Mermaid in Plett

Zandi the Mermaid returns for Plett Ocean Festival’s 5th Anniversary.

PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – There’s a sea change of excitement in the air as Plettenberg Bay prepares to celebrate a landmark milestone: the 5th annual Plett Ocean Festival and Marine Science Symposium, proudly supported by TAVCOR, taking place from 3 – 12 July 2026. This year’s festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of our deep blue heritage, unforgettable adventures where the land and ocean meet and fascinating conversation embedded with heart-led community conservation.

Under the festival’s core theme – “Observe. Conserve. Preserve.” – the 2026 edition marks five years of creating a Plett winter playground that bridges the gap between world-class marine science and pure coastal joy. “We are seeing a shift in how people perceive and protect our marine ecosystems – moving from simple curiosity to meaningful, active stewardship,” explains festival director, Cindy Wilson Trollip.

Leading the celebrations this year is the incomparable Zandile Ndlovu, globally recognised as “Zandi the Mermaid.” A passionate advocate for ocean diversity and conservation, Zandi returns to Plett in a multi-faceted role that touches every corner of the community. She will take the stage as the official Master of Ceremonies for the Marine Science Symposium while joining the expert speaker symposium lineup.

As a filmmaker, author and freediver, her impact will be felt deeply on the ground (and under the water) as she visits local townships to share the magic of the sea through storytelling sessions with the children. Furthermore, her highly anticipated underwater workshop returns in a heart-felt collaboration with Adopt-a-Swimmer, introducing local youth to the wonders of the marine world.

“We’re 5 years to 2030, with so many commitments to nature and biodiversity protection from a high level, there’s never been a more critical time to bring community, science and conservation efforts together, I’m beyond excited to be taking us on this journey once again,” says Zandile, referencing the worldwide 30×30 initiative by governments to designate 30% of Earth’s land and oceans as protected areas by 2030.

Watch this video that Kayleigh Packwood and Liam Nesbitt filmed and produced from the 2025 Ocean festival Adopt a Swimmer Day with Zandile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tP8qPJDVTs

Visitors can expect the 2026 event to span the entire spectrum of maritime life. Early highlights include the return of the Wedge Classic, South Africa’s premier bodyboarding event, and a keynote appearance at the symposium by the Cape2Rio winners –  Alexforbes ArchAngel crew – offering a rare look into the grit and glory of ocean crossing. These anchor events are just the beginning; the full, multi-layered programme will be unveiled shortly, promising a world of adventure, marine life, discovery and fun – everything you’ve come to expect from the Plett Ocean Festival.