Massive Shoals expected for this years annual Sardine Run

Massive shoals of sardines, the size of which have not been seen since the 1970s, have been spotted in Algoa Bay harbour on Friday.  This marks the start of the 2021 Sardine Run, and by all accounts, it is going to be the biggest one seen in our waters in the last 50 years.

This annual run attracts tourists from all over the world to view what is known  as ‘The largest migration on earth’.  Southern Cross Cruises is the only permitted tour operator in East London, offering day trips out to see this magnificent display of wildlife.  Millions if not billions of sardines gather together each year to migrate up our coast, and with them come an army of predators who feed off the bait balls from every angle.  From the sky, herons circle and dive bomb the bait balls from above.  From below, the water is teaming with sharks, dolphins and even whales, all joining the feast in an eating frenzy.

It is wild, frenzied and violent, often resulting in the predators themselves being injured or mistaken for food.  It is an awe inspiring sight and has thus rightly been named, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’!

This year is going to be a bumper Sardine Run, so be sure to book your seat early with John and Kathinka Barry from Southern Cross Cruises.  John is over 10 000 hours of experience at sea and is a qualified yacht master off-shore with a SAMSA commercial ticket.  Operating daily from Latimers Landing (on an appointment basis), John and Kathinka will provide you with in-depth knowledge on the local area as well as information on this world-famous event.

Visit their website for more information.

Article:  Sandy Loppnow