Mardi Gras
Scottburgh is well known for the yearly Mardi Gras held in December. Numerous functions and entertainment is arranged for this fun filled day of entertainment and crafter’s selling their goods.
“Sardine Festival” Soap Box Derby
The “Sardine Festival” Soap Box Derby is usually held during the month of July. This event encompasses a steep downhill race and provides thrills and excitement for contestants and spectators alike. A spectator should not panic as these carts must have brakes as a condition. Prizes are awarded to the wining contestants and there is food sold during the event at Marine terrace. Contact Joan 082-7855125
SARDINE RUN
The Sardine Run, sometimes during the months of May, June or July. Millions of shimmering silver sardines migrate northwards from the oceans off the Cape, all the way up the coast so KwaZulu-Natal, as far as Durban. These tiny creatures venture close to shore and as they move up the coast they beach, or are netted by seine Fisherman. Fisherman reel in catches of Game Fish such as Yellow Fin, Tuna, Mackerel, Garrick, Giant King Fish, Cape Yellow Tail, Kob and Cape Salmon which follow the shoals of Sardines up the coast. It is then that the frenzy begins. The captured fish are used as bait or to make a tasty braai snack. An added bonus for visitors is the multitude of birds that follow the tide of fish, reveling in t he banquet set before them. Whales and Dolphins also accompany the moving run providing thrilling viewing from the shore or from chartered boats. The best time to do whale watching is during the Sardine Run. Sharks and Game Fish also attend this not-to-be-missed experience. (The visitors Lounge at Umdoni Golf Coarse is a good spot from which to view this amazing scene)
Kite Flying
This is a day of family fun usually organized in October (a windy month?)
Contact Joan 082-7855125
Kite Boarding
This is an extreme sport usually held in November, though this is dependent on the weather as conditions of wind dictate. It is a combination of surfing and windsurfing as kites are manoeuvred in air while the person is strapped to a board (smaller than a surfboard) leaving from Scottburgh beach and heading towards Kelso beach. Contact Paul Godwin 083-5601185
Sani 2C Cycle Race
An event usually held in February from Underburg to Scottburgh beach.
Contact Glen Howe 083-7801832
Devonairs Choir
A capacity audience is treated to some wonderful singing by Scottburgh’s own Choir.
Contact Pat Mitchell 039-9781024
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching is growing in popularity and people are becoming increasingly aware of these gentle giants of the sea. Not only visible from boats but also often observable from shore, whales are becoming a favorite fascination of beach goers and tourist alike.
The two main whale species are the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale. Both are large (16 meters and over) and according to scientists whales sighted off the east coast are in transit from feeding grounds in the Antarctic to breeding grounds in Mozambique or even Madagascar.
The voyage north is undertaken during June and July while the return journey, often with calf in tow begins in August and September with some late stragglers drifting past in November and December. Occasionally energetic behaviors such as breaching (belly-flops and side-flops) and tail slapping are undertaken presenting a photographic treat to the lucky witness. The Humpback whale is also known as the “Merry” Whale as they are far more boisterous than the relatively docile Right Whales and seem to indulge more frequently in acrobatic displays of prowess, especially the males.
One can get a good view of whales from the restaurant at Umdoni Golf Club.