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As the days grow shorter in the Southern Hemisphere and winter approaches, a very special energy starts to build within our team at SEAL Expeditions. The Sardine Run season is almost here — and for those of us who live and breathe the ocean, it’s one of the most exhilarating and demanding times of the year.

For the last 23 years, our team has been welcoming adventurers from around the world to witness this rare and spectacular marine migration off South Africa’s Wild Coast. But long before our guests arrive and the action begins, months of planning, coordination, and hands-on work take place behind the scenes. Here’s a peek into how we get ready.

Remote Means Ready for Anything

Our Sardine Run base is located at Mbotyi River Lodge, a beautiful and isolated lodge nestled where the river meets the ocean. With no infrastructure for quick repairs or supply runs, we need to prepare everything in advance — because once we’re on site, there’s no running out to the store for a spare part.

Preparations begin in KwaZulu-Natal, where much of our gear is stored and where we have access to essential services. Boats, motors, tractors, our microlight aircraft, and dive gear are all inspected, serviced, and tested. Every cable, screw, valve, and backup must be in place — because in the Wild Coast, the unexpected is part of daily life.

Nic, our program director and lead coordinator, oversees this entire operation like a conductor leading a symphony. Much of his work goes unseen by guests — they interact mostly with captains and dive guides — but it’s Nic’s careful orchestration behind the scenes that keeps everything running smoothly.

The Heart of It All: Our Team

By the time the season starts, our dedicated team of 15 professionals assembles from across the country. These are some of South Africa’s most experienced skippers, dive guides, pilots, paramedics, mechanics, and drivers — people who work year-round at top dive destinations and come together for the Sardine Run with unmatched passion.

We also work closely with the incredible staff of Mbotyi River Lodge, who help create a warm and welcoming home base after long days at sea.

The atmosphere is electric as the final preparations unfold — flags are raised, boats are cleaned and branding renewed, dive gear is laid out and inspected, radios tested, emergency protocols reviewed. These last few days before the first guests arrive feel like opening night before a grand performance.

Details, Logistics, and a Bit of Herding Cows

The logistics are immense. Guest bookings are managed up to two years in advance, and we coordinate everything from international airport pickups to scenic (and often bumpy!) ground transfers to the lodge.

Sometimes we fly guests in by private charter to a small landing strip at Magwa Tea Plantation, where we also operate our microlight guest flights. Last season (2024), just before a charter was due to land, we found a herd of cows grazing right on the airstrip. That led to an impromptu cow-herding mission — the kind of thing you don’t find in guidebooks but is all part of the adventure!

We also arrive at Mbotyi ourselves two weeks before the first rotation to assess the terrain, check the river’s flow into the ocean, and plan safe and efficient boat launches. Winter weather on the Wild Coast is notoriously unpredictable — recent storms knocked out electricity and communication in the area. But thanks to years of experience, we come prepared for anything.

Comfort in the Cold

While the Sardine Run is a visual and sensory feast, it also takes place in cold waters and early mornings. That’s why one of the highlights of recent seasons has been our wetsuit drying room — a warm, purpose-built space where wetsuits are hung and dried overnight using gentle heat fans. No more struggling into freezing wet neoprene at 6:00 a.m.!

And that’s not all — we’ve also stocked up on reusable heat packs from China. These clever pouches are boiled to “reset” and then click-activated to generate comforting heat. Guests love placing them inside their wetsuits or booties on cold days — a small but wonderful touch that adds warmth and care to the experience.

Returning Guests, Growing Connections

One of the most rewarding parts of running the Sardine Run year after year is seeing familiar faces return. Last season, we welcomed a family from Mexico who first joined us back in 2008. Their children were just toddlers then, some still in diapers. In 2024, they returned, for their 4^th Sardine Run with SEAL — the same family, now with teenagers bravely entering the water on their own to witness the wonders of the ocean.

Moments like these remind us that what we do goes far beyond diving. It’s about shared experiences, lifelong memories, and growing together with the ocean as our guide.

It’s in the Details

Even the little things matter — like the thoughtful gear we provide. Our branded T-shirts, fleece jackets, beanies, and sun hats are more than souvenirs. They’re daily essentials, designed with purpose: a sun hat for long days on the boat, a fleece jacket for cold evenings, a soft beanie for wind-chilled mornings. Every item tells a story of function, design, and adventure.

Counting Down

Now, we’re just days away from the first group’s arrival on June 29th, and the excitement is real. The boats are gleaming, the banners are waving, and the crew is ready to deliver unforgettable moments both above and below the surface.

If you’re joining us this year — we can’t wait to welcome you.
If you’re still dreaming about it — maybe this is your year to take the plunge. See you on the Wild Coast,
— The SEAL Expeditions Team

As the final hours tick down, we’re counting every moment until the ocean calls us again. Whether you’re packed and ready or still on the fence — this is your sign.
The Sardine Run 2025 begins June 29. Here’s how much time is left:

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Embark on the ultimate oceanic adventure and witness one of the most spectacular marine migrations on Earth — South Africa’s famous Sardine Run. At SEAL Expeditions, we offer a truly immersive and carefully curated experience that combines comfort, excitement, and nature at its most raw and beautiful. Below is a detailed overview of what is included in your Sardine Run package:

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The Sardine Run is one of the most spectacular marine events in the world, attracting scuba divers, free-divers, snorkelers, photographers – in fact any and all nature enthusiasts, from all over. The planet The best place to witness this breathtaking migration is along the eastern coast of South Africa – specifically in the Eastern Cape Province.

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