A wild weather forecast for this weekend has forced postponement of the official launch of the whale season, which had been scheduled for 27 May.

The whales wait for no-one, with sightings of Humpbacks along the Encounter Bay coastline, but the Winter Whale Fest official launch will now be on Sunday 11 June.

It will start with a traditional Ramindjeri Welcoming the Whales and Smoking Ceremony. 

Visitors will learn learn about the Ramindjeri dreamtime story of Kondoli the whale and the cultural significance of Southern Right Whales to the local community.

The Winter Whale Fest program offers more than 25 events up until Sunday 25 June. 

They include snorkelling Granite Island; Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story at Victa Cinemas; and to Ngarrindjeri/Ramindjeri basket weaving and culture with Cedric Varcoe at Coral Street Art Space.

Visit the Winter Whalefest website to view the full program.