Starting from August 1st onwards, schools, communities, nonprofits and conservation groups will host a variety of MPA day events to celebrate these “sea nature reserves.” More than 80 events are planned in 25 countries with 92 partners involved. This is a lot of activities held in South Africa, the birthplace of MPA Day.
“We've seen the best of our efforts,” said Dr. Judy Mann, founder of MPA Day, and Dr. Judy Mann, executive of Strategic Projects at the Two Marine Aquarium Foundations. “With MPA Day being celebrated in 25 countries, we sincerely hope that it is now a truly global event and that the message of protecting the oceans resonates far more dramatically as healthy people need healthy oceans.
From Cape Town to Sodwana Bay – from large organizations to small NGOs, teachers and marine enthusiasts, everyone is taking part in this epic MPA Day celebration.
Several MPA Day Activities in South Africa
South African MPA virtual tours, etc.
Venue: Online
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm
It doesn't matter where you are – you can be part of your MPA day. Join the team to take yet another virtual tour of South Africa's MPA, from the mangroves of KZN to the rocky coast and estuary of the Cape, and of course the popular penguins. You can't miss this virtual tour.
Subscribe here https://events.dailymaverick.co.za/events/2025/08/01/marine-protected-areas-day-virtual-tour
The importance of MPA and the beach cleanup mascot with Kai
Venue: Lockerpan Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Date: July 31, 2025
Capenature invites you to special events that combine education, behavior and fun for all ages. Together with Capenature's Cubs Club Mascot Kai, we will explore why MPAs are important and take practical steps to protect the coast through community beach cleanup.
Deep & Sunparks Honorary Ranger Guardians – Table Mountain National Park Marine Corps Unit Open Day
Venue: Cometier, Western Cape
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 9am to 12pm
Celebrate MPA Day with Kommetjie's Table Mountain Mountain National Park Marine Unit, Project Marine Watch – along with Deep NPC, Sun Parks and the Guardians of the Sun Parks Honorary Ranger. Open Day features a range of activities, including marine science and conservation stations, hamburger steak youth patrol with field rangers, presentations on Table Mountain MPA, guided Rocky Shore Exploration, Coast Watchers Initiative, marine ranger actions, sea pledge walls and beach cleaning with a twist. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Ballerna crew and receive a signed copy of their book. A unique opportunity to connect with the people and places behind the conservation of the Cape Peninsula.
One Sea, One Connection: Continental Art, Sea, Community
Venue: Carland Community Centre for Learning and Skill Development, Western Cape
Date: August 1, 2025
The collaboration between the Fondazione Worldrise ETS (Italy), the Plum Foundation and the Nature's Valley Trust connects the two coastal regions. Through a vibrant community-driven mural project, the Valley of Nature and the nature reserves of Torewaset. In South Africa, murals will be created in the Carland community, a new centre for learning and skill development. A second mural was created in Italy, forming a unified artwork that bridges the continent.
Wild Coast Warriors – Movie screening
Venue: Two marine aquariums, Western Cape
Date: August 1st
Time: 6:30pm
Join two marine aquariums for a special screening for the Wild Coast Warriors, an inspiring documentary about coastal communities that have risen to protect their wild coasts. We witness how culture, law and activism came together to protect the ocean for future generations. Book your ticket here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/301215-wild-coast-warriors-documentary-screening-mpa-day-celebration/#/
Biodiversity & Photography Walk – Next to the beach cleanup
Venue: Helderberg MPA, Lourens River Mouth, Cape Town, Western Cape
Date: August 2, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
The City of Cape Town Smart Living Program will collaborate with local partners to host the Biodiversity & Photography Walk, followed by beach cleanup at the Helderberg MPA.
Ocean Pledge and Cau Plad: Ocean Snorkeling
Venue: Windmill Beach, Simon Town, Western Cape
Date: August 9th
Time: 10am
Ocean Pledge and Cape Radd will host exciting snorkeling events for students. This hands-on experience will allow young marine enthusiasts to showcase the incredible marine life along South Africa's coasts and inspire the next generation of ocean caretakers.
Two sea aquariums Rocky Shore explore
Venue: Darebrook, Kirkbay, Western Cape
Date: August 2nd
Time: 1pm
Discover the magic of our local rock pools and meet some of the incredible animals that call our coastline homes. Rocky coast exploration is a great opportunity for everyone to venture out of rocky pools and discover some of the incredible animals that inhabit our diverse coastline. The idea is that families will explore these rock pools together and learn to use the information provided to identify sea stars, anemones, seaweeds, and other creatures they see. Located within the Table Mountain National Park MPA, Dalebrook Tidal Pool is sure to please explorers of all ages!
