Shark Diving International is proud to introduce our most spectacular expedition to date: "The Sardine Run of South Africa"

Join SDI and Africa's Premiere Shark Diving and Safari Adventure company SEAL EXPEDITIONS Sea-Air-Land for the "Greatest Shoal on Earth"!

Why did we choose SEAL?
SEAL Expeditions presents a collection of signature adventure-diving safaris - built around the unique highlights that characterize the incredible country of South Africa. SEAL's adventure-expedition experience and the untamed African wild combine to create spectacular opportunities for any adventure traveler - in the Sea, Air or on Land. With their intimate knowledge of South Africa's adventure environs - SEAL delivers on the promise of a spectacular African experience, for each of our clients. SEAL's flexible expedition structure allows for the most action and variety possible during your adventure.

Most importantly SEAL shares our 100% Safety record!

Expedition Details
The Sardine Run is an adventure scuba diving and sea safari expedition which takes place off the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, in June & July.

Location:
Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Our Sardine Run location is predominantly Port St Johns, though we work a huge territory of water both north and south of there - dependant on the action.

Duration:
10 days (8 days on the water, 2 days transfers and general touring)
For recreational scuba divers, a 10 day Sardine Run expedition will offer the best possibility of success. This time period will allow for bad weather scenarios and variable degrees of marine activity.

Ratings Table:
Technical Difficulty 4/5
Physical Difficulty 4/5
Mental Difficulty 5/5
Expedition Comfort 3/5
Accommodations 3/5
Expedition Safety 5/5
Expedition Security 5/5

SEAL Team Guide:
The expedition will be led by Lawrence Groth and a dedicated full-time SEAL Team guide with a mandate to create the best possible experience for all SDI guests.

Group Size:
8 divers per boat.

SEAL has several 32' twin-engine dive boats available - each fitted to accommodate 12 divers. We limit the number to 8 divers per boat for everyone's comfort.

Accommadations:
Accommodation is 3 star luxury hotel/ lodge - full amenities and excellent service. At our Mbotyi location we utilize the wonderfully situated Mbotyi River Lodge. 30 km south at our Port St Johns location, we use the services of the Outspan Inn situated at the mouth of the mighty Umzimvubu River. Spectacular vistas over this wild and undeveloped part of Africa, wonderful cuisine and warm South African hospitality make for an incredible atmosphere for our SEAL Teams in this beautiful region.

Weather & Conditions:
June/ July are winter months on the Wild Coast and wet weather is possible (though not always the case).

Temperatures (Air): 59 - 75 F/ 15 - 24 C
Temperatures (Water): 59 - 70 F/ 15 - 21 C

Conditions will vary from glass-like seas to flying through giant rollers in pumping winds - very exciting and sometimes strenuous. Safety is always the priority when on the water and the SEAL skipper will navigate accordingly.

Visibility - Varies from 2 - 20m/ 6 ft - 60ft. As a safety precaution, we generally don't enter the water in less than 15ft of visibility.

Expedition Includes:

• Guide - Dedicated full-time SEAL guide and Lawrence Groth SDI's CEO
• Diving - 8 days on the water or alternate activity as determined by conditions
• Meals - Full or packed breakfast as determined by launch time, light lunch and refreshments on boat, 3 course dinner
• Air Support - Dedicated SEAL Microlight spotter aircraft to call us onto the action
• Guest Flight - Each guest will get to fly in the SEAL microlight and see the Wild Coast from the air
• Equipment - Airfills, cylinders, weightbelts
• Full DAN insurance cover
• *All Transfers - see detail below
• *Alternate Activities - All Alternate Activities - see list below

Expedition Excludes:

• Dive Equipment - BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel
• Alcohol - For guest account
• Porterage - Excess baggage penalties and transportation
• Gratuities - At guest discretion

Alternative Activities:

The following activities are substituted when and if we are unable to launch. Most of these activities are done as a matter of course over and above the diving, even when we launch everyday.

• Microlight Flight - Each guest will get to fly in the SEAL microlight and see the Wild Coast from the air
• Magnificent Trails - Some of the most beautiful countryside in South Africa also hosts some of the highest waterfalls where fresh water tumbles 300 ft into the sea
• Cultural Experience - Visit with the local traditional healer and see an authentic rural African village
• Horse Riding - Ride the trails along Waterfall Bluff, 300 ft above the sea

*Transfers & International Flights

• Arrival - SEAL/SDI will greet guests at Durban International Airport and transfer to our dive location in the Eastern Cape (approx 4 hours).
• Departure - SEAL/SDI will transfer guests from Eastern Cape back to Durban International Airport on Day 10.

All international flights enter and depart South Africa through 2 airports:
Cape Town International
Johannesburg International

If clients have elected not to do the SEAL Cycle Safari they will be transferred by SEAL to Durban International Airport in time for their connecting flight to either Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airports.