The first pod of whales were spotted in Hermanus last week just weeks before the annually anticipated Whale Festival begins.
Last month’s first Cape Whale Coast aerial survey for 2017 between Witsand and Hawston counted 237 southern right whales with 64 calves. The survey is conducted by the Mammal Research Unit’s Whale Unit from the University of Pretoria.
This year will be the 26th Hermanus Whale Festival and is described as a “celebration of the whales and all marine life - above and below the ocean”.
The festival will take place at Gearing’s Point from September 29 until October 1, packed with community and cultural activities, great food, quality crafters, sport events, children’s entertainment, and a music stage with artists performing throughout the festival.
Locals and tourists can also look forward to a vintage car show, an interactive marine-themed eco village, adventure activities in the Old Harbour, and land, boat and air-based whale watching.
The popular street parade, which takes place on September 30, will leave from Swallow Park at 10am and make its way along the coast past Gearings Point and Market Square, ending at the Marine Hotel.
The Hermanus Whale Festival highlights local efforts to protect the whales from extinction.
The pictures taken by 11-year-old Amy Taylor