Saturday 23 June 2012

Sardine run 23 June 2012 - update

A quieter day compared to the sardine action of yesterday, however there is never a dull moment out at sea and today has been classified "Whales tale", as we were in the presence of countless amounts of humpback whales with exceptional encounters both in-water and out of the water and some special moments captured on film.

We enjoyed the presence of your Skua's again today hovering over Offshore 1 as well as a friendly and curious Albatross.

The day ended with a relaxed reef dive on a new spot, yet to be named.








New dive site - teeming with big & small life here in Port St John's







Sardine run 2012 - 22nd June update

A superb day on the ocean before the north easter came through.  We got to scuba dive for over 30 minutes on 2 smallish red eye sardine baitballs with gannets plowing into it, common dolphins herding it this way and that and the odd copper shark (bronze whaler) milling in and out.  A great sign of action and everything working these sardines.

Water temperature has dropped to 18 degrees C, which is hugely favourable for the sardines, which prefer cooler waters.

There is an abundance of humpback whales in the area all migrating northwards and these encounters are always very special for the memory bank.

Not to be forgotten is our Skua visits to come and see what is available to snack on off the boat and to take it ever so gently when it is offered to them in mid-flight, hovering as they do above the deck of the boat, inches away from everyone on board and much to the delight of all!!!

all in all a good day out at sea today here in Port St John's.





Extreme Frontiers South Africa with Charley Boorman & Russ Malkin

Charley Boorman & Russ Malkin from the new TV series Extreme Frontiers South Africa spent some time on the ocean with us during sardine run 2012.  Although a little early for the arrival of the sardines, nonetheless an outstanding day was had by all with time spent with at least 300 common dolphins and an equal number of bottlenose dolphins, each species in their own massive pod of simply "the movement of white water" symbolising fast movement of these dolphins.  To top it all off, a friendly Skua kept on asking the boat & crew for food and taking it ever so nicely too.............. superb images were captured of the day and of the dramatic scenery & beauty of Port St John's.

Watch out for the new TV series, due to be aired in November and featuring adventure and things to do in South Africa.

Our thanks to the entire film crew and special thanks to Charley & Russ. It was superb having you all on board Offshore 1 with us.






An outstanding dolphin hunting day








The beauty of the humpback whales





Clash of the gannets - sardine run 2012