Welcome Whales Celebration 2022
Fri Jun 24, 10:00 - Sun Jun 26, 17:00
Various, check ticket details
ABOUT
It’s time to Welcome the Whales!
Join in the second festive Welcome Whales Celebration hosted by a collaboration of whale enthusiasts, scientists and locals from 24 – 26 June in the New Harbour.
The three-day event will be held in the newly renovated Multi-purpose centre in the New Harbour with great discounts on whale watching and other ocean related activities. A programme of fascinating talks, exhibitions, art and activities will showcase diverse marine life of Hermanus, honour the whales and celebrate the ocean.
Everyone is invited to kick off the programme by participating in the WELCOME WHALES WAVE, a fun cliff-top event which starts the festivities on Friday 24 June at 10:00 at Gearing’s Point.
Among the highlights of the programme are a talk by Dr Els Vermeulen of the Mammal Research Institute’s Whale Unit covering recent research of the whales in Walker Bay and beyond; and a talk by explorer extraordinaire, Riaan Manser, on his death defying oceanic adventures crossing the Atlantic from Africa to the USA, the Pacific from San Francisco to Hawaii, and circumnavigating both Iceland and Madagascar.
Photographers have an opportunity to take their photography to exciting new places in an interactive demonstration on the latest compact, lightweight, travel-ready, weather sealed system with Olympus, The Photo Shed, The Photowalkers and Olympus ambassador Peter Hassall.
Children can go on their first African Adventure with explorer Riaan Manser and his book on riding around the entire African continent on his bicycle.
All relevant Covid-19 protocols will be observed.
All events (paid & free) require a valid ticket for admission
EVENT PROGRAMME
WELCOME WHALES CELEBRATION 2022
TALKS & INTERACTIVE PRESENTATIONS
Attend one, more or all of these fascinating talks! The talks will be held in the newly renovated multi-purpose centre in the New Harbour.
Be sure to come earlier or plan to stay after the talk to enjoy the interactive exhibits displayed by Mammal Research Institute - Whale Unit; WWF Adopt-a-whale Initiative and the SA Whale Disentanglement Network. Peruse environmental and whale-orientated art and a selection of marine-themed crafts. There will be food and drinks for sale and the highly anticipated launch of the Limited edition, Ocean Brew – The Killer Ale.
Humpback Whale Supergroups & Fluke ID - Alex Vogel, Seafari (24 June - 2pm)
Break Free from heavy camera gear with Olympus Mirrorless Camera – the Photowalkers & Olympus (25 June, Saturday – 9h00) PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKSHOP
Death defying ocean adventures by Explorer - Riaan Manser (25 June 2022, Saturday - 12pm)
The right and the wrong whale - Dr Els Vermeulen (25 June, Saturday - 2pm)
The ‘Supergroups’ - Chris Wilkinson (25 June 2022, Saturday - 4pm)
Marine life of Walker Bay & beyond - Ash Appleby, Southern Right Charters & Whale Expedition SA (25 June, Saturday - 6pm)
CHILDREN: Story time with a Real-Life Explorer (26 June, Sunday - 9.30 am)
Baleen whale research in South Africa – Dr Els Vermeulen (26 June 2022, Sunday – 11:30)
Whale baleen can tell us about whale behaviour - Loraine Shuttleworth (26 June 2022, Sunday - 1.30pm)
A Photographic Journey with Southern Right Whales - Dave De Beer, Hermanus Whales (26 June, Sunday - 3.30pm)
ACTIVITIES & TOURS
Choose from a variety of whale and ocean related activities, all activities are at discounted special rates for the Welcome Whales Celebration.
Welcome Whales WAVE
It’s time to Welcome back our Whales! Let’s Wave!
Sea Kayaking with Walker Bay Adventures
Paddle across Walker Bay and come face-to-face with the diverse marine life of Hermanus.
Abalone Tour & Tasting at Heart of Abalone
Boot-up to walk through a working abalone farm. Informative tour and tasting experience
Boat based Whale watching tour with Southern Right Charters
Explore the Hermanus coastline and spot the first Southern Right Whales of the 2022 whale season. Join Southern Right Charters for an informative and educational whale watching experience.
Guided Whale Museum Tour with Dave De Beer
EXCLUSIVE Tour for the Welcome Whales Celebration
Learn and be amazed as Dave De Beer brings The Whale House Museum to life
Xplora Hermanus Tour by Percy Tours
Explore Hermanus while informing you of all the funny and interesting Hermanus stories, myths, and facts.