Sun-kissed and salty | Plett Ocean Festival 4 – 13 July 2025
At some point, whether you’re 10 or 80, you hit that wall of adulting (because even 10- year-olds have days too!) and perhaps long to be a mermaid for a moment or channel your inner Jason Momoa and Aquaman because you can.
It’s all about the sea and the wonder and appreciation that we have for nature, at this year’s Plett Ocean Festival taking place in just over a month. A space to explore and step-up as ocean ambassadors (mermaids welcome), where it’s cool to make a splash #plettitsafeeling.
This year the festival is once again headlined by the Marine Science Symposium and SA’s longest-running boarding contest, The Wedge Classic supported by a ton of events and activities for kids and adults. A coming together of an involved community and visitors to Plett, keen to be part of the waves of change. A festival for everyone to get involved in ocean observation, conservation, preservation and action, locally and in a broader sense. Partnered by ocean-friendly supporters who believe in making a difference – the Beacon Island Resort, Checkers, Wesgro and CapeNature.
The packed-to-the-gills 10-day deep dive on this unique stretch of coastline, and biodiversity hotspot, officially starts on 5 July 2025 as we welcome the migrating whales.
Opening Day Highlights
@LookoutBeach | The “officialness” kicks off with a chilled yet super important family beach cleanup led by CapeNature and partnered by Lookout Deck. Stick around and get involved in painting a travelling mural, plus, be part of a human whale tail photo opp to be captured by a drone.
@MarketOffMain | Celebrating Plett as a World Cetacean Alliance Whale Heritage Area, the unveiling for press and guests of a poignant mother and calf humpback whale sculpture by Malcolm Solomon takes place at the ‘Welcoming the Whales’ party with live entertainment, food stalls and bar service on tap. Everyone’s invited!
@theLookoutDeck | Later in the day, join the magical ‘Deep Blue’ undersea event after dark, with SA’s best DJs who will be mixing until late!
That’s only day one sea-people!
There will be so much to do on the remaining 9 days from exploring the shoreline, diving with pros, birding and sand sculpting, a guided moonlight beach meander at full moon, boat trips to spot whales and dolphins and tons of hikes to choose from on Plett’s stunning coastal trails. All the while buzzing around the main events of the Symposium and Wedge Classic.
Marine Science Symposium | 11-13 July
Booking Open!
A ‘symposium’ can seem academic and there is indeed a very respected and highly specialised element to the Marine Science Symposium. But the Plett version is customised to reach all levels of understanding. Attendees will leave each session empowered and able to personally ‘do their bit’. Baby steps with the potential for collective giant leaps, guided by experts in their field who understand that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Under the guidance of MC Zandile Ndhlovu, you will be able to tap into talks and Q&A sessions about killer whales, seahorses, Plett seals and the rabies risk. White sharks are under the spotlight, along with penguins (literally in the spotlight) videoing one another, fossil trackways, why the BBC and Netflix were on location in our ‘hood, the sounds of Antarctica, the journey of turtles and a shark survivor’s story. It is going to be wild!
Wedge Classic Comp | 7-12 July
Registration Open!
This is super cool! Plett Board Riders Association is proud to present the ‘Wedge Classic Surf & Bodyboarding Contest’ at the Wedge beach, one of SA’s favourite breaks. Book your spot for bodyboarding – juniors, open, masters, ladies & drop knee and for surfers check out the juniors and ladies categories. New additions are the ‘Grom Games’ a two-hour fun and informative workshop to introduce the youngest wave riders to the stoke. Along with the granny groms who will be having a blast as they paddle out to catch the action.
Bookings & Registration
Get tickets today and registration on track for this switched-on, pacey, fun, family-orientated, 10-day incredible Ocean Festival, as together we actively save our seas.
Check it out at www.plettoceanfestival.co.za
