Hermanus Whale Festival
Hermanus Whale Festival
The Hermanus Whale Festival is an annual event held in Hermanus, located along the Overberg/Whale Coast region of the Western Cape. It celebrates the presence of southern right whales in Walker Bay, which is known for being a prime location for whale watching. The festival typically takes place during September, coinciding with the peak whale-watching season when these majestic creatures migrate to the bay to calve and nurse their young.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boat-based whale watching tours, shore-based whale watching from elevated viewpoints along the Cliff Path, and educational talks about marine conservation and whale biology. The festival also features a vibrant street market with local crafts, food stalls, and live music performances.
One of the highlights of the Hermanus Whale Festival is the "Whale Crier" competition, where participants imitate the distinctive call of the town's famous Whale Crier, who announces whale sightings to visitors. This unique event adds to the festive atmosphere and showcases Hermanus's deep connection with its natural surroundings and marine wildlife.
Here are some highlights of the festival:
1. Whale Watching: The festival coincides with the peak whale-watching season (September), offering visitors prime opportunities to spot southern right whales breaching, tail-slapping, and calving close to shore.
2. Whale Crier Competition: One of the unique features of the festival is the Whale Crier competition, where participants compete to mimic the calls of the Whale Crier, a local tradition that alerts visitors to whale sightings along the coast.
3. Marine-themed Activities: The festival includes a variety of marine-themed activities such as eco-tours, marine education workshops, and guided whale-watching walks along the famous Cliff Path.
4. Street Parade: A colorful street parade winds through the town, featuring floats, dancers, musicians, and community groups celebrating the marine life and culture of Hermanus.
5. Live Music and Entertainment: Throughout the festival, there are live music performances, entertainment stages, arts and crafts stalls, food vendors offering local cuisine, and a festive atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.
6. Environmental Awareness: The festival promotes environmental conservation and awareness, with exhibitions and talks focusing on marine conservation efforts, sustainability practices, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
Overall, the Hermanus Whale Festival is a celebration of nature, community, and conservation efforts, making it a popular event for locals and tourists alike who want to experience the wonder of whale watching in one of the world's best spots for land-based viewing.
Accommodation Near Hermanus Whale Festival
Fig Tree Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
0.7km from Hermanus Whale FestivalFig Tree Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast. situated in the quiet suburb of Eastcliff, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hermanus village centre, yet conveniently close enough to leave your car... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
0.7km from Hermanus Whale FestivalBrown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Norfolk Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
0.9km from Hermanus Whale FestivalNorfolk Guest House offers accommodation on a limited self catering or room-only basis in Hermanus, and is ideally situated within easy walking distance to all the amenities and a stones throw from the cliff path, famous for unforgettable whale viewing. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1km from Hermanus Whale FestivalThe Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1km from Hermanus Whale FestivalBayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.2km from Hermanus Whale FestivalBayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.3km from Hermanus Whale FestivalOn The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
2km from Hermanus Whale FestivalAnchor's Rest offers the option of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, 120Km from Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
2km from Hermanus Whale FestivalHouse on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hermanus Beach Club
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
3.1km from Hermanus Whale FestivalSelf Catering chalet accommodation in Hermanus, 3.2 km from Village Square. First Group Hermanus Beach Club features 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom self catering chalet accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, fitness centre and a bar. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Old Harbour Museum (0.07km)
- Hermanus Country Market (1.28km)
- Fernkloof Farmers Market (1.38km)
- Hermanus Golf Course (1.55km)
- Hermanus Cliff Path (2.05km)
- Hermanus Sea Rescue Music Festival (2.28km)
- Hermanus Flower and Eco Fair (3.49km)
- Kammabaai Beach (3.69km)
- Voelklip Beach (3.89km)
- Hermanus Wine and Food Festival (4.41km)
- Grotto Beach (4.47km)
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve (4.59km)
- Hermanus Times Kalfiefees (7.05km)
- Babilonstoring (9.33km)
- Maanschynkop Nature Reserve (9.88km)
- Walker Bay (9.98km)
- Hoek-van-die-berg Private Nature Reserve (10.96km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve (13.88km)
- Arabella Golf Course (15.05km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve (15.99km)
