Features

February 10, 2015

Schedule of Events

Tybee Island Pier & Pavilion,
     Strand Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328

• Beach Cleanup: 10am - 12pm
• FareWhale Festival: 12pm - 4pm
• Beach Walk with Cathy Sakas: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
• Beach Walk with Cathy Sakas: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Tybee Island Marine Science Center,
     1509 Strand St, Tybee Island, GA 31328

• Whale Tale Presentation: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Come out and celebrate the calving season for the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale as they begin to leave our coastal waters to make their way north off the coast of New England near Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

Please join us at the Tybee Pier and Pavilion as we say farewhale at this free and fun event hosted by Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

Festival Activites Include:

• Experience the trials and tribulations these whales encounter in our Right Whale obstacle course.
• Learn more about whales from experts and educators in the field.
• Enjoy artwork created by artists from the Tybee Arts Association.
• Enjoy live music.
• Partake in a guided beach walk with Cathy Sakas, local educator and Founding Chair, Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, on the shores of Tybee.
• Help keep Tybee beautiful by volunteering for a beach cleanup with Tybee Beautification Association held from 10am-12pm.

Entering the Right Whale obstacle course during the 2014 FareWhale Festival. Photo: NOAA Gray's Reef NMS

Exiting the Right Whale obstacle course during the 2014 FareWhale Festival. Photo: NOAA Gray's Reef NMS

The North Atlantic Right Whale is the rarest of all whale species. During the months of November-April these marine mammals migrate down to the Georgia and Florida coastal waters to calve (give birth). Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary lies within the calving grounds of Right Whales. To view Right Whale sightings click here:

Please remember that all vessel speed restrictions are in effect until April 15 each year for the protection of these animals. Click here to review regulations for Reducing Ship Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales.

North Atlantic Right Whale and Calf. Photo: Florida FWC, taken under NOAA permit #15488. FWC_7589_13DEC2014_2145

Click here to view volunteer opportunities druing the festival to help educate others on the threats that these whales encounter!