Travel bucket list idea:
Dolphins are ever-present at this incredible reef just off the coast of Durban year round, but May to July is the time to go to witness the ‘Sardine Run’.
Made famous by ‘Blue Planet’, this extraordinary natural spectacle sees billions of sardines migrate up South Africa’s Eastern Coast from – attracting every denizen of the deep, including 18,000 common and bottlenose dolphins. Divers can be dropped into the feeding frenzy to see dolphins hunting in packs.
You can dive at Aliwal Shoal all year round. Dolphins are ever-present. It’s less busy from September to November due to strong winds. Water temperatures vary between 18 – 26°C depending on the time of year.
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Umkomass, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
The biggest of the local dive operators, offering diving on the Aliwal Shoal with tiger sharks, ragged-tooth sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks, and special dive packages to witness the great ‘sardine run’. They cater to all levels of experience.
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
These intelligent, social beings have long held a special place in our hearts – a result of their seemingly-smiling faces, playful frolicking and friendly disposition. Here’s our round-up of some of the best places in the world to swim with them.
