The popular Algoa Bay Whale Festival is set to return this weekend with an expanded programme celebrating marine conservation, coastal heritage and the annual humpback whale migration.
Organisers announced that the 2025 event will take place at The Willows Resort and Conference Centre on Sunday, June 1, featuring a diverse range of activities designed to appeal to families, nature enthusiasts and conservationists.
The festival, which has become a fixture on the Eastern Cape’s cultural calendar, will begin with a free educational talk on Saturday, May 31, followed by the main festival day for which tickets are priced at R30 per person, with children under two granted free entry.
Visitors will be welcomed by African drummers and marimba players, setting the tone for a day of cultural celebration and environmental awareness. The day will commence with the Whale Trail Run/Walk/Hike, offering 6km and 3km coastal routes suitable for participants of all ages, allowing them to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline and the whale migration path first-hand.
Throughout the day, the festival will feature a variety of family-oriented activities including interactive children’s events, virtual reality adventures and jumping castles. A sandcastle building competition will take place on the beach, whilst indoor and outdoor craft markets will showcase the work of local artisans and small businesses.
For those interested in conservation, the Waste Trade Recycling Project will offer practical demonstrations of sustainability initiatives, alongside guided intertidal conservation walks and historical talks highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems.
Local culinary offerings will be well-represented with a selection of food trucks providing both regional and international cuisine throughout the day. The festival’s entertainment programme will feature performances from local musicians on the main stage, culminating in an evening fire-dancing finale by the Fyre Faeries, accompanied by live drumming under the stars.
Environmental organisations have praised the festival’s focus on education and conservation awareness, with marine biologist Dr Sarah Johnston noting that “events like this play a crucial role in connecting communities with their marine heritage and fostering a sense of stewardship for our oceans.”
The Algoa Bay Whale Festival 2025 represents one of several regional initiatives aimed at promoting eco-tourism along South Africa’s eastern coastline, with organisers expecting attendance to exceed previous years as interest in sustainable tourism continues to grow.
For more information, follow the Algoa Bay Whale Festival Facebook page.
