SOUTH AFRICA
SHARK RESEARCH & SARDINE RUN EXPEDITION
26th June - 6th July 2026
Shark Research & Sardine Run Citizen Science | 8 participants (limited spaces)
Guided by Julie Church and Kira Evans
THE GREat sardine migration
Dive into vibrant reefs, witness dramatic feeding frenzies of dolphins, whales, and seabirds, and explore waters teeming with incredible biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth
SOUTH AFRICA
Prepare for a marine adventure like no other off the coast of South Africa, where the ocean comes alive with some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife. This expedition combines heart-pounding encounters with sharks, dazzling displays of the Sardine Run, and hands-on conservation opportunities, offering an experience that is both thrilling and meaningful.
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Shark conservation diving — Dive alongside the Shark Research Unit at Aliwal Shoal and contribute to critical shark research.
Witness the Sardine Run — Experience one of the ocean’s most dramatic natural events, with opportunities to see dolphins, whales, sharks, and seabirds in a feeding frenzy.
Hands-on citizen science — Collect data on shark behavior, sardine shoals, and predator-prey interactions to support conservation efforts.
Exclusive programming — Participate in curated daily experiences, combining education, adventure, and behind-the-scenes access to marine research.
Explore pristine reefs and coastal waters — Encounter vibrant reef life, turtles, rays, and diverse pelagic species.
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PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification)
Good level of physical fitness suitable for daily diving and expedition activities
50% Deposit required upon booking confirmation.
The remaining balance is due 3 months before departure, ensuring we can make all final payments to our in-country partners 60 days prior to the start of the expedition.
Day-by-Day
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Pre Arrival (25th-26th June)
Your expedition package includes internal flights between Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) to East London Airport (King Phalo Airport).
Please arrange arrival at Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) in advance.
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Sardine Run (26th June–2nd July)
- 6 nights accommodations at Beach front Resort (INCLUDING Transfers, all exclusive afternoon activities) and 3 meals per day, snacks, coffee & tea (full bar and extras charged separately).
- 5 days of sardine run and whale migration sea safaris aboard specially-equipped boats.
- Daily white-glove wetsuit drying service delivered to rooms.
- Transfer to Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh. -
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Aliwal Shoal (2nd-6th July)
- 4 nights accommodation.
- 3 days of two-tank shark and reef dives.
- 3 meals per day, snacks, coffee & tea (additional beverages during hosted activities included).
- All dive logistics, equipment, and dedicated guides.
- Transfers from Scottburgh to Durban (King Shaka International Airport). -
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Post Trip (6th-7th July)
Your expedition package includes internal flights between Durban (King Shaka International Airport) to Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport).
Please arrange departure from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport).
Your experience doesn’t end when the trip does, we track the long-term impact of the expedition and community projects we supported and share these insights with you.
Your conservation impact continues long after you leave.
USD 11,780 per person
includes expert guides, activities, and unique marine exploration.
INCLUDED:
Full board accommodation - 3 Meals each day, snacks, coffee and tea (hosted activities include other beverages as well, full bar and extras charged separately)
All diving and activity logistics - 5 days of sardine run boat days and 3 days of diving in shark research diving in Aliwal Shoal.
Additional activities and services - coordinated exclusive group afternoon programming daily and daily white-glove wetsuit drying service delivered dry to customers' rooms each morning.
Internal flights are included and will be arranged by the Seas4Life team, this includes Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) to East London Airport (King Phalo Airport) and the return from Durban (King Shaka International Airport) to Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport).
All transfers throughout the trip: East London Airport to Umngazi Resort, transportation for all activities while at Umngazi and Umngazi to Scottburgh and returned to Durban Airport.
Donation to the Seas4Life Foundation to support our community project in Kenya.
Donation to Planet Moja to offset your carbon emissions.
NOT INCLUDED:
International flights Guests are responsible for arranging their own international flight to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Accommodation: We can recommend convenient hotels, provide estimated pricing, and share details on where the team will gather before the internal flight.
DAN insurance (mandatory): All participants must hold valid dive insurance for the duration of the expedition.
Meals or beverages beyond what is listed above
Personal diving gear (guests may bring preferred items; basic dive equipment is provided): While all dive logistics are provided, guests are encouraged to bring their own mask, fins, dive computer, and wetsuit for comfort. A detailed ‘What to Bring’ list will be provided.
SSI Deep Specialty Course possible with online e-learning before the trip; participants can still join marine data collection.
Tipping: To show appreciation for the incredible work of our local crews, we will provide suggested tipping guidelines tailored to each country we visit. All tips are pooled and distributed equally among the local crew at the end of each expedition segment.
Due to the remote nature of this expedition, internal flights, visas, and travel insurance are paid for separately. However, all arrangements and logistics for these are fully organised and coordinated by Seas4Life to ensure a seamless experience for every guest.