The Whale Festival is held in South Africa's peak Whale watching season, usually towards the end of September (30 September - 04 October 2011), attracting thousands of visitors who come from far and wide to marvel at these giant and graceful creatures.
There is a great carnival atmosphere! The magnificent environment of Walker Bay and Hermanus is the perfect venue for what has become the biggest Enviro Arts Experience in the country. South Africa's whales will be put into the spotlight alongside top performers and musicians.
Explore the talent of the resident crafters and artists in Hermanus during the Whale Festival. You can visit the many art galleries, craft shops and markets.
The Market Square crafts, food and entertainment will remain and will include the Marine Big 5 Conservation Expo hosted by Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the Whales & Wheels car show that will take place on Saturday 1 October. Another new addition will be the "Save the Rhino" marquee which will be launched at the festival and will include 15 local crafters creating Rhino art. The sports strand will take place throughout the festival and will include MTB races, half marathons, and a Harbour to Harbour swim.
The variety of entertainment is abundant. A host of diverse performers are waiting in the wings to entertain and delight you with comedy, drama, cabaret, blues, jazz, farcical fantasy, magic, opera and more!
To celebrate the Southern Right Whales visiting Hermanus each year, an exciting environmental programme is on offer to stimulate interest, unlock the mysteries of nature and provide inter-active fun in a spectacular environment.