Wildlife You’ll See During the Sardine Run on the South Coast
The Sardine Run is often described as “the greatest shoal on Earth,” and one of the most fascinating aspects of this natural spectacle is the extraordinary wildlife that it attracts. From agile dolphins to massive sharks, seabirds to migratory whales, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast becomes a hotspot for marine life during winter.
This guide takes a closer look at the variety of wildlife you can expect to see during the Sardine Run, whether you’re on the shore, on a boat, or diving into the action.
1. Sardines – The Stars of the Show
Of course, the main attraction is the sardines themselves. Millions of these small, silvery fish migrate north along the South African coastline from the Cape towards KwaZulu-Natal.
Key points about sardines during the run:
- They travel in dense shoals that can stretch for kilometers.
- The shoals often move close to the surface, creating visible “bait balls” when predators attack.
- Their movement and density attract nearly every type of marine predator in the area.
Even from a distance, the shimmering mass of sardines against the ocean surface is a mesmerizing sight.
2. Dolphins – The Acrobats of the Ocean
Dolphins are perhaps the most energetic and visible predators during the Sardine Run. Several species are commonly seen along the South Coast:
- Common dolphins – Known for their speed, acrobatics, and social hunting strategies.
- Bottlenose dolphins – Often closer to shore, entertaining spectators with their playful jumps.
Dolphins work in coordinated groups, herding sardines into tightly packed bait balls, making it easier for them to feed. Their spectacular leaps and spinning dives make them a highlight for families, photographers, and divers alike.
3. Sharks – The Apex Predators
Sharks are another dramatic part of the Sardine Run ecosystem. While their presence is more noticeable for divers and boats, they play a critical role in the food chain.
Commonly spotted species include:
- Bronze whaler sharks – Often seen feeding on bait balls near the surface.
- Spinner sharks – Known for their aerial leaps and acrobatic hunting displays.
- Shortfin mako and reef sharks – Occasionally appear in deeper waters around shoals.
Safety is managed carefully by local operators, but witnessing a coordinated hunt from a safe distance is awe-inspiring and a reminder of the ocean’s power.
4. Whales – Seasonal Giants
Winter on the South Coast is also whale season, which coincides with the Sardine Run. Humpback whales migrate along the coast, sometimes appearing near feeding sardine shoals.
- Humpback whales – Can breach, slap tails, or swim alongside bait balls, adding to the spectacle.
- Southern right whales – Less frequent but visible in coastal waters during their migration.
Whales often attract seabirds and smaller marine life as they feed, enhancing the density of activity in the water.
5. Seabirds – The Diving Specialists
The sky above the South Coast often becomes a chaotic, fascinating scene during the Sardine Run. Seabirds dive from above to feed on sardines trapped in bait balls. Common species include:
- Cape gannets – Famous for their dramatic high-speed dives, often hitting the water at over 100 km/h.
- Terns and gulls – Work together to pick off fish near the surface.
- Cormorants and pelicans – Dive and swim skillfully to catch smaller fish at the edges of shoals.
Watching the aerial acrobatics of these birds is almost as thrilling as the marine action below.
6. Other Marine Life
The Sardine Run attracts a wide range of additional wildlife, contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity:
- Sea turtles – Occasionally appear to feed near the shoals.
- Small reef fish and bait fish – Attracted by the abundance of sardines, creating complex feeding patterns.
- Occasional seals – Seen in coastal waters, joining in the feeding frenzy.
Even from the shore, careful observation can reveal many of these species interacting in real time.
7. Why the Wildlife Interaction Is So Unique
The Sardine Run is rare globally, and the combination of:
- Billions of sardines
- Multiple predator species (dolphins, sharks, seabirds, whales)
- Proximity to shore
creates an ecosystem spectacle that is rarely matched anywhere else on the planet. It offers an educational, adventurous, and visually stunning experience for visitors of all ages.
Tips for Watching Wildlife During the Sardine Run
- From the shore: Beaches such as Hibberdene, Umzumbe, Port Shepstone, and Margate provide safe family-friendly vantage points.
- Boat tours: Experienced operators can get you closer to feeding activity safely.
- Diving excursions: For certified divers, entering the water gives a unique underwater perspective of sardines, dolphins, and occasionally sharks.
- Photography: Use zoom lenses to capture birds diving or dolphins hunting.
- Timing: Peak activity is usually June to early July, with occasional sightings in May or August.
Final Thoughts
Witnessing the wildlife of the Sardine Run on the South Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the shimmering sardine shoals to acrobatic dolphins, powerful sharks, diving seabirds, and migrating whales, the spectacle is unparalleled.
Whether you watch from a beach, embark on a guided boat tour, or dive into the action with expert operators, the Sardine Run offers unforgettable encounters with South Africa’s most remarkable marine life.
It is perfect for families, photographers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers, and forms the centerpiece of any winter holiday along the KZN South Coast.
