Sardine Run.

Mbotyi River Lodge, South Africa

 

6 July - 15 July 2026

Partner Trip with ScubaTravel.se

 

Your Sardine Run Adventure in South Africa, July 2026!

Prepare yourself for one of nature's most spectacular shows. The Sardine Run in South Africa isn't just a dive trip, it's an exhilarating, action-packed expedition into the heart of the ocean's wild side. Join our local dive ambassador Shaun Humphries, for an unforgettable journey to witness one of the greatest natural spectacles the world has to offer.

What is the Sardine Run?

A Feast for the Senses! Imagine millions of sardines migrating along the coast, creating colossal shoals that attract an incredible array of predators. Dolphins, Seals, Whales, Tuna and Sharks all converge, attacking from all directions to feast on these dense "baitballs". It's a dynamic, unpredictable and utterly thrilling display of nature's raw power.

This isn't a passive observation, it's an immersive experience! The action is fast and furious, requiring quick movements and readiness. Sometimes you'll be snorkeling, sometimes diving, it all depends on the speed of the sardine shoals. While we can't guarantee baitballs every day (it's nature at her wildest), every moment at sea is filled with anticipation and the chance to witness something truly magical.

The best part? Everyone can join this adventure! Whether you're an experienced diver or prefer to snorkel, you'll have a front-row seat to this incredible event.

Non-divers are also welcome to observe the breathtaking surface activity directly from the boat.

In the afternoons, after returning from sea, we offer fantastic optional land-based activities for those who wish to explore further. Unwind with optional activities like hikes to stunning waterfalls, enjoying drinks at sunset, horseback riding or visiting local villages. If weather conditions keep us from the sea, alternative land activities will always be offered, ensuring your adventure continues.

 

Price per person: 59 995 SEK

Include:

  • Flight Stockholm/Copenhagen - Durban round trip
  • All transfers
  • Private guide for the group
  • 8 nights' accommodation in shared rooms at Mbotyi River Lodge
  • Full board at Mbotyi River Lodge (breakfast, light lunch and 3 course dinner)
  • 7 Day Sardine Run with Snorkeling and Diving
  • Air support - microlight flight that finds the action of the day (weather dependent)
  • Tank weights and guide
  • Afternoon activities such as Micro light flights, sunsets in beautiful places, hikes to waterfalls, visits to local villages, etc.
  • 100% climate compensated trip by Scuba Travel

Excludes:

  • Scuba equipment rental
  • Soft drinks and alcohol
  • Activities, meals and drinks if not mentioned above
  • Tips for guides and staff, recommended but not a requirement
  • Cancellation insurance, dives and travel insurance

*NOTE note that the day activities are weather-based and if conditions are too bad, one or more days of sea adventures can be exchanged for land adventures instead - safety first.

 

Please note that the flights are based on estimated flight costs as the flights for this trip have not yet been released. The price can be adjusted to match these when flight schedules are released about 11 months before departure.

 

 

Remove 300 plastic bottles from the sea in connection with your trip!

Scuba Travel partners with CleanSea to protect the future of the ocean. CleanSea cleans the sea and coastline from plastic and ghost fishing equipment in Sweden 5 days a week all year round. Through your donation to CleanSea, you help remove 3 kg of litter from the sea. This corresponds to about 300 plastic bottles.

Join us and contribute where you make a concrete difference to the marine wildlife in connection with your trip, and you will receive a bracelet from CleanSea as a symbol and thank you!

Gift cost: 300 SEK

Let us know when you book that you want to contribute and how many kilos of plastic you want them to pick up from the sea in connection with your trip. Do you want to know more about the work Clean Sea does for our oceans?, read more here; https://www.cleansea.co/