The 2023 Plett Ocean Festival, now in its second year, is scheduled to take place from 30 June – 9 July 2023 in Plettenberg Bay. One of the highlights of the festival is the three-day Marine Science Symposium, which will be held at the iconic Beacon Isle Resort from 30 June – 2 July 2023.
The festival offers a unique opportunity to explore marine conservation, sustainability, coastal exploration, and enjoy sunny days on the water. It takes advantage of Plett’s attractive winter attributes, such as the presence of abundant marine life, including southern right and humpback whales, during the winter months. Following its successful launch in 2022, the festival aims to continue fostering conversations around citizen science, inclusivity, and Plett’s reputation as a destination for ocean-lovers and marine conservation. This recognition led to Plett being selected as a candidate Whale Heritage Site.
The Beacon Island, known for its breathtaking ocean views and stunning sea lounge perched above the bay’s rocks and waves, provides the perfect setting for the symposium. Here, experts in various oceanic fields will come together to share their knowledge and engage in discussions. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a series of sessions focused on marine mammals, seabirds, sharks, marine life, and inspiring lessons from the ocean. The symposium will also tackle important topics such as the sustainability of boat-based whale watching, the challenges faced by migrating whales, spatial planning for marine protected areas, and the significance of diversity in ocean representation.
In addition to the symposium, the Plett Ocean Festival will feature a range of fun and family-friendly activities that capture the essence of Plett. These include rocky shore excursions, scuba diving, snorkeling, collaborations with Nature’s Valley Trust and Open Plan Pictures to screen the captivating movie “Whale Rider,” and a marine educational program designed for young learners.
