The new Plett Ocean Festival (1 – 10 July 2022) is anchored by another first for Plettenberg Bay, a three-day marine science symposium which will take place at the iconic Beacon Isle Resort from 1 – 3 July 2022 and will be MC’d by the Black Mermaid Foundation’s Zandile Nhdlovu.

The landmark Beacon Island, with its near-panoramic ocean views and exquisite sea lounge perched over the rocks and waves of the bay, is the perfect location from which to launch a symposium and various conversations about marine science. The symposium brings together experts in their oceanic fields and storytellers for a series of sessions that ocean lovers can really immerse themselves in.

An impressive lineup of both speakers and topics features experts on marine mammals, sea birds and sharks, the wonders of our estuary, and inspiring lessons from the ocean. The symposium will also take on tougher topics such as the sustainability of boat-based whale watching, the dangers facing our migrating whales, the challenges faced by recreational fishers and the importance of diverse representation in the ocean. It is a well-rounded programme including such crowd-pleasers as great white sharks, bottlenose dolphins and the sounds of marine mammals while also seeking to ask difficult questions, stimulating conversation and immersing attendees in a world that desperately needs conservation.

The Plett Ocean Festival will also offer a variety of fun and family-friendly activities including rocky shore excursions, guided hikes, scuba diving and snorkeling,a trail run, angling competition, and a team surfing competition. Collaborations at the festival are many as Nature’s Valley Trust has partnered with Open Plan Pictures to screen the animated movie, Seal Team alongside an educational talk on pollution and marine debris; Adopt-A-Swimmer and the Black Mermaid Foundation have partnered to introduce youngsters to the wonders beneath the waves, and the local NSRI Station 14 will hold an open day for visitors to tour the station and learn more about National Sea Rescue Institute and its work.

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