Sardine Run South Africa
Marine & Pelagic
Fish
Expert
South Africa — KwaZulu-Natal Coast
June to July
Overview
The ocean's greatest shoal run — billions of sardines chased by dolphins, sharks, and whales.
Equipment
- Dive gear
- Underwater camera
- Seasickness medication
- Wetsuit
Safety Notes
- Sharks in feeding frenzy — maintain awareness
- Conditions unpredictable — dives may be cancelled
Identification Tips
1
Bait balls form when dolphins herd sardines to surface
2
Gannets dive-bomb from 30m height
3
Bryde's whales lunge through bait balls
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Common Dolphin | common | Herding sardine bait balls |
| Bryde's Whale | common | Lunge-feeding through shoals |
| Bronze Whaler Shark | common | Circling bait balls |
| Cape Gannet | common | Dive-bombing from height |