South Africa, Wild Coast

Bait Ball Bonanza 🇿🇦

Travel details
Available spaces

6 spot(s)

Trip duration

14 nights

Travel dates

27 June, 2027 - 11 July, 2027

Price per person

6.375 € per person

Trip Highlights

*Insane Diversity* The diversity this trip has to offer is truly unparalleled. Diving birds, huge pods of dolphins (sometimes numbering in their thousands!), multiple shark species, migrating whales: it's all here. To encounter one of these species alone would be a joy, to see them all together hunting the same prey is just total madness. The Sardine Run is one of the most unique animal spectacles in the world.

*Advanced Trip* The pace of the search and getting in and out the water makes this trip quite intense. One should therefore not disregard the effort involved. Although the hours of searching, waves, rough seas are definitely worth it, they definitely require a good physical condition.

*Conservation* Respect for wildlife is an absolute priority both for us and everyone we work with. During this adventure we make sure animals are never being chased or forced into interactions, and have their natural behaviour impacted as little as possible. As divers we try to lead by example, and we expect our guests to do so too!

Trip description

For many years the Pondoland Wild Coast has shrouded its secrets from the masses and to this day is a little known and forgotten part of South Africa’s East coast.

This stretch of coastline is regarded as the most dramatic stretch of coastline on the continent of Africa and truly lives up to its name…the “Wild Coast”. Port St. Johns lies exactly in the middle of this amazing stretch of coast. Port St. Johns is located on the eastern seaboard of South Africa approximately 380 km south of Durban. (4 hour drive) and is within the province of the Eastern Cape. The WILD COAST lies between the southern border of Natal, Port Edward and the port town of East London approximately 300 km further south and happens to be the most rugged and naturally unspoiled piece of coastline to be found on the African continent. The time forgotten coastal town of Port St. Johns, situated on the magical Pondoland Wild Coast has become one of the most popular destinations from which to experience the Sardine Run in all its glory.

Blue Ocean Dive Resort
Nights

4

Price per person

1.185 €

DATE START

27 June 2027

DATE END

01 July 2027

Blue Ocean Dive Resort is one of the most established and reliable dive operators on Aliwal Shoal. Guests can expect a well-organized, friendly and professional experience — the kind of service the team has become known for throughout the region.

The property offers plenty of space and flexibility: no single-supplement charges, multiple room categories, and the capacity to host both solo travellers and larger groups comfortably. With three boats (eight divers per boat) — and the option to charter a fourth — groups of 24 to 32 divers can be handled efficiently. The Dive Lodge provides accommodation for up to 54 guests.

The setting itself stands out: a historic hotel estate built in 1934, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Umkomaas Golf Course. Blue Ocean Dive Resort is the only operator in the area offering hotel accommodation, a fully licensed sea-view restaurant and bar deck, and a dive centre — all on the same premises for maximum convenience.

From airport pickup to your final drop-off, their goal is to create a place that feels effortless and welcoming — a home away from home where you can slow down, enjoy the coastline, and, of course, experience a few memorable dives at Aliwal Shoal.

Included

  • Transfer on arrival from Durban International Airport
  • 4 nights in a single room
  • all meals
  • 3 Diving Days – 1 Baited Shark Dives & 5 Reef/Wreck Dives
  • weights, tanks, guides, boats
  • transfer from Unkomaas to Port St Johns (shared)

Not Included

  • drinks
  • tip for dive and hotel crew
  • other expenses
Offshore Africa
Nights

10

Price per person

5.249 €

DATE START

01 July 2027

DATE END

11 July 2027

Offshore Africa is owned and operated by Rob Nettleton and Debbie Smith – a highly skilled team with over 30 years of combined experience in the diving industry. Offshore Africa prides itself on its expertise and experience, personalized service, and flexibility in adapting to client needs. Above all, the Sardine Run Ocean Safari is the absolute highlight of the year for Debbie and Rob.

"You never know what the day, or even the hour, will bring. This, combined with the incredible encounters with marine life, makes the Sardine Run Ocean Safari the best event on the maritime calendar."

Offshore Africa has been operating on the Wild Coast for many years and possesses extensive local knowledge. They are the only local specialist for Sardine Runs in Port St. Johns and have been successfully offering tours from there since 2008. Thanks to their ideal location, they can provide you with an unforgettable and exciting journey with a highly skilled team of experienced skippers and dive guides.

We offer a boat adventure for everyone, whether you're a diver or not. Nature lovers, birdwatchers, photography enthusiasts, dolphin and whale lovers, snorkelers, and divers will all fully enjoy this incredible natural spectacle, often compared to the Great Migration in the Serengeti. Its maritime counterpart is also known as "The World's Largest School of Sardines." Join us for an unforgettable adventure on the picturesque Wild Coast in Port St. Johns, Transkei.

Included

  • 10 nights at St. Johns River Lodge
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Onboard refreshments: water, snacks & drinks
  • Airport transfer from Mthata Airport
  • 8-day boat charter for a group of up to 6 people, including guide, tanks, and weights
  • Diving permit for the Pondoland Marine Reserve
  • Exclusive aerial support (spotting) with plane and pilot for Offshore Africa
  • The trip is led by underwater photographer Timon Koch!

Not Included

  • International flight to Mthata Airport (UTT)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Transfers – can be arranged at an additional cost
  • Equipment rental – must be booked in advance. ZAR 80.00 per item per day OR ZAR 400.00 for full equipment per day
  • Additional land-based activities at extra cost, e.g., guided hikes, cultural tours, afternoon flights
  • Diving and travel insurance
  • Airfare/taxes
  • Visa
Day-by-day program
Arrival in Durban int. Airport and Transfer to Unkomaas. Please look for a colleague with a sign with your name or the Blue Ocean Dive Resort. Check in at Hotel and dive shop.

TRIP LEADER

Your trip leader

Filipe Casal Bolero

Dive Instructor

Our most technical diver, has to be in the ocean every week and prefers animals over people. Very caring personality that only brings back satisfied guests. Huge plus: Portugese so knows how to get out of a tricky situation.

We are Behind the Mask Travel.

We offer individual tailor-made dive travel and organised group travel to the finest dive spots in the world.