PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

15 June 2026

 

The Greatest Shoal on Earth Arrives on the KZN South Coast

 

The wait is over the world-famous Sardine Run has officially begun along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, bringing with it one of nature’s most spectacular marine activity and an exciting season of ocean adventure.

 

There has already been notable sardine netting activity recorded at several beaches between Port Edward and St Michael’s, signalling the arrival of the annual migration and creating excitement among locals and visitors alike. The successful nettings have attracted crowds eager to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon firsthand.

Every year, millions of sardines migrate along the coastline, attracting an incredible array of marine life including dolphins, sharks, whales and seabirds. Known as the “Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the Sardine Run transforms the KZN South Coast into a vibrant hub of activity, offering unforgettable experiences both on and off the water.

 

South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is encouraging visitors to make their way to the KZN South Coast, book their accommodation and experience the hype surrounding this iconic event. Visitors can enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities, world-class scuba diving, ocean safaris, whale watching, snorkelling, surfing and countless other ocean-based adventures while soaking up the excitement of the sardine season.

 

The Sardine Run provides a significant boost to the local tourism economy, supporting accommodation establishments, tour operators, restaurants, retailers and coastal communities throughout the region.

 

SCTIE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said the arrival of the sardines is a major highlight on the tourism calendar. “The Sardine Run is one of the world’s most remarkable marine spectacles and a key tourism attraction for the KZN South Coast. The recent netting activity between Port Edward and St Michael’s is a strong indication that the migration is underway, creating incredible excitement along our coastline. We encourage visitors to book their accommodation, plan their trip and experience the action firsthand. Beyond the sardines, visitors can enjoy our excellent fishing, diving, marine adventures, beautiful beaches and warm hospitality, making the KZN South Coast the perfect winter getaway destination.”

 

As sightings continue along the coastline, visitors are encouraged to stay updated on sardine activity and explore the many attractions, experiences and events available throughout the KZN South Coast.

 

Now is the perfect time to visit and witness the Greatest Shoal on Earth in action.

 

#SardineRun#KZNSouthCoast#SardineSeason#GreatShoal#OceanAdventure#

WinterOnTheCoast#ShoalSeason

 

Keep updated on all on South Coast activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. Check out the latest

 

About KZN South Coast

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series, The Ugu Maskandi Festival,South Coast Marathon.

 

 

/ENDS

Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit is included, and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.

 

High resolution images: https://we.tl/t-X3FC1fDM2RLZSRUg

About KZN South Coast

 

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series, The Ugu Maskandi Festival, South Coast Marathon.

For more information please contact:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Cell: 039 682 7944
Email:  vanessa@sctie.co.za