Sardine Run
South Africa 2024
SARDINE RUN
SOUTH AFRICA
GROUP #1
24 June - 01 July 2024
7 Nights Accommodation
5 Days Sardine Run
SARDINE RUN
SOUTH AFRICA
GROUP #2
01 July - 08 July 2024
7 Nights Accommodation
5 Days Sardine Run
SARDINE RUN
SOUTH AFRICA
GROUP #3
08 July - 15 July 2024
7 Nights Accommodation
5 Days Sardine Run
PACKAGE OPTIONS 2023: (double room)
6 Nights / 5 Days: £2,090 per person sharing
Single person or single room
+ £190 to above packages
Dinner + Bed + Breakfast
Accommodation
Aerial support & spotting
Typical day on the sardine run
After breakfast the boat usually departs at 06:30am and the return time will depend on the action on the day. We try to stay out at sea for as long as possible to enjoy the best that the sardine run can provide. Boats will depart from our home-based jetty to collect clients by boat.We then head down the Umzimvubu river and into the surf zone at Port St. Johns. After a typical and highly exciting African surf launch, crew will start looking for all types of action, from whales, dolphins and ocean bird action to the little silver sardine / bait fish type action. Our skippers will be in touch with our “eye in the sky”pilot for an update on sightings.
Each diving day lasts for approximately 6-8 hours depending on sea and weather conditions and the amount of activity that can be observed. With the action being fast and furious in conjunction with variable sea conditions, long boat rides and the whole day out at sea, daily explorations can prove strenuous, therefore it is recommended that divers be relatively fit and experienced.
Each morning at around 06h20, our boats will depart from our home-based jetty to collect clients by boat.We then head down the Umzimvubu river and into the surf zone at Port St. Johns. After a typical and highly exciting African surf launch, crew will start looking for all types of action, from whales, dolphins and ocean bird action to the little silver sardine / bait fish type action. Our skippers will be in touch with our “eye in the sky”pilot for an update on sightings.
Includes
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Full and exclusive aerial support (spotting) with our aircraft & pilot. This is NOT shared aerial with any other operator.
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Accommodation at Port St. John’s River Lodge – Dinner + Bed + Breakfast basis
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Ocean days (weather permitting)
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Cylinder / air & Weights / belt for scuba divers
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Packed boat refreshments
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Diver permit to dive within Pondoland marine protected area
Facilities
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WIFI
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Drying room for wetsuits
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Hot shower rinse-off at boat jetty area
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Walking distance to convenience shop
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Swimming pools (1 heated / 1 un-heated)
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Family room and Twin bed rooms available
Excludes
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Drinks / items of a personal nature
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Meals (excl. Dinner + Bed + Breakfast)
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Dive gear rental (details below)
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Additional land based excursions (guided hikes, cultural tours)
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Dive insurance
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Travel insurance
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Air fares, taxes and visas
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Gratuities for staff - at your own discretion
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Transfers – can be arranged at an additional charge. Mthatha airport to Port St. Johns – one-way transfer (2 hours)
£80.00 (1 – 4 seat vehicle)
£120.00 (11 – 15 seat vehicle)
£20.00 trailer. Please specify upon booking
Dive gear rental – MUST be pre booked. £5.00 per item, per day OR £25.00 full rental per day
Getting There:
Mthatha Airport: Located about 2hrs drive from Port St. Johns. This package includes transfers from and to Mthatha airport.
The only direct flights to Mthatha (used to be called Umtata) are from Johannesburg to Mthatha with SA Airlink, flown in Embraer ERJ-135 planes. There are 2 flights a day, except on Saturdays and Sundays when there is only 1 flight. The JNB-UTT flights are scheduled to take 75 minutes, and here are the flight codes and expected departure times from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg):
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Mondays to Fridays : SA8751 leaves JNB at 06h15, SA8755 leaves JNB at 16h15
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Saturdays : SA8753 leaves JNB at 08h20
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Sundays : SA8755 leaves JNB at 16h15
If you book early return flights cost approximately US$250-US$300 per person - Not included in package