We are Ocean Warriors

A tribe of oceanists driven by an unwavering pursuit of ocean excellence. As Ocean Warriors, we are bound by the sea, racing the ocean’s elements in all its forms. Whether scuba diving, wave riding, or kayaking, our mission goes beyond exploration and adventure—it’s about understanding, training, and protecting the ocean that gives us so much.

We offer unparalleled in-and-out-of-water experiences along South Africa’s East Coast, where adventure, skill, and respect for the ocean define who we are.

Sardine Run Booking Now Open – A Once in a Lifetime “Bucket-list” Experience!

Aliwal Shoal Ocean Activities

Our team is dedicated to delivering world-class scuba diving experiences rooted in adventure, safety, and ocean conservation. Led by world champion lifeguard and ocean safety expert Julian Taylor. We transform passionate watermen and waterwomen into elite ocean athletes and stewards through the Four Pillars of the Ocean Warrior. Mastering these pillars equips you to engage with the ocean at every level—building skill, strength, and a lasting impact on marine conservation, safety, and ocean communities.

 

  • Ocean Education & Stewardship – Knowledge is power. Warriors understand the marine environment, learn lifesaving skills, and commit to protecting the ocean for future generations.
  • Ocean Fitness & Readiness – Strength, endurance, and resilience are non-negotiable. Peak fitness transforms the ocean from a challenge into a playground.
  • Diving in All Forms – From freediving to scuba, deep-water navigation to breath control, mastering the depths unlocks new ways to explore and connect with the sea.
  • Wave Riding in All Forms – Surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing—riding waves is the purest expression of flow, skill, and harmony with the ocean.

“We can proudly state we have a a powerful combination of exceptional skippering and dive mastery. With over 50 000 dives and launches without incident. Although someone did get wet the one time.” – Emil Pirzenthal

 

Meet Our Team
Of Ocean Warriors

Partners in “Ocean Excellence”.
Their Expertise Runs Deep.

In partnership with Aliwal Shoal Adventures, helmed by the respected father-son duo Emil and Travis Pirzenthal, and internationally acclaimed marine photographer and PADI Dive Instructor Rae du Plessis, our team brings not only experience and skills, but a deep passion for the ocean.

Julian Taylor

Ocean Warrior Leader

CEO. International
Lifeguard & Skipper

Emil Pirzenthal

Ocean Warriors Tour Operator

Senior Skipper & Dive Instructor

Rae Du Plessis

Ocean Warriors Dive Instructor

Internationally Acclaimed Marine Photographer

Travis Pirzenthal

Ocean Warriors Tour Operator

Skipper & Dive Instructor

Sardine Run

Experience

Only from 28 June to 13 July 2025

7 Nights & 6 Water Days

This phenomenon is the largest bio mass migration on the planet, occurring along South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Millions of sardines migrate in vast shoals, attracting an array of marine predators, including sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. Offering divers, photographers and ocean warriors alike, the experience of a lifetime.

More Than Just a Dive Trip
Elevate your diving expertise with a first-of-its-kind, expert-led PADI Sardine Run Specialty Certification – designed for those who seek adventure beyond the ordinary.

EXCLUSIVE GROUP OFFER

Only $2500 p.p

Share the Experience

Book a Groups of 8 and Only Pay for 7 People! This Package includes
Full Board Bed & Breakfast
for 7 Nights & 6 Water Days.

Book Your Full Board Sardine Run 2025 Package Today!

Ocean Experience

Dive into one of the greatest marine spectacles on earth.

  • Scuba diving and surface snorkeling
  • Up-close encounters with dolphins, sharks, whales, and seabirds hunting in a feeding frenzy
  • Expert dive crews
  • Internationally acclaimed marine photographer to capture your moments
  • Highly-trained skippers and safety operators
  • Convenience launch site
  • All Gear Included
  • On-Site Medical Team
  • 6 Full Water Days Weather and Launch Permitting

Accommodation

Stay at Swell Eco Lodge. Perfectly located, hosted by Cheryl Petzer, on the northern bank of the Mdumbi River, Eastern Cape.

  • Full board, beer and wine
  • Free Wifi
  • Comfortable en-suite rooms
  • Daily oysters and crayfish
  • Pool with ocean view in relaxing in the lush coastal setting
  • Easy beach access
  • Free Airport Transfers via. Umtata

Other Activities

More Than Just a Dive Trip. Elevate your dive skills with a first-of-it’s-kind expert-led PADI Sardine Run Specialty Certification.

  • Surf lessons
  • Guided kayaking tours
  • Guided walks and hikes
  • Night time fishing
  • MTB Routes
  • Sunset bonfires
  • Indigenous dance shows
  • Underwater Photography Workshops – Learn to capture the magic of the ocean.

Your Experience Starts Here

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