Hermanus Whale Festival

04/09/2026

🏐🐳 WHALE FESTIVAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL AT GROTTO BEACH! 🌊☀️

Get ready for three days of beach volleyball at Grotto Beach during the 2026 Hermanus Whale Festival, in collaboration with the Overberg Beach Volleyball Association and Cape Beach Volleyball Hub.

📍 Grotto Main Beach, Hermanus

🏐 FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER | 09:00–16:00
Social volleyball • Beginner coaching • Open play courts • Meet the players • Info hub

🏐 SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER | 09:00–16:00
Another full day of social volleyball, coaching and open courts — come down, get involved and warm up for Sunday’s main event!

🏆 SUNDAY, 4 OCTOBER | 09:00–13:00
The action steps up with pro exhibition matches, local showcase matches, coaching demos, public participation, player introductions, prizes & giveaways!

Whether you already play, want to learn, or simply want to watch some great beach volleyball with one of Hermanus’ most beautiful beaches as the backdrop — everyone is welcome.

👀 Come watch.
🏐 Come play.
🙌 Come learn.
🎉 Come join the fun!

Proudly presented as part of the Hermanus Whale Festival 2026, with the support of the Western Cape Government.

More info - https://hermanuswhalefestival.co.za/portfolio/whale-festival-beach-volleyball-at-grotto-beach/

04/09/2026

🐋 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE 2026 HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL?🐋

Three days. One incredible celebration of whales, our ocean, conservation, family fun and everything we love about Hermanus! 💙

📅 2–4 October 2026
📍 Hermanus, Western Cape

The 2026 Hermanus Whale Festival Programme is here! 🎉

Join us for a jam-packed weekend featuring:

🐋 The Best Land-Based Whale Watching in the World
🌊 Interactive Eco-Marine Village
🎤 Marine & Nature Talks
🎨 Arts & Crafts
👧 Kiddies Zone
🏐 Beach Volleyball at Grotto Beach
🍔 Food Courts
🎶 Music & B**r Tent Chill Zone
📻 Live Radio Broadcasts
🚐 Shuttle Service & Park & Ride

PLUS special weekend events! 👇

🏃 10 km Whale Festival Fun Run
🚗 Whales & Wheels Classic Car Show**
🎉 Popular Street Parade**
🏴‍☠️ Pirates & Mermaids Treasure Hunt**
🚶‍♀️ Whale Festival Family Walk
🏐 Beach Volleyball at Grotto Beach

And, of course... whales! 🐋🐋🐋

Bring the family, bring your friends and come spend the weekend celebrating the incredible marine life and natural beauty that make Hermanus so special.

🎟️ FREE FESTIVAL ENTRY
📅 2–4 October 2026

🌐 http://www.hermanuswhalefestival.co.za

Save the programme. Share it with your friends. And start planning your Whale Festival weekend! 🐋💙

For 35 incredible years, Hermanus Whale Festival 2026 has celebrated the annual return of the majestic Southern Right Whales to the shores of Hermanus —

03/09/2026

🐳🚶‍♀️Whale Festoval Family Walk on Sunday!🚶‍♂️🌊

🎟️ ONLY 200 TICKETS AVAILABLE!**
Single • Double • Family ticket options
💻 Online entries only via Quicket - https://www.quicket.co.za/events/395154-hermanus-whale-festival-family-walk-2026/ #/

Start your Sunday with fresh sea air, spectacular views, and the whole family by your side at the Whale Festival Family Walk.

📅 Sunday, 4 October 2026
📍 Start:** Hermanus Whale Festival Grounds – Hermanus Waterfront
🏁 Finish:** Grotto Beach
🥾 Distance:** ±6.3 km along the iconic Hermanus Cliff Path

Choose your walk:
🌅 07:00 – Sunrise Walk
☀️ 10:00 – Morning Walk

🚌 Shuttle Service & Park and Ride
Shuttle service between Grotto Beach and the Festival Grounds, making it easy to park at Grotto Beach, shuttle to the start, and enjoy your walk back to the beach.

This is a family fun walk – not a race. Bring the kids, grandparents, friends and walking buddies and enjoy one of Hermanus’ most beautiful coastal routes together. And keep your eyes on the ocean… the whales might just join you along the way! 🐋💙

02/09/2026

🌊🐳 STEP INSIDE THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEART OF THE HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL! 🐧🦈

📍 Hermanus Waterfront
📅 Friday, Saturday & Sunday
⏰ 9:00 – 17:00
🎟️ FREE

Visit the Eco-Marine Village at the Hermanus Waterfront and discover why the Hermanus Whale Festival is known as the world’s only Eco-Marine Festival**.

Under our motto DISCOVER | PROTECT | EDUCATE, the Eco-Marine Village brings conservation organisations, marine specialists, educators and environmental partners together for a weekend of interactive learning, discovery and family fun.

🐋 Explore the Marine Big 5
Get to know our incredible Southern Right Whales, dolphins, African penguins, Cape fur seals and sharks through interactive displays and educational exhibits.

🎤 Marine & Nature Talks
Hear from specialists about marine conservation, wildlife, local biodiversity, responsible tourism and what we can all do to help protect our oceans.

🏴‍☠️🧜‍♀️ Pirates & Mermaids Treasure Hunt
One for our young ocean explorers! Follow the clues, have fun and learn about marine life, recycling and conservation along the way.

