4th to 14th December 2026 "Whales & Wine" South Africa

The West Coast Sardine Run expedition with Expert Tours is a unique opportunity to witness one of the Atlantic Ocean’s most dynamic marine events. Taking place along South Africa’s West Coast between Langebaan and St Helena Bay, this seasonal phenomenon is driven by cold, nutrient-rich upwelling that supports vast concentrations of krill — the foundation for an extraordinary aggregation of marine life.

At its peak, the area becomes a feeding hotspot for large numbers of humpback whales, with superpods sometimes exceeding 1,000 individuals. These whales can be observed lunging through dense krill swarms, tail-slapping, and moving in coordinated feeding patterns across the bay. The predictability of the krill bloom makes this one of the few places where such large whale aggregations can be encountered consistently over a defined period.

In addition to humpback whales, the region offers exceptional biodiversity and frequent sightings of:

• Cape fur seals, often encountered in large, active groups
• Dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic behavior
• Heaviside’s dolphins, a smaller and more elusive endemic species
• Ocean sunfish (Mola mola), occasionally seen drifting near the surface
• Seabirds including gannets, cormorants, and petrels feeding above the action
• Seasonal sightings of other whale species depending on conditions

The expedition is led by experienced marine guides Silke and Rainer Schimpf, who bring extensive knowledge of local ocean conditions and wildlife behavior. Their approach prioritizes respectful interaction while maximizing time spent in active wildlife areas.

Guests can expect a range of immersive experiences:

• Daily boat excursions into feeding zones
• Opportunities to snorkel in open water among krill swarms (weather dependent)
• Close-range whale encounters from small vessels
• Dedicated time for photography and observation

A key highlight is the participation of internationally recognized underwater photographer Tobias Friedrich. His presence adds a professional dimension to the expedition, offering guidance on capturing marine life in challenging, fast-moving conditions — from whale action at the surface to wide-angle underwater scenes.

What distinguishes the West Coast Sardine Run is its raw and unscripted nature. There are no fixed sightings or staged interactions; instead, each day is shaped by ocean currents, weather, and wildlife movement. This creates an environment of constant change, where encounters can range from quiet observation to intense, multi-species feeding activity within minutes.

For travelers interested in marine wildlife, underwater photography, and authentic ocean experiences, this expedition provides a rare combination of scale, access, and biodiversity — all within one of South Africa’s most productive and least commercialized coastal regions.

Please write an email to: tobias (at) below-surface.com for more information about this trip.

*Disclaimer at the bottom of this page.