WildTrust & Youth4MPas – Ocean for All Alliances (OFAA) Marine Connection Workshop
Venue: Thompson Beach, Barito, KwaZulu-Natal
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm
WildTrust and Youth4MPAS will host interactive and engaging workshops to help young people connect with the ocean in meaningful ways. This includes fun activities such as breathing work, movement, mindfulness, and awareness of ocean safety, helping children learn how to care for themselves, others, and the marine environment.
Thonga Trails and Adventure Mania Marine Beach
Venue: Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 6am to 6pm
Thonga Trails and Adventure Mania offers a day to celebrate, learn and give back on the beaches of Sodwana Bay, one of South Africa's most precious marine regions. Starting with the Strava MPA run, the day concludes with Sea School, Beach Cleanup, Tonga Valley Cup Challenge, Prizes and Live Music.
Wild Alliance Africa Beach Walk, Surfski Paddle, Research Sample Collection, Clean-up & Marine Life Observations
Venue: Happy Wanderers Beach to Irobo River, Aliwal Shoal, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 6am to 3pm
The 2025 MPA Daywalk brings together scientists, marine advocates, residents and conservation partners to engage with Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot® in a meaningful and practical way. A 30km coastal walk from Happy Wanderers Beach to the Irobo River will attract beach fans about the MPA, document wildlife sightings and collect sand and water samples for research into pollution, microplastics and marine health.
Offshore, Surfski Paddlers observe marine life reflecting routes, while marine scientists perform boat-based dives at the Aliwal Shoal MPA, recording biodiversity and collecting important marine data. The collected waste is sorted and used for community education. Live updates will be shared throughout the day, with local youth taking part in Beach Cleanup and Biodiversity Counting to learn about marine conservation.
From the coast to the sea: Turn garbage into treasures
Venue: Dwesakbe, Willowvale, Eastern Cape
Date: August 1, 2025
Time: 9am to 5pm
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) uses tools designed for individuals, families and groups, using the Dirty Der Screen Up® app, to celebrate sleeves together with Dwesakbe schools for MPA cleanup. Collected plastic items will turn back to school and transform into recycled sea creature art, inducing creativity and storytelling. Marine's masterpiece will be exhibited at the Dowesa Environmental Centre on August 15th, 2025, and guests and partners will be invited to gather together for an unforgettable MPA day event.
Explore the Depth: Global Showcase for Remote Images of the Ocean
Venue: East London Museum, East Cape
Date: August 2, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 12:00pm
Join us in an immersive experience featuring South African MPAs and cutting-edge marine remote imaging studies from around the world. Explore a series of fascinating presentations at the museum's classroom venues and showcase the work of researchers and international collaborators. Step into the underwater world on an interactive virtual tour using 3D goggles. Museum admission has been reduced to R20 and attendance at the event is completely free.
Rocky Shore explores Bokness and Kleinmond in the Eastern Cape
Venue: Bokness and Kleinmond Beach, Eastern Cape
Date: August 2, 3, 8, 9, 2025
Time: See the local media for more details
Join local marine biologists and marine science teachers to explore the coasts of Bokness and Kleinmond. Join Kleinemonde's Lily Rose Restaurant and watch the display of the new MPA Day. For more information, see Local Port Alfred Press.
We have tried to keep the information as up to date as possible, but please see our full list of MPA day events in South Africa and around the world for more information.
Why MPA Day?
MPA Day, held each August 1st, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about Marine Reserves (MPAs) and their important role in marine conservation, sustainable development and community well-being.
Don't miss it!
By participating in the MPA Day celebration on August 1, 2025, we are taking part in a global movement to protect the ocean and now support people, and the themed marine conservation requires human connection. This year's activities aim to connect people to the ocean and bring a sense of protection to even more people around the world.
Visit MPA Day for updated events and activities and take part in all MPA Day 2025 actions. Instagram @MarineProtectedAreassa, Facebook @Mpasouthafrica, or LinkedIn(1) MPA Date: MPA Date: Overview|Overview|LinkedIn. Watch MPA day videos on YouTube.
For more information about many MPA day partners, please visit www.mpaday.org.
For industry-related news, click here.
