Whale Watching Knysna: Encounter Whales in their Natural Environment
4.6
52 Ratings
Knysna
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of whale watching in Knysna. Encounter Southern Right and Humpback whales in their natural environment, surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna - Guests will check in at our reception where they are required to sign an indemnity form. Once all guests have checked in our crew will start preparing them with life jackets. Once every one is ready they will be given a briefing on the tour they will be departing on and what to expect. A safety briefing will be given by the skipper once all guests have boarded the boat before departing.
What's Included
- Local guide
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Witnessing whales in their natural habitat imprints an unforgettable experience on your heart- Knysna tops the chart for the ideal locations to make this happen!
As the only licensed operator in Knysna for close encounters with marine life, our crew is genuinely dedicated to showcasing our abundant aquatic creatures and our breathtakingly picturesque shoreline.
Annually, both Southern Right and Humpback whales make their journey from their frosty feeding grounds off Antarctica to breed and birth their young in the warmer waters along the Southern African coastline. Knysna ranks as one of the premier spots for whale watching in the country.
Knysna is abundantly rich with regular sightings throughout the year - large groups of Dolphins and frequent glimpses of Brydes whales. From June to November/December, the migrating whales can be viewed in Knysna’s waters, rich with Southern Right and Humpback whales, as they traverse our coastline on their tropical route.
- Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- All trips subject to weather & sea conditions
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation - minimum number of passengers required due to vessel operating weight requirement.
- Children are considered a passenger and have a seat allocation.
- Marine mammals are free roaming and wild, sightings of any kind are not guaranteed therefore we do not offer refunds for no sightings-
- The tour will be accompanied by other passengers.
- Not recommended for children under the age of 3 years
- Not recommended for travellers with high risk pregnancies
Location
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
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)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(52 Ratings)
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Jhb_newbe
Dec 2, 2023
Highlight of our holiday - This trip was well worthwhile.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There were 5 couples on the boat, and although the sea was rough we felt safe.
We were very lucky to spot a humpback whale with calf who breached several times for us.
Also saw 2 different dolphin pods
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariehsweden2018
Nov 28, 2023
Don’t miss this! - Fantastic experience where we saw whales and dolphins. The captain and the staff where great!
Well worth the money, the whole arrangement is great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janabm54bg
Nov 11, 2023
Incredible to see humpback whales up close - The tour was well organised and staff were friendly. You are not guaranteed to see whales, as nature can't be planned! But the skipper and watchers worked hard to ensure we saw whales. We saw a couple of singular whales at a bit of a distance, then right near the end of the trip we found a whole group of humpbacks. The skipper gave us a longer trip to allow us to view them properly at a close distance and follow them for a good amount of time, which was greatly appreciated. An amazing experience, would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
771oliverf
Oct 25, 2023
Whales are awesome creatures - Wasn’t sure about going initially due to the cost and thinking it was unlikely to see any whales, but how wrong i was….the trip was worth every penny and the whales really didn’t disappoint, not just humpback whales but seals and dolphins too. A great fun boat ride experience which does require some seaworthy tummy, so eat sensibly and take some ginger tablets if you are prone to seasickness. The big ocean is choppy and boats rocks !!
I would absolutely recommend this trip with Ocean Defender to anyone who visits Knysna. The best thing I did on my holidays whilst staying here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nab92
Oct 13, 2023
Whale watching in Knysna - Great experience from beginning to end. The team were incredibly helpful when booking and really welcoming when we arrived. The briefing before we left was informative and safety was a priority. We saw two Humpback Whales with their calves as well as a Southern Right Whale, also with her calf (we saw all of these several times). We also saw a pod of dolphins just relaxing near the shore, a few seals who were interested in our boat and an Albatross. Our guide was really informative and we learnt a lot about the whales, dolphins, seals and their lives along the coast of South Africa. The team were really concerned about the welfare of the animals and their space was always respected. Would certainly recommend. This company also have a great coffee shop when you return which is well worth a visit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dalene_h
Oct 5, 2023
Just book it! - Really great experience. We saw several Southern Right Whales, including two moms with calves. Also lots of seals and a great variety of birds. Our captain was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure all passengers were comfortable. He didn't just focus on the sealife, but provided great photo opportunities of the amazing coastline. They also had water and ginger chews for the seasick folks. The tour was meeting point was easy to find and all the briefings were clear and thorough. I highly recommend and would definitely go again when in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Jonathan
Sep 19, 2023
Fantastic experience - 5 ⭐️ - This was a great experience from start to finish. The safety briefing was very comprehensive and the skipper and crew on the boat were fantastic.
Yes I was lucky enough to see a whale and her calf as well as dolphins and seals however the view, the experience was worth every penny irrelevant.
Bucket list day out, ticked off, thank you to everyone at Ocean Odyssey, you are simply fab.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha631
Aug 20, 2023
dolphins were great - Great experience, got to see a massive pod of dolphins with seals and many birds. It was quite choppy and windy but all in all a good time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nomad39900257329
Aug 20, 2023
Was worth it and will do it again - Amazing day and experience. Very professional and organised. Had a fun day. Such a beautiful town and ocean, privileged to live here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nokuthula_m
Oct 20, 2023
You really are having... - You really are having close encounter to the whales. Had a pleasure of having a snowboarding baby whale, doing tricks for us. I really recommend to just make sure you dress warm and motion sickness is real so prepare yourself if you know that you have that issue.
Review provided by Viator
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