PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
6 June 2025

The Sardine Run Action Has Arrived on the KZN South Coast – and Now’s the Time to Visit!

The annual Sardine Run, considered the ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’, has arrived on the KZN South Coast, delivering one of the most spectacular ocean events of the year. To help first-time visitors make the most of this incredible event, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is sharing the best way to witness and experience The Sardine Run on the KZN South Coast.

The KZN Sharks Board monitors the Sardine Run to keep a watch on the activity and remove shark safety gear ahead of the run for the animals to move freely. South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) keeps in constant contact with the KZN Sharks Board, with regular updates shared via social media platforms (listed below).

Wayne Harrison, of the KZN Sharks Board, said the sardines arrived on the KZN South Coast on Saturday, 31 May with lots of shark activity noted in Port Edward: “Nettings have taken place since first light on 2 June. It’s been very active from Pennington through to the north of Scottburgh, with another shoal spotted at Pennington Main Beach on Thursday (5 June).”

What is the Sardine Run?

The Sardine Run is a remarkable natural phenomenon that takes place along South Africa’s coastline during the winter months of June and July. While the exact timing of the run can vary depending on the water temperature, it is often heralded on the KZN South Coast by the blooming of aloes – a sure sign that winter has arrived.

The Sardine Run is the mass migration of millions of Southern African pilchards (also known as sardines) forming immense shoals that can stretch for kilometres. The spectacle draws a host of predators, including dolphins, sharks, whales, seabirds, and game fish, making it one of the most thrilling marine events to witness.

How Can You Witness the Sardine Run?

“The KZN South Coast is truly the best place to experience the Sardine Run, with local tourism operators prepared to welcome visitors,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have front-row access to this world-famous natural event, which has been showcased in numerous international documentaries. Whether you choose to watch from land, sea, or sky, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the spectacle, it all comes down to what suits you best!”

There are several exciting ways to watch the Sardine Run on the KZN South Coast, each offering a unique perspective on this incredible natural event.

·         On the Water: For a close-up experience, charter boats are available to take guests out to sea, where they can watch the action from the deck or even dive in for a more immersive view through snorkelling or scuba diving at hotspots like the Marine Protected Areas, Aliwal Shoal ( a Mission Blue Hope Spot) or Protea Banks. Deep-sea fishing charters also give enthusiasts a front-row seat to the predator activity that follows the sardines.

·         From the Land: There are numerous whale viewing decks along the KZN South Coast that offer excellent vantage points. Popular spots include the Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck, Ramsgate Whale Deck, Impithi Beach Kiosk, and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck. Ocean-facing restaurants and bars in the area also provide a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal or drink while watching the spectacle unfold.

·         From the Skies: For a truly breathtaking view, consider taking to the skies in a microlight, helicopter, or light aircraft—local pilots offer scenic flights that provide a bird’s-eye view of the action in the water below.

Don’t Miss the Sardine Run Events!

1.       Ocean Festival

Dates: 5 to 8 June 2025

Venue: Scottburgh Main Beach

Website: www.oceanfestival.co.za | Instagram/Facebook: @theoceanfestival

Celebrate World Ocean Day with beach clean-ups, educational talks, live music, sports, and entertainment. This year’s theme is Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.

2.       Run4Ramsgate

Date: 14 June 2025

Venue: Ramsgate Tidal Pool

Support: Run4Ramsgate on BackaBuddy

Take part in a 5km run or walk to help raise R100,000 for improvements to Ramsgate Main Village Street. Open to all supporters, local and global.

3.       Offramp Fishing Competition

Date: 22 June 2025 (Entries close 20 June)

Venue: Margate Fishing Pier

Contact: admin@offrampexperience.com | WhatsApp 064 551 9049 / 073 795 4494 | Social: @offrampexperience

A competitive fishing event with categories for edibles and non-edibles across male, female, and junior divisions.

4.       Sardine Festival

Dates: 27 June to 20 July 2025

Time: 10am to 2pm

Venues: Ramsgate, St Michaels, Hibberdene, Marina, Uvongo, and Margate main beaches

Contact: michael@one-way.co.za

This free, family-friendly festival offers beach volleyball, soccer, touch rugby, and games like treasure hunts and musical chairs, with prizes up for grabs.

5.       Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival

Date: 26 July 2025

Venue: St Michael’s Beach, KZN South Coast

Contact: hello@coastalseafoodfest.co.za | 083 722 7317 | www.coastalseafoodfest.co.za

Celebrate regional seafood culture with tastings, live cooking, and local heritage in support of the ‘Fishing for Freedom’ campaign.

6.       MPA Day

Date: 1 August 2025

Website: www.mpaday.org | Instagram: @marineprotectedareassa | Facebook: @MPASouthAfrica

A global event honouring South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas. This year’s theme, Making Connections, includes talks, ocean activities, and events highlighting Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks, and Trafalgar.

Now’s the Time: Visit, Invest, Thrive in KZN South Coast!

Find out more about these and other upcoming events by visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; 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.

Follow the hashtags #nowisthetime #nowisthetimetovisit

/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 are available upon request.
(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Caption: The Sardine Run has descended on the KZN South Coast, bringing with it a frenzy of ocean predators that make this a spectacle not to be missed.
As the seine netters are kept busy hauling in their catches, visitors to the KZN South Coast can catch the action from the shore, in the water, or from the skies.
South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has shared where the action is happening, all the Sardine Run events to catch,
and the best way to experience the action on the KZN South Coast!

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.

Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za