Donning life-jackets and going whale watching indoors - how cool is that?! Sponsored by Futurismo, 2000 people experienced a real-time trip, accompanied by naturalist guide and skipper, and headed off the Azores in search of whales, dolphins, and seabirds!

A historic anniversary

It was at Brighton back in 1982 that the world’s governments voted to suspend the hunting of whales, and 30 years on, WhaleFest 2012 was at the very building where that momentous vote was taken – the Hilton Brighton Metropole. We launched our new pledge outside the hotel by a brand new street mural.

Mark Carwardine, Doug Allan and more were our experts ‘dating’ with aspiring marine conservationists, presenters, and film-makers. Sponsored by Gardline Environmental, it was just one of our many mini-workshops.

In our real ‘try-dive’ pool

Children sampling SCUBA on PADI’s Bubblemaker programme, plus adults learning about PADI’s Open Water Diver course. Steve Warren’s underwater photo clinics, free diving tips with AIDA instructor Ian Donald, and rebreather experiences with PlanetScuba.

Supporting whales and dolphins

WhaleFest supports a powerful new alliance to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises from the many threats they face. Running campaigns with the backing of millions, and targeting specific issues to achieve rapid change, you can learn more about the Alliance here.

Last 55 Maui's Dolphins

Maui’s Dolphins are facing extinction, dying in fishing nets off New Zealand‘s North Island at 75 times a sustainable rate. A subspecies of Hector’s Dolphins - which themselves are disappearing fast - scientists believe there are now just 55 individuals alive. We champion and support their cause for WhaleFest 2014.

The Free Morgan

Foundation

Alone and starving, a young wild Orca was taken into captivity. Now held at the entertainment park Loro Parque, in the Canary Islands, Morgan is made to perform circus tricks for a paying audience. WhaleFest is about seeing whales responsibly in the wild and champions the plan to return her to her family in Norway.

About WhaleFest

Reminding us just why we love whales, dolphins and oceans so much, WhaleFest is the world’s biggest event of its kind. A family-friendly, not-for-profit eco-festival aimed at experts, beginners, me, you, your gym instructor . . . everyone! Attendance is doubling annually - 6000 visitors last time - with exhibitors coming from all over the world. Sponsored last time by VisitAzores, DFDS Seaways and Hilton Brighton Metropole.

For entertainment, music, art, amazing facts, planet-saving, holiday ideas, cool merchandise and much more . . . get 14-16 March 2014 in your calendar.

EarlyBird discounted tickets will go on sale in late Spring 2013 - register now and we will ensure you know as soon as they are available.

Over 100 exhibitors took part at the last WhaleFest - coming from the UK, Europe, Iceland, Chile, Tonga, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Panama, and many more.

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