The knowledge hub
Everything about the sardine run
Eighteen field guides written from the water, not from a desk: seasons, locations, species, kit, conditions and costs. Read what you need, then come see it from our boat.
Field Guide
What Is the Sardine Run? The Greatest Shoal on Earth, Explained
The sardine run is South Africa's winter fish migration, billions of Sardinops sagax chased up the Wild Coast. What it is, why it happens, and where to watch.
Trip Planning
When Is the Sardine Run in South Africa? Season, Dates and the Best Time to Go
The sardine run happens May to July, moving south to north. Get month-by-month dates, historic milestones like Durban's 25 June, and how to pick a 2027 week.
Trip Planning
Where to See the Sardine Run: Durban, KZN or the Wild Coast?
Durban, Port St Johns, Coffee Bay or Chintsa? An honest base-by-base guide to where sardine run action happens now, with airports, timing and crowd levels.
Understand the run
What it is, why it happens, and where the shoals actually go.
Field Guide
What Is the Sardine Run? The Greatest Shoal on Earth, Explained
10 min read
The Science
Why Does the Sardine Run Happen? The Science
11 min read
The Science
The Sardine Run Route: Where It Starts, Where It Finishes
9 min read
Field Guide
Sardine Run Marine Life: The Full Predator Cast, Species by Species
9 min read
Season Report
Sardine Run 2026 Season Report: Field Notes From the Water
9 min read
Plan your expedition
Dates, places, prices and the honest trade-offs between them.
Trip Planning
When Is the Sardine Run in South Africa? Season, Dates and the Best Time to Go
9 min read
Trip Planning
Where to See the Sardine Run: Durban, KZN or the Wild Coast?
9 min read
Field Guide
Sardine Run from East London & Chintsa: Why the Southern Wild Coast Wins
9 min read
Trip Planning
Sardine Run Port St Johns: The Classic Epicentre and Its Trade-Offs
9 min read
Trip Planning
How Much Does the Sardine Run Cost? A Transparent 2027 Price Guide
10 min read
Trip Planning
Moalboal vs South Africa vs Magdalena Bay: Which Sardine Run Should You Dive?
9 min read
Get ready for the water
Kit, conditions, fitness and skills. Arrive prepared, leave with the story.
Trip Planning
Sardine Run Packing List: What to Pack for a 7-Day Expedition
9 min read
Field Guide
Sardine Run Water Conditions: Temperature, Visibility and Winter Seas
9 min read
Trip Preparation
How Fit Do You Need to Be for the Sardine Run? An 8-Week Training Plan
10 min read
Trip Planning
Do You Need to Scuba Dive the Sardine Run? The Snorkeler's Case
9 min read
Field Guide
Sardine Run Photography: Settings, Gear and Field Technique
11 min read
The practical stuff
Local knowledge and every question we get asked, answered straight.
Ready for the 2027 run?
Five sea days from Chintsa, 40 minutes from King Phalo Airport. Small boat, early launches, first crack at the shoals before the fleet follows them north.
Boats carry small groups only, and prime weeks go 6-12 months out.