Sardine Run
One of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet is to participate in the Sardine Run of the east coast of South Africa.
Each year, from late February to August, billions of Sardines migrate up the South African east coast. The species of sardine found here is the Southern African Pilchard, Sardinops sagax.
Sardines are rich in minerals, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and attract a wide variety of predators including whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, seals, gannets and other sea birds.
A bait ball, as a group of sardines being devoured by predators is known, is something to behold.
The predators work together to keep the sardines trapped near the surface and thus easier to catch. Together they have one huge feeding frenzy that may involve thousands of dolphins, hundreds of sharks, penguins and gannets as well as many Brydes Whales.
Many of the boat based whale watching companies will actively seek bait balls to give their guests a great experience.
Arguably the best place to find a bait ball is off the Wild Coast of South Africa. The reason for this is that the Agulhas Current, one of the fastest currents in the world that runs from north to south, passes close to this shore and forces the northward migrating sardines to come close inshore.
The sardines thus run northward in a narrow channel where the water is warm and clear and offers the best opportunity to view a bait ball.
Most of the operators off the Wild Coast offer diving experiences, both snorkeling and scuba, to view this activity from underwater.
Port Elizabeth, Plettenberg Bay, Port St Johns
ProDive
- +27 (0) 41 581 1144
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189 Main Rd, Walmer, Port Elizabeth
Umkomaas, KwaZulu Natal
Scubaco Diving and Travel
- +27(0) 079 779 4242
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32 Harvey St, Umkomaas, 4170
