Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
156 reviews
Activity provider:
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
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Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
156 reviews

Come join a close encounter whale watching, departing daily from Thesen Island. Sail through the Knysna Heads and out to sea in search of Humpback and Southern Right whales.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Afrikaans

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Chris – United Kingdom

Excellent, saw bottlenose Dolphins and a Bryde whale followed the boat for around 25 minutes so we got to seyit surface numerous times just metres away. My wife got seasick towards the end and a very attentive member of tge crew made sure she was ok until we disembarked. Highly recommend.

5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – United Kingdom

Excellent boat trip out and spent good amount of time watching 2 whales(mom and child), able to get some excellent photos and video. Scenic trip also down the coastline, also saw some dolphins - fully recommend

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Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna

  • Knysna

    Boat cruise, Dolphin watching, Marine life viewing, Scenic views on the way, Whale watching (2 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • See the the captivating and diverse natural landscape of the Knysna estuary
  • Sail through the rugged and iconic Knysna Heads, a pair of sandstone cliffs
  • Catch rare ocean sightings of huge Humpback and Southern Right whales
  • See marine life in the Indian Ocean - dolphins, seals, penguins, and more

Full description

Come get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the ocean on this 2-hour whale watching tour! Your trip begins as your captain navigates you through the Knysna Estuary and then you'll head out towards the vast and beautiful Indian Ocean.

Every year, both the southern right and humpback whales leave their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica and migrate to mate and calve in the warmer waters of the Southern African coastline - this makes Knysna one of the best whale-watching destinations in the country.

The tour will be narrated by an experienced skipper and guide who will share with you fascinating information about the lives of these whales. Your adventure will also be assisted by an experienced whale spotter who is in radio contact with all skippers, so you can be directed to any sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for other marine life as well - you may even spot a dolphin or a penguin or two!

Includes

  • Life jacket
  • Mineral water
  • Motion sickness tablets

Not suitable for

  • Children under 3 years
  • People with back problems
  • People prone to seasickness

Meeting point

Meet at Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching at TH22 Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town, Knysna.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Jacket

Not allowed

  • Baby strollers
  • Food and drinks
  • Drones
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Baby carriages
  • Touching marine life
  • Swimming

Know before you go

  • All tours are always sea and weather conditions permitting. Only the skipper of the vessel can make a judgment call on these conditions which are determined on the day of the tour, and passengers will be contacted on the day if conditions are not ideal for the activity
  • Sightings are not guaranteed as this is wildlife in their natural environment
  • Minimum of 4 passengers required to proceed with the activity. If minimum pax is not reached we will notify you before the activity
  • Life jackets are compulsory
  • Seasickness is prone to those that experience motion sickness. We do recommend motion sickness tablets (only available at pharmacies) or bands for those individuals

From $92 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5
4.6 out of 5 stars

based on 156 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

+6
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5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Chris – United KingdomNovember 25, 2024 – Verified booking
Excellent, saw bottlenose Dolphins and a Bryde whale followed the boat for around 25 minutes so we got to seyit surface numerous times just metres away. My wife got seasick towards the end and a very attentive member of tge crew made sure she was ok until we disembarked. Highly recommend.
5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – United KingdomOctober 17, 2024 – Verified booking
Excellent boat trip out and spent good amount of time watching 2 whales(mom and child), able to get some excellent photos and video. Scenic trip also down the coastline, also saw some dolphins - fully recommend
5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Jennifer – United StatesOctober 17, 2024 – Verified booking
This was an amazing excursion. They thoroughly explained in advance that the weather and animals cannot be controlled, which is funny that people could think otherwise. We had a wonderful time, saw a very large pod of Dolphins with some seals and multiple Brydes Whales. The staff was wonderful and you could tell that safety and comfort was their main priority. Highly recommend.

Product ID: 162900

Activity provider:
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna

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