2008 Sardine Run Expedition

In the past we have opted to be based in Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu/Natal south coast, the reason being that should the Sardines not run there was still Protea Banks on which to dive. This has been successful in that although the Sardines did not run, there were plenty of sharks to be seen on Protea.

Also as in the past, most of the Sardine action has been off the coast close to the city of East London. That's why the change. To be closer to the action. Therefore we have broken with tradition and Dive The Big 5 is now offering a Specialist Sardine Run expedition based out of East London in June 2008.

This expedition is aimed at the enthusiasts who want to be close to where the action is likely to be, with the idea being that unless you are out at sea for most of the day you are not going to be part of the action!!

 Itinerary

The expedition will be 7 nights / 8 days.

The itinerary will be as follows:

Day 01.
June 2008:Arrive at East London Airport, own arrangements. On arrival you will be met by Dive The Big 5 and you will transfer to your
hotel. Rest of the afternoon free. At 18h00 you will transfer to the Ballyhoo Boma for the introduction to the other participants and the opening presentation "The Sardine Run Phenomenon, tracking the adventure" followed by the welcome dinner. Overnight at the Quarry Lake Inn on a dinner bed and breakfast basis. www.quarrylakeinn.co.za (subject to availability as the time of booking

Day's 02 to 07.
June 2008:
Sardine Run boating day, weather permitting. See itinerary below. Overnight at the Quarry Lake Inn on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.


Day 08.
June 2008:
After breakfast you will transfer back to East London Airport. End of services.

A typical Sardine Run boating day itinerary will be as follows: 

07h00: Breakfast.
07h30: The Microlight spotter plane gets air-born.
08h00: The first aerial feedback is received from the microlight.
08h00: The boat is loaded and ready to go.
08h30: Launch 
12h00: Packed lunch at sea.
14h30: Weather dependant, return to shore.
18h00: Review of the days action and presentation by an expert on the Sardine Run or related topic. The exact presentation and presenter will be advised closer to the date of the expedition.
19h00: Dinner.

Each of the 6 dive days will have the same itinerary, weather permitting, and the evenings presentation will differ on each day but will be on a subject directly related to the Sardine Run.

Please note. Should weather prevent us from launching on any of the 6 boating days there will be no refund as this expedition is sold on a package basis. Alternative excursions will be arranged for divers on “down days”.

 Cost based on 2 people travelling

Cost:
ZAR 24 100 per person sharing.
Single supplement. ZAR 1 460 per single accommodation.

The above cost includes; all accommodation on a shared basis; meals as specified; all dives as indicated; the hire of weight belts, weights, tanks and all air-fills; all indicated transfers; services of a local dive master to lead all dives; services of a microlight spotter plane; Sardine run / marine biologist to lead expedition and to give daily evening presentation;14% VAT.

The above cost excludes; International and domestic air-fares; all items of a personal nature; drinks; gratuities; porterage; tours and transfers etc. not specified in the itinerary; the hire of all diving equipment other than weights, weight belts, tanks and air-fills; cancellation, baggage or medical insurance; visas; new Government taxes; DAN Insurance.