'Sardine Run' off South Africa a spectacular diving experience

Chris and Monique Fallows of Apex Shark Expeditions recently concluded their annual "Sardine Run" off South Africa's Wild Coast. For several days they followed the northbound migration of vast shoals of sardines, and the many large predators they attract.

Diving alongside and even within these massive bait balls is not for the faint of heart, as Chris Fallows attests.

"It is unbelievable with sharks bashing into you, dolphins herding, then smashing the balls, and gannets attacking from above," says Fallows, a renowned shark expert and marine photographer. "It's simply the most unreal spectacle you could ever imagine throwing yourself into, and at the same time it's amazingly beautiful."

The Sardine Run should be at or near the top of any experienced diver's to-do list. Chris Fallows provided images of this year's run to illustrate the uniqueness and surreal nature of these voyages.

Sharks patrolled the perimeter of spherical bait concentrations that "hung in the water column like a chandelier in an earthquake." Once emboldened, the predators delved into and out of the sardine schools.

Dolphins planned and executed assaults on prey they had corralled. "The dolphins communicate constantly with high-pitched squeaks, orchestrating well-synchronized attacks on the shoal as they attack in high-speed volleys, sending sardines bursting out of the water," Fallows describes.

Gannets and other seabirds dive-bombed into the fray, plucking sardines from various depths, paying no attention to predators or divers. "All around you it is chaos," Fallows continues. "Dolphin squadrons, shark battalions and kamikaze gannets all attack, creating an almost dizzying underwater ballet of piscine gluttony.

Then there was the whale, barreling in for its share.

"Just when you thought that the action could not get any more intense the gray steam train comes smoking through in the form of a 15-meter-long Bryde's whale complete with smoke stack of bubbles pouring out of its blowhole. Mouth agape, this sardine assassin scoops up thousands of sardines and finishes off the remnants of the ball and all the other predators' hard work to keep it condensed and near the surface."

Chris and Monique have witnessed plenty of dramatic events while running shark-diving expeditions. They've helped in the production of documentaries that have aired on networks such as National Geographic, BBC and Discovery Channel. Chris, in fact, is famous for his photography of leaping great whites.

But exploring the bait ball phenomenon is perhaps the most memorable because of the intimacy factor.

Says Monique: "What makes the Sardine Run experience so unique is that one is diving in the action and you feel you are part of the whole event. Most other nature experiences are watched from either a vehicle or a boat. This experience takes you right into the moment."

-- Those wishing to learn more about Apex Shark Expeditions can follow the company on Facebook and Twitter

-- Images were provided by Chris Fallows for this story only and are protected by copyright laws

Comments

[Adventure Racing]

I would love diving but I don't know how to dive. :D
Nice photos shots!

[Facebook App Development]

yEah it cool diving...

[dive koh tao]

Those photos are absolutely stunning!

I can't even imagine what it must have been like to be there taking those shots.

[Koh Tao]

Wow!
I guess the diving must be right out in deep blue water, drifting in the current. Pretty hardcore diving - must be some hairy moments.
Did you actually get to see the Bride's whale underwater - those things can travel!