Algoa Bay Whale Festival 2025

ALGOA BAY WHALE FESTIVAL 2025 – A CELEBRATION OF OCEAN HERITAGE AND COASTAL CULTURE

Venue: The Willows Resort and Conference Centre
Main Festival Date: Sunday, 1 June 2025   Entrance Fee: R30pp (under 2rys no charge)
Educational Talk Date: 31 May 2025  Entrance Free

The Algoa Bay Whale Festival 2025 returns with a dynamic programme celebrating our marine environment, rich coastal heritage, and the annual humpback whale migration of whales along our shores. Taking place at the picturesque Willows Resort and Conference Centre, this year’s festival blends conservation education, cultural expression, family activities, and local creativity into one unforgettable event.

At this year’s festival, visitors can expect a vibrant, enriching, and family-friendly experience that celebrates marine life, local culture, and sustainable living – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed by the uplifting rhythms of African drummers and marimbas, setting the tone for a day of connection, celebration, and discovery.

Early risers can kick off the day with the Whale Trail Run/Walk/Hike, offering 6km and 3km coastal routes that invite participants of all ages to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the shoreline and the whale migration path.

Throughout the day, the festival buzzes with activity. Families enjoy interactive Kid’s Perfect Events, including virtual reality adventures and jumping castles, while beachgoers take part in the sandcastle building competition. Artisans and small businesses fill the indoor and outdoor craft markets and exhibition areas, offering everything from handmade goods to marine-themed educational displays.

Food lovers are spoiled for choice with a wide selection of food trucks, offering local and international flavours. Meanwhile, environmentally conscious guests can engage with the Waste Trade Recycling Project, a fun and practical initiative promoting sustainability.

Nature enthusiasts and learners benefit from guided intertidal conservation walks and historical walk and talks that highlight the importance of marine ecosystems and heritage.

As the day unfolds, the main stage comes alive with performances from a diverse line-up of local musicians, creating a festive atmosphere that carries through until sunset. The energy peaks in the evening with a mesmerizing fire-dancing finale by the Fyre Faeries, set to live drumming under the stars.

Whether you're a nature lover, music fan, eco-advocate, or just looking for a fun and meaningful family outing, Whale Festival 2025 offers an unforgettable experience that brings the community together to celebrate, learn, and protect our ocean.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS – 1 JUNE 2025

Whale Trail Run/Walk/Hike – 6km & 3km (Starts at 09h00)

Celebrate nature with a scenic run or walk along the coastline, highlighting the route of the migrating whales.

Live Music on the Main Stage (11h30 – 19h30)

An incredible line-up of local artists will perform throughout the day:

• 11h30 – 12h30 | Claire North
• 12h30 – 13h30 | Simon Shaw & James VDM
• 13h30 – 14h30 | Elizabeth Kayne
• 14h30 – 15h30 | Written in Scarlett
• 15h30 – 16h30 | 10,000 Spoons
• 16h30 – 17h30 | Kerry Hiles & Kristo Zondagh
• 17h30 – 18h30 | Big Man & Bear
• 18h30 – 19h30 | Claire North & Russel Sneyd

Festival Finale – Fyre Faeries Fire Dancing & Drummers (18h30 – 19h30)

A spectacular fire-dancing performance to close the day.

ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES (08h30 – 18h00)

• Exhibition Stalls – Indoors & on the Lawn
• Craft Market – Indoor & Outdoor Artisans
• Kid’s Perfect Events – Indoor Virtual Reality & Jumping Castles
• Food Trucks – A Variety of Local Flavours
• Sandcastle Building Competition
• Waste Trade Recycling Project
• Photo Competition Display
• Intertidal Conservation & Historical Walk and Talk

MORNING PROGRAMME: AFRICAN DRUMBEAT EXPERIENCE

Main Stage & Festival Grounds

• 08h30 – 09h45 | African Drumbeat – Marimbas & Drummers Welcome
• 09h45 – 10h15 | Interactive Drumming Session
• 10h15 – 10h45 | African Drumbeat Performance
• 10h45 – 11h00 | MOSAIC Children’s Dance Group
  (Please visit their indoor stall and donate a non-perishable item for their new/about to open Recycle Swop Shop.)
• 11h00 – 11h30 | Interactive Drumming Finale

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS

22 – 25 May 2025

Photo Exhibition | Boardwalk Mall Atrium

31 May 2025 | Raggy Charters Educational Day – The Willows Resort

An engaging day of marine education for learners and ocean enthusiasts featuring expert speakers and live demonstrations:
(Lincoln Coffee Co. and Grillicious Food Truck & Bar open for the hungry and thirsty)

• 10h15 | NSRI Whale Disentanglement Rescue Procedures
• 11h00 | Graham Taylor: Port Development in Algoa Bay
• 12h00 | Dr Deborah Robertson-Anderson: The Secret Lives of Whales & Dolphins
• 13h30 | Minyonne Verster: Turtle Tales – Life & Survival in South Africa
• 14h15 | Dr Julian Benoit: A Walrus in South Africa
• 15h00 | Lloyd Edwards: The Addo Submarine Canyon

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING, EDUCATING, AND PROTECTING OUR OCEANS

The Algoa Bay Whale Festival is more than an event – it’s a movement for ocean conservation, community pride, and coastal appreciation. With a variety of activities for all ages and interests, we invite you to be part of this incredible day.