♻️ Clean & Green
Discover simple ways to reduce plastic waste, recycle responsibly, protect marine wildlife and help keep our beaches and oceans clean.

🌍 Meet the people protecting our environment
Connect with conservation organisations, researchers, eco-conscious businesses, community groups and sustainability partners working to protect our extraordinary natural environment.

And best of all — the Eco-Marine Village is designed for the whole family. Learning about our ocean doesn't have to feel like school. Here, you can explore it, experience it, and have some fun while you're at it! 💙

https://hermanuswhalefestival.co.za/portfolio/eco-marine-village-waterfront-hermanus/

at the Hermanus Waterfront

01/09/2026

Happy Spring Day, Ocean Lovers!🐳🐬🦈🌹🌼🌞

01/09/2026

Hermanus Whale Festival Family Walk 2026
Cliff Path Walk - Festival Grounds to Grotto Beach
Online tickets - https://www.quicket.co.za/events/395154-hermanus-whale-festival-family-walk-2026/ #/

Join us for the Hermanus Whale Festival Family Walk on Sunday, 4 October 2026 and experience one of Hermanus’ most beautiful coastal routes on foot.
Starting from the Hermanus Whale Festival Grounds at the Hermanus Waterfront, the walk follows the iconic Hermanus Cliff Path to Grotto Beach, covering approximately 6.3 km.

This is a relaxed, family-friendly walk — not a race. Bring the kids, invite your friends and enjoy spectacular ocean views, fresh sea air and, with a little luck, a few Southern Right Whales along the way!

Choose Your Walk

07:00 – Sunrise Walk
Start your Sunday early and experience the Cliff Path as Hermanus wakes up.

10:00 – Morning Walk
Perfect for families and anyone looking for a relaxed Sunday morning adventure.

Walk Details

Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Start: Hermanus Whale Festival Grounds – Hermanus Waterfront
Finish: Grotto Beach
Route: Iconic Hermanus Cliff Path
Distance: Approximately 6.3 km
Activity: Family fun walk – not a race
Tickets: Online tickets through Quicket

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and sun protection. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Come and walk one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal paths during the 35th Hermanus Whale Festival.

Shuttle Service

A shuttle service will operate between Grotto Beach and the Hermanus Whale Festival Grounds, making it easy for participants to get back after completing the walk.

The shuttle will operate hourly, on the hour, between the Festival Grounds and Grotto Beach.

Park & Ride is also available at Grotto Beach, so participants can park at Grotto Beach, take the shuttle to the Festival Grounds and then enjoy the 6.3 km walk back to their vehicle.

Walk with us. The whales are the stars!

Please note: Participants take part at their own risk. A responsible adult must accompany children.

31/08/2026

🏃‍♀️🐳 ONLY 80 TICKETS LEFT!🐳🏃‍♂️

The 2026 Hermanus Whale Festival Fun Run is filling up fast — and we’re down to the final 80 tickets!

📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
📍 Hermanus Whale Festival
🏃 Harbour 2 Harbour Fun Run – ±10 km
🌊 A spectacular coastal route from the Old Harbour to the New Harbour and along the iconic Hermanus Cliff Path and back to Gearing's point

Whether you run it, jog it or take on the challenge with friends, this is your chance to be part of one of the festival weekend’s big sporting events.

🏅 Medals
🎁 Goodie bags
🏆 Trophies & prizes
🐳 Incredible Hermanus coastal scenery
🎉 And the atmosphere of the 35th Hermanus Whale Festival!

Once they’re gone, they’re gone — online entries only, so don’t leave this one until festival weekend!

🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW!
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/375017-10k-whale-festival-fun-run-2026/ #/

29/08/2026

🐳🌊 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE 2026 HERMANUS WHALE FESTIVAL? 🌊🐳

Three days of whales, ocean adventures, family fun, sport, music and everything we love about Hermanus! 💙💚

📅 2–4 October 2026

Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

🐳 World-class land-based whale watching
🌊 Interactive Eco-Marine Marquee
🎤 Marine & nature talks
🏃 Harbour 2 Harbour Fun Run
🎶 Live music at Gearing’s Point
🥳 Spectacular Street Parade
🍔 Food courts
🛍️ Markets, vendors & local crafters
🎈 Kiddies entertainment
🔎 Eco-Marine Treasure Hunt for kids
📻 Live radio broadcasts
🌿 Beach, Old Harbour & Cliff Path clean-ups
🏐 Beach Volleyball at Grotto Beach – all 3 days
⚽ Soccer at the New Harbour – Sunday

And there’s more still to come!

Save the dates, gather the family and get ready for a weekend in Hermanus – where the whales are the stars! 🐋✨
https://hermanuswhalefestival.co.za/events/

28/08/2026

🐋 Hermanus is getting ready🇿🇦

Handed over R100 000 to Overstrand with Mayor of the town in support of the Hermanus Whale Festival, taking place 2–4 October🐋🌊😀

Come experience the whales, culture, entertainment and incredible gees of Hermanus! 🐋🌊😀

23/08/2026

Too cute... 🐳 Southern Right Whale Calf breaching near Sievers Point in Hermanus
Video by Hermanus Tourism Bureau
Hermanus is known as the best whale watching spot in the world!
📍 Hermanus Whale Festival
📅 2–4 October
More info: https://hermanuswhalefestival.co.za/activities-at-the-whale-festival/