The Sardine Run

The sardine run, a local view
Every year in winter, vast shoals of sardines that have spawned in the waters of Antarctica travel the cold-water currents south of the East Coast of South Africa. Sometimes a combination of wind and current will allow a tongue of cold water to intrude into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean – and then millions upon millions of sardines come close enough to be seen from shore or even washed up on the beach. This phenomenon, which occurs no-where else on earth, can be witnessed from the beaches of the Wild Coast – if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time.
http://www.wildcoast.co.za/node/81

From Wikipedia
The Sardine Run occurs between May and July when millions of sardines - or more specifically the Southern African pilchard Sardinops sagax - spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The run, containing millions of individual sardines, occurs when a current of cold water heads north from the Agulhas Bank up to Mozambique where it then leaves the coast line and goes further East into the Indian Ocean.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardine_run

A one minute video introduction
Charging dolphins, breaching whales, diving gannets, curious sharks and bait balls; all packed into 1 minute of action footage!
http://www.bluespheremedia.com/southafrica-sardinerun-video.html

Some Images Of The Sardine Run

Walking Distance from Outspan Inn

  • Spar
  • KFC
  • Post Office
  • Clothing stores
  • Museum
  • Light house
  • Internet Cafe
  • Restaurant and Pubs
  • Curio and Coffee shop
  • Municipal and Traffic Offices
  • 9 Hole Golf course
  • ATM's
  • ABSA
  • FNB
  • Standard Bank

News Letter

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What some of the divers that stayed here have to say about the sardine run.

"I really wanted to thank you for all your patience and help over the last few months. Outspan will always have a special place in the hearts of everybody who lived and worked there during this project and you and your staff were very much a part of the process. We are all missing PSJ terribly, so don’t be surprised if you see some city-weary film crew limping back to the Pondo in the near future. Ceridwen from one step beyond"

"You are a lovely part of the unforgettable memories I have of Port St Johns and I hope to see you in the future. I promise to drop by and say hello one day :) We only planned to stay one night and it ended up being four. It really has to be the most beautiful and untouched area on the wild coast. Engulfed by nature, city life is but a distant reality there and it is places like this that make our country so special. I have fallen in love with the Transkei... Kate Higgs from White Light Production"

"I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Reddie family, the Moodley family and the Govender family to thank you and your staff for a most enjoyable stay at your establishment. Your assistant Jackie did a sterling job with the room arrangements and we would also like to acknowledge Constance, your Housemaid, for their efficiency in making sure our rooms were clean and comfortable.We will most definitely visit again and will promote Outspan Inn wherever we can. Runga Moodley MAN - Pinetown"

"Outspan Inn is a delightful and comfortable place to stay and we will have no hesitation recommending it to our readers. Special thanks to Chrissle for all the wonderful food. The Restaurant, will come highly recommended. The Port St Johns feature has been scheduled for the April issue and should go ahead as planned. Kind Regards Cathy and Lanz and Robin Daly - Getaway Magazine"

"Wayne Herbert here ...don't know if you remember us from Texas... We were out your way last August. Well, maybe the photos will jog your memory. I finally have gotten around to getting all my trip photos organized and I have sent you the pictures we took. It was one of the most enjoyable segments of our vacation and we hope one day to return. In the meanwhile we both hope that life finds you healthy and prosperous and enjoying yourself in Port St Johns. Wayne and Calista - Texas"

"Hi to all down there, we would just like to again say thanks for all the assistance and hospitality given to us during our shoot down in Port St Johns. The shoot went very well and a great time was had by all as you well know. Till next time.... Thanks and regards Karin - Black Coffee Productions"

"Just a short letter to thank you all for a most enjoyable stay in Port St Johns during our diving survey in June. You really went out of your way to accommodate us, especially with provision of a store room and washing facilities for the boat which was most appreciated. Best wishes Bruce Mann and the ORI Team - South African Association for Marine Biological Research"

"This office would like to convey our sincere appreciation for the service that was rendered by your Guest House during our members stay. Due to unforeseen circumstances our members were left stranded in Port St Johns and without your assistance they would have been left without accommodation, your hospitality went beyond our expectations. Yours sincerely Captain E. Loxton - Provincial Air wing Commander South African Police Service"

"I hope all is well. Thank you for accommodating our big crew last year and for your good company whilst we were in Port St Johns. It was great that after a lot of hard work and many frustrations we finally hit the jackpot and got some pretty good footage on the last shoot - Didier certainly got some amazing shots in the last week he was with you. Regards Hugh Pearson - BBC UK"

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