Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

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Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

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 - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 1000

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Fig Tree Cottage

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus

0.7km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Fig 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.

Sleeps 8 in 3 units

^FromR 1000

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Brown Jug

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus

0.7km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Brown 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.

Sleeps 8 in 4 units

^FromR 700

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Norfolk Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

0.9km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Norfolk 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.

* Rates may vary according to season

The Potting Shed Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

1.1km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

The 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.

Sleeps 116 in 16 units

Bayview 104

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

1.1km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Bayview 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.

* Rates may vary according to season

Bayview 303

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

1.2km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Bayview 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.

Graded:

Sleeps 12 in 5 units

^FromR 2000

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

On The Cliff Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

1.3km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

On 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.

Sleeps 21 in 7 units

^FromR 825

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Anchor's Rest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

2km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Anchor'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.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 7 in 3 units

^FromR 1950

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

House on Westcliff

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

2km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

House 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.

Sleeps 14 in 7 units

^FromR 2225

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Sandbaai Country House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai

4.6km from Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast

Sandbaai Country House offers quality accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Sandbaai, in the Hermanus area in the Overberg / Whale Coast region. Expect the very best at this residence, from luxury bedrooms to quality service and fine cuisine. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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