Experience the Sardine Run for Yourself - Island Dreams' has arranged this exciting group dive tour with Nic de Gersigny of SEAL. We have a total of 16 spaces available. The tour package commences in Durban, South Africa. All guest must arrive in Durban, any time, on Monday, June 29, 2009.

Tour Duration - Ten nights in all, June 29 - July 8, 2009. First night is spent Durban's Hilton Hotel, followed by the SEAL program which includes nine (9) nights lodging and eight (8) days on the water to make the most of your Sardine Run experience.

Price - $3895 USD per person, based on twin share. This includes the nine night SEAL package, plus our arrival night at the Hilton Hotel. There is a single supplement surcharge of $500 should you prefer single occupancy accommodations.

Air Travel to Durban is Additional - Airfare to Durban, South Africa is not included in this package, and is at additional expense. Put your frequent flier miles to good use...or have Island Dreams assist you with booking and ticketing.

Cycle Safari Option - If you have more time to spend, we offer the option of a four day Cycle Safari. Your may ride bike, or the chase vehicle, as we travel between luxury safari camps. $1895 USD per person, based on twin share.

Weather & Conditions - June/ July are winter months on the Wild Coast and wet weather is possible (though not always the case). Note that water temperature is quite cold, 59-70 F. / 15-21 C. A full wet suit, hooded vest, gloves, etc. are recommended. Air temperature will be in the range of 59-75 F. / 15-24 C. Bring appropriate clothing.

Dive Conditions - Conditions will vary from glass-like seas to flying through giant rollers in pumping winds - very exciting and sometimes strenuous. Safety is always the priority when on the water and the SEAL skipper will navigate accordingly. Visibility varies from 2 - 20m/ 6 ft - 60ft. As a safety precaution, we generally don't enter the water in less than 15ft of visibility.

Island Dreams Group Package Includes

• Guides - Dedicated full-time SEAL guide, plus Ken Knezick from Island Dreams
• Arrival Overnight - Hilton Hotel Durban, South Africa
• Lodging - Nine (9) night in 3-star hotel
• Diving - 8 days on the water or alternate activity as determined by conditions
• Meals - Full or packed breakfast as determined by launch time, light lunch and refreshments on boat, 3 course dinner
• Air Support - Dedicated SEAL Microlight spotter aircraft to call us onto the action
• Guest Flight - Each guest will get to fly in the SEAL microlight and see the Wild Coast from the air
• Equipment - Airfills, cylinders, weightbelts
• Full DAN insurance coverage
• * All Transfers - see detail below
• * Alternate Activities - All Alternate Activities - see list below

• Airfare to Durban, South Africa
• Any required lodging nights before or after the tour duration
• Dive Equipment - BCD, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel
• Alcohol - For guest account
• Porterage - Excess baggage penalties and transportation
• Gratuities - At guest discretion

• Microlight Flight - Each guest will get to fly in the SEAL microlight and see the Wild Coast from the air
• Magnificent Trails - Some of the most beautiful countryside in South Africa also hosts some of the highest waterfalls where fresh water tumbles 300 ft into the sea
• Cultural Experience - Visit with the local traditional healer and see an authentic rural African village
• Horse Riding - Ride the trails along Waterfall Bluff, 300 ft above the sea

• Arrival - SEAL will greet guests at Durban International Airport and transfer to our dive location in the Eastern Cape (approx 4 hours).
• Departure - SEAL will transfer guests from Eastern Cape back to Durban International Airport on Day 10.

Basic Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Durban International Airport - met by SEAL Team member and transferred to our dive location in the Eastern Cape

Days 2 - 9
06h45 - Full breakfast (packed breakfast supplied for occasional 06h30 launches)
07h00 - Microlight launches and begins recon
08h00 - SEAL Teams launch
11h00 - Light lunch and refreshments available onboard throughout the day
14h30 - Approximate time back in harbour - dependent on action and weather conditions
16h00 - Afternoon optional activity - horse riding, sundown cocktails, trail-hikes
19h00 - 3 course dinner, next day activity planning and good times - SEAL style

Day 10 - Transfer back to Durban International Airport (arriving 2:00 p.m. earliest) for short internal flight to Johannesburg.

• Advanced Diver Certification only - divers will be required to present their dive cards and/ or log-books to SEAL upon arrival. This activity is for experienced scuba divers only
• Passport - Required for US citizens traveling to South Africa and Botswana - no visa required though
• Clothing - Wind/ Rain proof active wear, smart casual wear
• Miscellaneous - Sun protection, headwear, eye protection, binoculars, camera

Water Temperature - The Indian Ocean is the warmer of the 2 oceans bordering South Africa. We're diving in the winter season where water temperatures will vary between 59 - 70 F/ 15 - 21 C. A 5mm wetsuit will most often suffice with booties, hoody and gloves recommended. A 7mm semi-dry will be appropriate for divers who get cold easily. In ideal Sardine Run conditions, the water temperature will be in the range 59 - 65 F.

Physical Fitness - The Sardine Run can be physically challenging and a base fitness level is recommended though not essential. The more fit the participant the more enjoyment of the experience. Divers with pre-existing medical conditions must stipulate when signing the expedition waiver documents. A full medical is recommended for divers with pre-existing health conditions.

Medical Requirements

• Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid vaccination is recommended for all travelers
• All travelers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, including, Tetanus-diptheria, Measles-mumps-rubella, and Varicella

Power Supply - Voltage in South Africa is 230 - 240 V, 50 Hz. Guests may require a voltage converter depending on their country of origin.

SEAL Safety Promise - The Sardine Run is the most challenging of our suite of SEAL Expeditions. That said, the accident potential is minimal, largely due to our knowledge of the environment and our taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety of our guests, both on and off the water. SEAL equipment and communications technologies are state of the art and include:

• Oxygen and first-aid kit onboard
• VHF Radio
• Cellular phone
• Satellite phone (when no cellular coverage)

We are here to serve you an unparalled diving experience. Please contact our friends at Island Dreams Travel to schedule your own adventure.

For more information about SEAL, and the Sardine Run in South Africa:

Sardine Run Report by Nic de Gersigny of SEAL

"Greatest Shoal on Earth" by Andrew Aitken

Sardine Run Questions and Answers

Information about SEAL

Pricing and Schedules

Risk Free Price Quote Click Start to begin planning your personal Island Dreams adventure.

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