The aloes are in bloom and the winter chill is in the air, which means the scene is set for the 2025 sardine run, an annual ocean spectacle taking place along the KZN South Coast. In honour of this epic annual migration and to ensure visitors are kept busy this winter, there are a number of ocean-focused events taking place in the next few weeks that simply cannot be missed.
“With our mild, sunny days, Blue Flag beaches, world-class dive sites, friendly locals, and the Sardine Run action – now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast,” notes Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “This natural phenomenon is one of our biggest tourism attractions, and to ensure our visitors will get even more this year, with a variety of seaside events planned. We encourage visitors to book early so as not to miss out!”
Run4Ramsgate
14 June 2025, Ramsgate Tidal Pool
This is a great citizen fundraiser calling on people to compete in the 5km run or walk to raise funds for the upgrade of Ramsgate Main Village Street. Organisers hope to raise R100 000 for the upgrade, with visitors and even global supporters taking part. www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/run4ramsgate-sa~2
Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival
26 July 2025, St Michael’s Beach
The festival celebrates the deep-rooted fishing heritage of this region. Designed to immerse visitors in South Africa’s vibrant marine culinary culture while promoting regional seafood excellence at St Michael’s Beach, this inaugural edition in the KZN South Coast is one of two such festivals taking place – the other being Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. Visitors can look forward to a seafood cookout with celebrity chefs; a seafood market and artisanal stalls; restaurant showcase and tasting experiences; junior cookout competition; live music & entertainment, and beach sports and outdoor activities. www.coastalseafoodfest.co.za
The Sardine Festival
27 June to 20 July 2025, 10am to 2pm, Ray Nkonyeni Beaches – Ramsgate, St Michaels, Hibberdene, Marina, Uvongo, and Margate main beaches
This family-friendly festival is free to the public, with everyone invited to attend the daily programme of activities. These will include beach volleyball, soccer and touch rugby. There will also be several competitions from musical freeze and musical chairs to cone diving, balloon blow up and treasure hunts – all with sponsored prizes. michael@one-way.co.za
Offramp Fishing Competition
22 June 2025 (entries close 20 June 2025), Margate Fishing Pier
This year’s Ugu Jazz Festival will include a number of offshoot events in partnership with Offramp Experience – including the Offramp Fishing Competition as part of the Sardine Run events. From fishing and football to jazz and worship, this is not to be missed!
Land the biggest fish at this epic competition which includes categories for Edibles and Non-edibles in Senior Male, Senior Female, and Junior groups.
Other epic festival events to look out for include: Offramp LFA’s Playoff Football Tournament (22 June 2025); Offramp Hiking Experience (27 June 2025); Worship Experience (27 June 2025); Boot Camp (28 June 2025); Ugu Jazz Festival Launch (28 June 2025). admin@offrampexperience.com
Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day
1 August 2025
This now global celebration honours South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), also known as the ‘nature reserves of the sea’. Themed Making Connections, this year’s activities will include shared stories, talks, competitions, and ocean-based activities. MPA Day aims to connect people to the ocean and bring conservation awareness to even more people around the world, with Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks, and Trafalgar three MPAs that will be celebrated on the KZN South Coast. www.mpaday.org
