Sources · Destination Guide

The Sardine Run (Wild Coast)

An open-ocean safari where sardines trigger the Wild Coast's ultimate feeding frenzy

Research Sources

Destination Guide Sources For The Sardine Run (Wild Coast)

Reference links used to build and maintain this guide.

19 sources • Updated Feb 13, 2026

Written by DiveJourney. Built from public sources and local operator knowledge. Last updated Feb 13, 2026.

Visit Eastern Cape: Sardine Run (season overview) - Eastern Cape tourism page describing the Sardine Run as a May to July event.
ProDive Sardine Run Port St Johns - Operator season timing and Port St Johns base information.
ProDive FAQ: A typical Sardine Run day (Port St Johns) - Operator description of early launches via the Umzimvubu River, spotting strategy, and snorkel vs scuba decision-making.
ProDive FAQ: Essential items to take on the boat - Recommended boat-day items such as windbreaker, beanie, dry bag, and hydration.
Offshore Africa Port St Johns: Sardine Run

Research Sources

Reference links used to build and maintain this guide.

19 sources • Updated Feb 13, 2026

Written by DiveJourney. Built from public sources and local operator knowledge. Last updated Feb 13, 2026.

Visit Eastern Cape: Sardine Run (season overview) - Eastern Cape tourism page describing the Sardine Run as a May to July event.
ProDive Sardine Run Port St Johns - Operator season timing and Port St Johns base information.
ProDive FAQ: A typical Sardine Run day (Port St Johns) - Operator description of early launches via the Umzimvubu River, spotting strategy, and snorkel vs scuba decision-making.
ProDive FAQ: Essential items to take on the boat - Recommended boat-day items such as windbreaker, beanie, dry bag, and hydration.
Offshore Africa Port St Johns: Sardine Run

- Local Port St Johns operator description of typical departure and day structure.

Marine Protected Areas South Africa: Pondoland MPA - Overview of Pondoland MPA boundaries and offshore extent near Port St Johns.

Government Gazette (3 May 2024): Pondoland MPA regulations amendment - Regulatory text noting scuba diving business permit requirements and alpha flag requirement.

South Africa Tourism: Port St Johns - Destination context for Port St Johns and the Wild Coast.

South Africa Tourism: Hole in the Wall - Landmark description for Hole in the Wall near Coffee Bay.

South Africa Tourism: Waterfall Bluff - Landmark and access notes for Waterfall Bluff in Mkambathi Nature Reserve.

DAN Contact (DAN Southern Africa emergency numbers) - Emergency hotline numbers for diving incidents, including Southern Africa.

NSRI Emergency Numbers - NSRI Emergency Operations Centre number and national emergency number reference.

South African government: Apply for a visa - Official statement that visitor visas for tourism/business are typically issued for up to 90 days (nationality dependent).

South African Weather Service - Official weather service for forecasts and warnings, including marine products.

Scuba Diving magazine: Sardine Run dive conditions overview - General dive conditions including water temperature ranges and variable visibility during the Sardine Run.

Power Plugs and Sockets: South Africa - Reference for South Africa electricity voltage, frequency, and plug types.

Netcare St Augustine's Hospital (Durban) - Major Durban hospital site (useful reference point for hyperbaric medicine access in the region).

SA Hyperbaric Medicine (Eastern Cape) - Eastern Cape hyperbaric medicine provider with published contact details.

Destination hero photo by Clint Bustrillos - Photographer profile: https://unsplash.com/@clintbustrillos