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Stellenbosch on Foot

Knysna Whale Watching - Close Encounter (June - Nov)

Knysna

Activity Description

Ocean Odyssey is Knysna’s only official whale watching permit holder, allowing us to approach whales to within 50m; if the whale chooses to come closer, we don’t have to move away. With a maximum of 25 passengers on board, personal service is guaranteed.

During the tour, stops are made to watch whales, dolphins, sharks, and seals, as well as any seabirds that may be encountered. Other interesting features pointed out to clients include cultural facts, shipwrecks, geology, bird colonies, and anecdotal information.

Inshore we’re always on the lookout for Humpback dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins. We see dolphins on 80% of cruises year around.

In the deepwater, we’re in search of common dolphins and Bryde’s whales. The Bryde’s whale is resident in Knysna, and sighted on approximately 70% of cruises year-round. Common dolphins are known for their large group sizes, in Knysna the largest group we’ve seen during a cruise was approximately 10,000 individuals.

During whale season, we have regular sightings of Southern Right whales and Humpback whales. Both species travel to South African waters for their breeding season. During peak whale season we spot whales on 95% of cruises.

Arrangements

Duration2 hours
WhenFrom June to November
WhereOcean Odyssey Charters & Retail store TH 22, Long street Thesen Harbour Town Thesen Island Knysna GPS Directions to our offices for check-in on Thesen Island, Knysna. From George direction: drive into Knysna on N2. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Waterfront drive. Follow the road until the second set of traffic lights, turn right into Long Street,Travel down Long street, over the white little bridge and make your way on to Thesen Island. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long st our shop is located on the left hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique) From Plettenberg Bay direction: Drive into Knysna on N2, At the third set of traffic lights, go Left into Waterfront Drive, at the next set of traffic lights, turn left into Long Street, Travel down Long street, over the white little bridge and make your way on to Thesen Island. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long st our shop is located on the left hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique) GUESTS WILL CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AT OUR RECEPTION, WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE INDEMNITY FORM.
WeatherAll trips through the Knysna Heads and out to sea are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Only the skipper is able to make a decision whether the cruise can depart. This decision is made according to wind direction and speed, sea swell and tide. This decision can only be made on the day of the cruise.
What to WearWind breaker or jumper
Things to BringCamera
Guests or SpectatorsOnly paid guests on board. COVID-19 - Masks are compulsory- Guests experiencing symptoms or show high temperatures will not be allowed to proceed with the activity.

Requirements

Minimum Age3 years
Minimum Height0.0 m
Maximum Height0.0 m
Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement
QualificationsNot Applicable
Maximum Weight0.0 kg
CertificationNone Required
Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Bottle of water
Life Jacket

ExclusionsFood and other beverages (Besides bottled water) is not allowed on this tour.

Notes

Minimum of 4 guests required to run this trip.
Trip duration is 1½ – 2 hours, depending on conditions.
Children welcome, no experience necessary.
COVID-19 – Masks are compulsory- Guests experiencing symptoms or show high temperatures will not be allowed to proceed with the activity.
GUESTS WILL CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AT OUR RECEPTION, WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE INDEMNITY FORM.

Customer Reviews

Our little family clearly do not have our sea legs?BUT the service on-board to assist sick family members were absolutely professional! The two guys went above and beyond. Thank you so very much! The 1000+ dolphins were a showstopper! Glad to have been able to experience this beauty! - BERNARD VAN TONDER

Thank you for an enjoying tour out watching the whales. Very skilled skipper who made us relax in the waves so we could look for the whales. We would absolutely come back to you if we come to ZA again. - Bente Aarup paulsen

Incredible trip. All very easy on arrival - very efficient and a great introductory talk. Was a bit nervous we wouldn't see anything but the skipper knew exactly where to go and we were lucky to get right up close to two humpback whales. Was a brilliant and moving experience that I'm lucky to have had, and may never have again. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Knysna! - Mia Jones

Fantastic morning out on the sea with the team from Ocean Odyssey. Thoroughly professional from the moment we arrived and the captain and his mate were very knowledgeable, being able to search out a humpback mother and child, Cape Fur Seals and a huge pod of Dolphins. Would highly recommend - Barnaby McKay

Unfortunately, we were not lucky with the weather on our day and did not see any whales up close. But the boat ride was all the more extraordinary because we felt like we were on a roller coaster with the high waves. Nevertheless, many thanks to the tracker and the skipper who manoeuvred us safely through the narrows of the lagoon. - Beat Jenni

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