Stellenbosch on Foot - Knysna Whale Watching - Close Encounter (June

Activity Description

Ocean Odyssey is Knysna’s only official whale watching permit holder in the area. Our Close Encounter Whale Watching Tours offers a unique experience for passengers as we traverse the Garden Route coastline in search of our migratory giants – Humpback & Southern Right Whales – annually from June to November.

With a maximum capacity of 25 passengers per tour, expect an intimate and personalised experience aboard our vessel which is accompanied by our skilled skipper and nature site guide. The tour departs from Thesen Island marina and cruises through the diverse Knysna estuary up to the impressive, rugged headlands. Passing through the Knysna Heads is an experience on its own! Once we skilfully manoeuvre our way through the headlands, we enter the vast Indian ocean where all the fun begins!

Keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale signs of whales – their distinctive blow, a large body jumping out of the ocean and/or a big white splash! But you aren’t the only ones looking, our eagle eye spotter located at elevated viewpoints on the headlands is keeping a close eye on the coastline and communicating any activity to our crew and directing the vessel to sightings – this helps increase chances of sightings as this is marine life in their natural environment!

Approaching our gentle giants is done with incredible skill and respect. Our permit allows us to approach whales up to 50 meters, but it’s not uncommon to encounter curious whales that approach the vessel, and, in this instance, we remain stationery and observe their beauty until they move along. Whales are not the only marine life that can be experienced on this tour, our coastline is teeming with three species of dolphins – Bottlenose, Common and Humpback dolphin, Cape Fur seals, Brydes Whales (Non-migratory whale) African penguins, pelagic birdlife and from time to time depending on water clarity you may sight a shark or two! Whilst sighting the array of marine life that can be experienced, we also highlight the beauty of our unique coastline – the caves, and coves, cliffs and beaches – the magnificent natural scenery perfectly compliments the experience!

The duration of the activity is 1.5-2 hours and is sea and weather conditions permitting! We highly recommend booking this for the first day you are in the area, in the event of poor conditions we can reschedule you to the next best ocean-going day.

Arrangements

Duration2 hours

WhenFrom 1st June until the 30th November annually

WhereOcean Odyssey Charters & Retail store TH 22, Long street Thesen Harbour Town Thesen Island Knysna GPS Coming from George: Exit George Airport and turn right on the R404. Follow the R404 until you have reached the interchange of the N2, and turn left to join the N2. Remain on the N2 for 65.8km (52 minutes approximately). Once you have entered Knysna on the N2 turn right at the 3rd set of traffic lights onto Waterfront Drive. Follow the road until the second set of traffic lights, and turn right into Long Street. Travel down Long Street, over the little white bridge, and into Thesen Island. Follow the road and at the stop street, carry on straight. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long St our shop – Ocean Odyssey - is located on the left-hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique). Parking is available and free. Coming from Port Elizbeth (P.E.) / Plettenberg Bay: Join the N2 highway from P.E./Plettenberg Bay and follow the road until you enter Knysna. At the third set of traffic lights on the N2, turn left into Waterfront Drive and follow the road until the next set of traffic lights, turn left into Long Street, Travel down Long Street, over the little white bridge, and into Thesen Island. Follow the road and at the stop street, carry on straight. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long St our shop – Ocean Odyssey - is located on the left-hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique). Parking is available and free. 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 WearWarm jacket Flat comfortable shoes Dress warmly

Things to BringSunblock, sunhats, warm top, or jumper. Don’t forget your camera. A sense of adventure and the holiday spirit is essential

Guests or SpectatorsOnly paid guests onboard All guests participating are required to complete the indemnity form at check-in All guests are required to wear life jackets

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

Bottled Still Water
Life Jacket

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

Notes

CHECK-IN IS 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME –
All passengers are required to complete our indemnity form.
Ready to be kitted out with lifejackets and present for our pre-departure briefing.
• Minimum of 4 passengers is required to proceed.
• Please dress warmly, it’s always cooler on the ocean than on land
• Children welcome (Min age 3 years old), Skipper will advise parent of young children if they feel conditions maybe uncomfortable for them – please contact our offices.
• Food and beverages are NOT permitted on board – water is available and is included in the tour