Plett Ocean Festival
Plettenberg Bay is set to host the third annual Plett Ocean Festival and Marine Science Symposium from June 21st to 30th, 2024. This event will bring together birders, ocean enthusiasts and nature lovers for a vibrant celebration of marine life and ecosystems.
An Unforgettable Experience for All Ages
The festival begins with the Plett Marine Science Symposium, a three-day event dedicated to marine conservation and research. The excitement continues with a variety of outdoor adventures and educational activities throughout the ten-day festival:
- Pelagic Birding Trip: Witness albatrosses, gannets, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
- Marine Safaris: Enjoy thrilling encounters with dolphins, seals, whales, and marine birds.
- Marine Talks: Learn about topics such as the impacts of oil and gas exploration and view exclusive footage from the Robberg Marine Protected Area.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in interactive experiences designed for all ages to foster a love for the ocean.
A Fascinating Festival for Birders
Plettenberg Bay is home to over half of South Africa’s endemic bird species. The festival offers exceptional opportunities for both seasoned birders and curious beginners to enhance their knowledge through guided excursions and informative talks at the Marine Science Symposium:
- Life on a Seabird Island with Dr. Zanri Strydom
- Penguin Perspectives with Prof. Pierre Pistorius
- Groot River Waterbird Ecosystem with Lauren Moriarty
- A Walk with the African Black Oystercatcher with Mark Dixon
Join Discover Eden’s Mark Brown and CapeNature’s Chanel Visser for a unique Pelagic Birding Trip, or explore Lookout Beach with Kayla Webster of Nature’s Valley Trust to learn about the region’s white-fronted plovers.
Beyond the Birds: A Celebration of Marine Life and Conservation Efforts
The Plett Ocean Festival offers more than just birding. As Plett’s official Whale Season, visitors can witness whales and dolphins, explore the Keurbooms Estuary, visit the Robberg Seal Colony, and learn about conservation efforts. The symposium covers a range of topics, including shark conservation, the call of the humpback dolphin, and aerial studies of whale migrations.
Activities include film screenings, a shark egg case hunt, a fishing competition, a fun run, art classes, and an art exhibition. There’s something for everyone, with Blue Flag beaches providing a serene backdrop.
Engage with Fascinating Questions:
- Why is it called a shyshark?
- What does it look like under Antarctic ice?
- How do we create an inclusive Blue Economy?
- What does a humpback dolphin sound like?
- Are there more great white sharks in our bay?
- What does rewilding a reef mean and why is it necessary?
- Why do turtle hatchlings wash up on our coastline, and should they be here?
- What’s it like to live on a Seabird Island in the middle of nowhere?
- What’s it like hanging out of a helicopter counting whales?
- Why does the Keurbooms Estuary Mouth keep shifting?
Join the Celebration
Plettenberg Bay’s mild winter weather and rich marine life make it the perfect setting for this unforgettable festival. For the full program of presentations, activities, and excursions, visit the Plett Ocean Festival website.
