Sardine Run in South Africa 2025

This fish migration is called a "sardine run" by no coincidence. The trip represents in itself a race for survival. Millions of sardines spawn by the southernmost African coastline. Then this huge school of fish heads up north along the southeastern coastline of Africa to the Indian Ocean—risking to become an easy dinner for sharks, dolphins, seals, gannets, cormorants, and other marine predators along the way. Furthermore, dozens of fishermen catch sardines with nets during migration season. Yet despite all the threats occurring on their way, the strongest sardines still survive.

More About Sardines

Sardines, also known as pilchards, are part of the herring family Clupeidae. The star of the sardine run is the South African sardine (Sardinops sagax), a small silver fish about 25 cm (10 inches) in length. After spawning at the southern tip of Africa, in the Agulhas Bank, these sardines travel north along the eastern coast, following cooler currents. This remarkable mass migration is often compared to the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration.

Best Time to See The Sardine Run

The season runs from mid-May through July and might vary by a few weeks. For those who want to witness this migration with their own eyes, there are safe scuba diving trips offered close to the shoreline of South Africa.

Best Diving Spots

During the early migration phase (May to June), the best places to witness the spectacle are around Gqeberha and East London. Later, from June to July, head further north to areas like Port St. Johns for the best views. Other of the best diving sites are Port Edward and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, is a major seaport and the most populous city in the Eastern Cape. East London is known for its beaches, such as Nahoon and Cove Rock. Port St. Johns is a small town situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, 220 kilometers northeast of East London and 70 kilometers east of Mthatha.

Sardine Run Diving Tours in South Africa

In South Africa, numerous dive charter companies offer opportunities to experience the sardine run firsthand. To maximize your chances of encountering the sardine run, you'll need to invest time and effort. Most dive packages include at least five days on the water, with 6 to 8 hours spent at sea each day. It's like a safari on the ocean, where each day is unpredictable—some may be slow, while others are nothing short of spectacular.