The Hermanus Whale Festival is the only ECO-MARINE Festival in the World!
🐋 Welcome to the ultimate celebration of the ocean’s gentle giants – the Hermanus Whale Festival! for a weekend filled with fun, entertainment, and appreciation for nature’s most magnificent creatures.
As the only ECO-MARINE festival in the world, the Hermanus Whale Festival offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Get up close and personal with southern right whales as they make their annual migration to the coastal waters of Hermanus. Learn about marine conservation efforts, shop for handmade goods at our vibrant markets, indulge in delicious food, enjoy live music, and so much more.
Don’t miss out on this iconic festival, which has grown from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognized event. With an estimated 75,000 to 130,000 visitors each year, the Hermanus Whale Festival is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
Come join us for a weekend of wonder and excitement at the Hermanus Whale Festival.
It is a tribute to the legacy left to the town by Wendy the Whale whose story is about man’s ability to live in harmony with nature as well as people’s ability to come together as communities valuing the environment. All events and activities during the whale festival are focused to create awareness on how to protect the whales and all our marine wildlife who share our coastal waters. The festival takes place at the end of September which is the peak of whale activity in the region.
Watch the Whales and Catch up with Friends. Have a Blast at Our whale Festival!
What can you expect at the Festival?
The festival and it’s activities is growing each year. There’s a spectacular street parade, vibrant markets showcasing and selling the work of local artisans, great food, educational marine displays, lots of children’s entertainment, live music, and – of course – the best whale-watching experience in the world!!
- Over 3 days: Environmental & Conservation is the main focus of the Interactive Eco-Marine Village with tents: where the next generation and their parents can Explore, Discover, Learn, and Protect nature.
- Marine & Nature Talks on Saturday and Sunday in.the big Eco-Marine tent
- Treasure hunt in the Eco-Marine Tent for the kiddies on Saturday and Sunday (12 pm-2pm)
- Kiddies Entertainment on Market Square – Rides
- The popular Street Parade on Saturday Morning including the Vintage | Classic cars, Hawston cadets and brass bands
- 3 Day Music marquee on Gearing’s point with a BEER FEST on Saturday
- 10km Fun Run Saturday Morning
- Whales and Wheels Classic Car Show in Sandbaai
- Strongman Competition on Sunday Morning – WP Challenge
- Crafters on Market Square. Mobile Food Trucks
The Only Eco-Marine Festival in the world!
The heartbeat of the whale festival, the Eco-Marine Tent, has become the festival’s biggest attraction. Informative and entertaining, with a focused appeal to children, adults and anyone who cares about preserving our ocean wildlife.
With its wide range of eco & marine-related environmental exhibitions, the aim of the Eco Marine Tent and the Hermanus Whale Festival is to inspire visitors through informative, colourful, interactive displays, films, music, arts and food and informative talks by marine biologists and experts.
From whales to dolphins, sharks to starfish, our oceans provide us with air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. Visitors get to enjoy the unbelievable sightseeing opportunities while getting clued up on the plight of the endangered creatures in the Eco Marine Tent.
The marine giants will most certainly remain the stars of the show, but on land visitors to this seaside town can expect to be equally dazzled by great entertainment and activities, great food, quality crafts and fun for kiddies.
Popular Street Parade
Join us Saurday Morning around 10am
10km Fun Run
We want you to experience the outdoor fun and exhilaration of running along the beautiful…
Clean & Green Plea
We’ve embarked upon major campaigns during the Hermanus Whale Festival to change the way ocean…
Kiddies Activities
Lots of Entertainment and Activities for the young ones