THE GREATEST SHOAL ON EARTH

About Us

EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA’S SARDINE RUN


SEAL Expeditions is the premiere diving tour operator in South Africa. We have built up a comprehensive network of operators, lodges and resorts and offer you the convenience of a one-stop, tailored, holiday service.


The “Best Adventure-Diving opportunity in the World”. Book today, if you’re ready for the diving expedition of a lifetime – The Sardine Run. It’s not just about the sardines – it’s about everything BIG and Small in the ocean that follows them – including you! We’re looking for adventurous, independent travelers and small groups to join us. 


With an intimate knowledge of what’s happening on the ground wherever we operate, we go the extra mile to match the needs of our clients and take great pleasure in forging and developing long and lasting relationships.

The Sardine Run

WHAT MAKES US THE BEST

We did not invent diving the Sardine Run – but as one of the pioneers, we did perfect the art of safely and effectively interacting with this wonder of nature. Since 2002 SEAL had been the industry leader in Sardine Run dive tourism – providing our brand of service to adventurers from all over the world. Our award-winning program has been the Gold Standard for the Sardine Run experience – and continues to deliver for our guests, year after year.

What makes the SEAL program unique:

  • Our 100% Safety Record since 2002
  • The No 1 geographic location for the Sardine Run experience: Mbotyi River Lodge – a stone’s throw from the Magnificent Waterfall Bluff – visually splendid from the surface and the original sardine staging ground beneath the waves. All the best action – in our backyard!
  • Our team of dedicated professionals with decades of Sardine Run experience
  • Technology – our use of aircraft to scan the oceans and guide our boats onto the action
  • 2-Programs-In-1: The SEAL ocean experience in the morning followed by our award-winning Land Program in the late afternoon – tour the magnificent surrounds of the Wild Coast – waterfalls, canyons, horse-riding, cultural tours – the sights, sounds and tradition of rural South Africa, in its most beautiful setting

If the Sardine Run experience interests you – you owe it to yourself to go with the SEAL Team

Experience South Africa’s Sardine Run With SEAL Expeditions

WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE

Return transfers

Return transfers from Durban to Mbotyi excluding All international and regional flights.

Accomodation

8 nights at the beautiful Mbotyi River Lodge – within sight of the magnificent Waterfall Bluff.

Excursions

7 days at sea (weather permitting) & FULL Land Program each afternoon.

Catering

Full board in the Lodge (excluding drinks) – including lunch and soft drinks on the boat.

Dedicated microlight pilot

Our essential, dedicated microlight pilot to scan the oceans and report the action to our boats and divers.

Equipment

Cylinders, airfills & weightbelt (excludes personal dive gear).

As the original, professional travel operator – SEAL is the industry leader in the Sardine Run experience.

Our team has the experience, passion and knowledge to make sure that you have the most incredible Sardine Run experience. Enjoy 8 nights and 7 days of phenomenal marine-life action (scuba diving, snorkelling and surface viewing), while staying at the beautiful and ideally situated Mbotyi River Lodge. Your opportunities for up-close encounters with so many of the oceans BIG and Small players in one place – are unparalleled anywhere – and if you are a photographer – this is your Nirvana, both below and above the waves. Don’t miss out!

JOIN SEAL EXPEDITIONS FOR THIS SPECTACULAR MARINE ADVENTURE!

What to Expect

THE ITINERARY


DAY 1

On arrival at Durban International Airport (DUR) you will be welcomed by a SEAL representative, and guided to our luxury coaches for the scenic road transfer to Mbotyi River Lodge in the Eastern Cape.


DAY 2-8

An early morning breakfast sets you up for a day at sea chasing the world-famous Sardine Run experience, powered by SEAL. Our boats launch at fist light to catch the early action – and return to the beach between mid-day and sunset – depending on the action, weather – and how everyone aboard feels. For the not die-hards, a full service lunch served at the lodge until 15h00 – followed by the now-infamous SEAL land program – which takes in the sights, sounds, culture and splendour of one fo the most visually spectacular parts of South Africa.


DAY 9

Breakfast followed by 08h00 departure for Durban, and connecting flights, hotels or extension programs – as per your choice.

The Wild Coast

Along the Eastern Cape’s northern coast, we find the Wild Coast, untamed and beautiful. Totally unspoilt and uncommercialised, the Wild Coast offers a pleasant climate, mild seas and family resorts where fresh seafood features on most menus. Visit the idyllic town of Coffee Bay, easily accessible from the main roads and popular among surfers, anglers and shell collectors. Near Coffee Bay is a prominent rock formation with a big hole in the middle. Known as “the Hole in the Wall”, this rock has become a symbol for the Xhosa of a great historical tragedy, the “Great Cattle Killing”. It is a unique structure with a huge detached cliff that has a giant opening carved through its centre by the waves. The local Xhosa call this place “izi Khaleni”, which means “place of thunder”. At high tide and during certain seasons the waves clap is such a fashion that the concussion can be heard throughout the valley.