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Réunion Island to Lead Eco-Marine Focus at Hermanus Whale Festival

Hermanus is making waves internationally as Réunion Island joins as Guest of Honour at this year’s Hermanus Whale Festival, taking place from 3–5 October 2025. This partnership highlights a shared commitment to marine conservation, from whale-watching and turtle protection, to eco-tourism, as both destinations welcome migrating whales and build bridges of ocean stewardship.

Now in its 34th year, the Hermanus Whale Festival remains the only eco-marine-centred festival of its kind, globally. Conservation forms its backbone: in the Eco-Marine Village, marine NGOs, scientists, and citizen-science programs collaborate to offer educational exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on experiences. Organisations such as the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Marine Dynamics, Whale Coast Conservation, CapeNature, SANParks and local community science groups will present on topics like marine pollution, estuary health, whale ecology and sustainable ocean tourism.

Alongside that, the festival offers a full schedule of culture, food, and entertainment. Expect live music and a beer fest, a street parade, a 10km fun run along the coastal path, a treasure hunt, a big screen rugby broadcast (Springboks vs Argentina on Saturday), craft markets, family-friendly zones and special features like the Whales & Wheels Classic Car Show and the Whale Festival Kruger Invitational Strongman Show. The program flows from early morning through into the evening, with the Eco-Marine marquees operating in full during daytime, to reach school groups and families, while live performances and food courts keep the energy alive into the night.

For those looking to escape the outdoor bustle, the Hisense SA Nature Cinema is a must-visit at the Whale Museum on Market Square. Proudly featuring Triggerfish Animation Studios, South Africa’s award-winning animation house, the Nature Cinema will screen shorts and films over the weekend, utilising Hisense SA’s 300” Portable C2 Ultra Laser Projector – offering viewers a moment of calm, with breath-taking visuals, indoors.

All guests of the Hermanus Whale Festival are encouraged to visit www.hermanuswhalefestival.co.za for all event information and timings.

To add further excitement, festival-goers have a chance to win a week-long holiday for two to Réunion Island, with return flights, six nights’ accommodation, and car rental included. Entry is easy via QR code during the festival weekend, and the draw takes place on 20 October 2025.

As the festival gears up, the eco-marine message remains central: marine conservation is not just a sidebar, it’s the reason this festival matters. With Réunion Island’s involvement and the contribution of conservation organisations, the 2025 Hermanus Whale Festival represents more than any other annual celebration: it’s a call for shared responsibility towards our oceans and its wildlife.