Hermanus Whale Festival

The Hermanus Whale Festival is the only ECO-MARINE Festival in the World!

In its 33rd year, the annual Hermanus Whale Festival is a celebration of the return of the southern right whales to the coastal waters of Hermanus in South Africa.

This iconic festival has been firmly positioned as an internationally recognized brand which has grown from humble beginnings 32 years ago to attract 75 000 – 130 000 visitors annual over a 3 day period.

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 land based whale-watching in the world!

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.