine watching.

The greatest shoal on earth’

Included in the Package

• 7 nights accommodation
• Dinner / Breakfast and packed Lunch
• 6 days Sardine Run
• Cylinder, weights and Marine permit
• Experienced skippers and divemasters
• Return transfers from East London airport

Excluded

• Airfares & Taxes
• Transfers from other locations
• Tips and drinks
• Insurances
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A typical day looks as follows

• A buffet breakfast at 6:30 am, after which you will get into your wetsuits.
• We will then launch the boat and look for sardine action according to the daily sardine reports and updates that we receive.
• We will spend the day out at sea looking for and interacting with sardine bait balls and/or other marine life, ie whales , dolphins , sharks etc. The action we get will determine how we engage and interact with the animals, ie scuba dive on stationary bait balls, snorkel on fast moving bait balls, whales and dolphins and boat based viewing in low visibility. So there is always something to see.
• The length of a sea day is determined by the action that we get and weather/sea conditions.

Things to bring

• Sun block
• Hat
• Warm waterproof jacket for the boat
• Sea sick tablets

All prices exclude equipment hire.

View our Terms & Conditions by clicking here.

The Full Experience

7 NIGHT 6 DAY package

Add On:

• €250 for a single supplement
• Additional days €430 per day sharing
• Additional days €460 per day single
• 1 Night’s Accommodation €160 per day sharing

Sardine Run Aliwal Add-On

Includes:

2 Nights accommodation at the Aliwal Dive Centre
Bed & Breakfast
2 Reef Dives on the Aliwal Shoal
Air, cylinder and weights/belts