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Every year, as the winter chill (sort of) hits the KZN coastline and the aloes go into bloom, the ocean comes alive with marine activity. Hundreds of millions of silver sardines head north along the shoreline as the world-famous Sardine Run gets underway.
Exactly when it will happen is hard to say, but you’ll know it when you see it! This annual migration happens in the cooler months – June and July – with the KZN South Coast given front-row seats to all the action. What’s even more impressive about this biomass migration is that you don’t just spot sardines – these delicious silver shoals attract all manner of marine creatures looking for an easy catch. Whales, dolphins, sharks, game fish and overhead seabirds can all be spotted getting in on the action.
People, too, aren’t going to be left out, as seine netters head into the shallows, catching barrelfuls of these salty fish (pilchards as they’re known locally!) which are then sold on and incorporated into delicious seaside cuisine. According to the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), the annual Sardine Run is considered the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ and remains one of South Africa’s biggest winter tourism attractions.
What exactly is the Sardine Run?
During June and July (sometimes a bit earlier if there’s a cold snap), millions of Southern African sardines migrate northwards in enormous shoals along the coastline. These dense shoals can stretch for kilometres and trigger an extraordinary feeding frenzy among marine predators.
Nature lovers often compare it to an underwater safari. The sheer scale of the event is difficult to explain until you see it in person.
The ocean comes alive with activity as Common and Bottlenose Dolphins, Copper Sharks, Blacktip Sharks, Ragged-Tooth Sharks, Humpback Whales and Cape Gannets descend on the shoals. If conditions are right, you may even spot Sailfish or Orcas offshore.
For divers and photographers, it’s considered one of the best marine experiences in the world.
Where to watch the Sardine Run
1. From the shore
The KZN South Coast offers several incredible land-based viewing points where visitors can safely watch the action unfold offshore. Ocean-facing restaurants and bars along the coast also become prime viewing spots during the season. Popular whale viewing decks include:
- Ramsgate Whale Deck
- Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck
- Impithi Beach Kiosk in Pennington
- Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck
2. On the water
Boat charters and deep-sea fishing excursions offer front-row seats to the action. Visitors can also book snorkelling and scuba diving experiences around world-famous reefs, including Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks – both of which are Marine Protected Areas and internationally renowned dive sites (Aliwal Shoal is also a Mission Blue Hope Spot!).
3. From the sky
For a completely different perspective, microlight flights, helicopter flips, and scenic aircraft tours allow visitors to witness the full scale of the migration from above. Seeing bait balls erupt beneath circling gannets from the air is something few people ever forget.
It’s prime fishing season
Winter on the South Coast is heaven for anglers. During sardine season, fishermen regularly target species including shad, kob, salmon, kingfish, pompano, grunter, tuna, rockcod and even sharks. Deep-sea charters and ski boat launches operate all along the coastline.
Visitors are reminded to fish responsibly and ensure they have the correct permits and licences.
And something for golfers
The KZN South Coast is also known as ‘The Golf Coast’ for its 11 great courses, many of which have sea views. Scottburgh Golf Club adds to the winter buzz with its annual Sardine Run Golf Tournament taking place from 14 to 16 June 2026, drawing golfers and visitors to the coast during the peak migration season.
Planning a Sardine Run trip?
Keep an eye on ocean conditions and daily sightings as the migration can shift quickly depending on weather and currents. For more information:
- Website: www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za
- Facebook: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
- Instagram: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise
- X: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise
- YouTube: South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise
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