Sardine Run With Michael Aw
This is at the top of every committed diver's list of things to do before you die, and has been called "The Greatest Show On Earth". This extravaganza only takes place between Port St. Johns and Durban along the South African East Coast during June and July. The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal stages 90% of this spectacle, due to the narrowing of the continental shelf. Every winter enormous shoals of sardines create an eruption of activity that attracts an abundance of predatory sea life. Boosting excitement levels are twenty thousand common dolphins, five thousand bottlenose dolphins, tens of thousands of gannets, thousands of sharks, seals and a collection of marine animals, ranging from the Brydes and Humpback Whales to the ever lurking game fish that arrive from all directions to gorge on these tasty morsels.
A microlight is dispatched at dawn to search for the sardines, marked by swooping gannets and leaping fish on the surface. You help to launch the high speed RIB and race out to the bait ball, kitting up in your scuba gear on the way. Then it's into the water to witness the show. The dolphins herd the sardines into a tight ball and push them towards the surface, gannets fall like snow balls from the sky to feast, sharks, seals and whales are attracted to feed from the heaving bait-ball. The speed of the action is incredible and this is a truly humbling experience. Bring your underwater camera - classes and tips from the expedition leaders are included. You'll learn about the creatures you're looking at from the marine naturalist on board your boat.
Your 11-day expedition includes full board, transfer from Durban, twin share 3 star comfort accommodation, dedicated microlight pilot, photographic tips, and your 9 day sardine run charter is included. The "Run" takes place during South Africa’s winter which is dry season. Theoretically, this means there’s little runoff from rivers so the water should provide good visibility. In reality, because the sardines and their prey can really churn up the water, visibility can be anything from 5 meters (15 ft) to 20 meters-plus (60 ft). You'll be travelling in good company as this expedition is led by one of the best wildlife and underwater photographers in the world. Twice winner of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Michael Aw won Gold at the World Underwater Film Festival Antibes with his image captured from a sardine run. Click here to see a video of the adventure. This will open another window.
| 22 Mar 10 (Monday) |
Places
|
 |
|
| 23 Mar 10 (Tuesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 24 Mar 10 (Wednesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 25 Mar 10 (Thursday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 26 Mar 10 (Friday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 27 Mar 10 (Saturday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 28 Mar 10 (Sunday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 29 Mar 10 (Monday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 30 Mar 10 (Tuesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 31 Mar 10 (Wednesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 01 Apr 10 (Thursday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 02 Apr 10 (Friday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 03 Apr 10 (Saturday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 04 Apr 10 (Sunday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 05 Apr 10 (Monday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 06 Apr 10 (Tuesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 07 Apr 10 (Wednesday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 08 Apr 10 (Thursday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 09 Apr 10 (Friday) |
Places
|
|
|
| 10 Apr 10 (Saturday) |
Places
|
|
|
fitness and experience
- You need to be an advanced diver with either 100 dives, or young and fit with 50 dives and advanced diver rating, to take part in the Sardine Run adventure
what to bring/wear
- Water temperature is cold in May about 19c – a 5mm suit with hood is highly recommended
- If you are a photographer and wish to shoot better sardine run action pictures, please email Michael Aw your current list of equipment – he will advise you what is best for this adventure – DIGITAL is best; you need to change ISO quickly
- June, July is the midst of South Africa winter; from April to August the air temperatures range from 7 to 20º C. At this time of the year, it is cold and chilly in the morning and evening, you may wish to bring along a tracksuit, jackets and socks to wear.
- Shorts, jeans and good t-shirts recommended for the day
- International Departure tax – This should be included in your air ticket otherwise is 370 Rand / USD 55 at current exchange rate
- A brightly colored Safety Sausage. This piece of equipment greatly increases the visibility of a diver on the surface for the pick-up boat
- You will need diver/DAN insurance which covers emergency evacuation
what is supplied
- Nine sardine run days
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles to and from Durban International Airport to lodge (must be with the main group)
- 10 night (twin sharing) accommodation at Mbotyi River Lodge; standard Room – unless upgraded
- 10 day meal plan with Breakfasts, Lunch and Three Course Dinner each day
more information
Terms & Conditions
1. Confirmation issued upon receipt of deposit. A trip bulletin which includes a copy of Waiver and Release and Statement of Understanding will be send to you as part of the confirmation package prior to departure.
2. We recommend all our participants to be a member of DAN, which covers recompression chamber treatment and other diving, related expenses. (Should you need more information for DAN’s insurance, please do not hesitate to contact us)
3. To ensure the best possible service, please be sure to let us know your flight arrival/departure details the hotel arrangements, any rental equipment required and any special dietary considerations. Cancellation Policy:
4. We strongly recommend obtaining cancellation insurance. Cancellation incurs USD100 administration fees. Cancellation less than 120 days prior to departure will incur loss of 50% of deposit. Between 100 days and 90 days prior to departure, you will lose 100% of the deposit. Between 90 and 60 days prior to departure we retain half the trip cost and less than 60 days prior to departure we retain the total cost. Should the occasion arise that we have to cancel any trip, we will return all monies paid to us. Please note that we cannot be held financially responsible to changes in itinerary due to civil unrest, political events or adverse weather conditions.
