Algoa Bay Awaits The 2023 Sardine Run
By Jake Keeton

1. News

During the past few weeks, prevailing Easterly winds have resulted in some major upwelling in Algoa Bay. This upwelling brings nutrients which in turn brings an abundance of baitfish. With the nature of the marine environment being as it is, when you find baitfish, the predators are never far behind. 

Over the last month we have had an unusual number of sightings of predators such as Bryde’s whales, Long-beaked Common Dolphins and various species of sharks These are all major players in the annual sardine run. Typically, the sardine run begins in Algoa Bay at the end of March/early April. The run can however start as early as February. 

In years gone buy we have noticed that the sightings experienced during the week leading up to the start of the sardine run can be a good indication of how good the action will be when the run starts. With the build-up we are experiencing right now we are looking forward to some action packed days at sea come late March/Early April.

View the following link to our website for more information on the Sardine Run: https://www.raggycharters.co.za/page/the-sardine-run

With our crew rearing to go and the predators all waiting in anticipation, the scene is set for one of the greatest marine displays on Earth. All we need now is for the sardines to arrive. 

Long-beaked Common Dolphin racing our boat with cape Gannets feeding in the background.

Long-beaked Common Dolphins chasing down a shoal of baitfish in Algoa bay.

Long beaked Common Dolphins doing 60km/h and making it look effortless.

Cape Gannets raining down on a baitball that was neatly packaged by a large pod of Common Dolphins