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.
Bottle of water
Life Jacket
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.
So nice, we did it twice! ! ? That is a true testament to the experience. Heartfelt thanks, first to the team on the ground, who was both accommodating, informative and encouraging, - finding out what the sightings were, giving us ginger pastilles to suck on so as not to get sea-sick, and infecting us with a sense of excitement. Then our thanks to the whale whispering team: Captain Johann and Ash, his spotter, who were able to find these beautiful awe-inspiring creatures in that vast ocean. It felt like a miracle. I loved every minute of it, just being on the ocean and feeling a sense of bliss and calm, I would have been happy with that already. But then we saw the majestic beauty of Humpback whales, swimming with us, with a baby, swimming up by the boat, under the boat, and alongside us for a long while. And I was filled with pure joy. I thought my heart would burst. I felt honored that these beautiful, incredible colossal creatures allowed us to travel with them for a while. Captain Johann was very respectful of the animals, and navigated currents and waves with ease. It was an experience I will carry with me always, and will warm my heart on cloudy days. Unforgettable. - Che
Leuke trip. Gidsen wisten veel te vertellen. We zagen 3 bultrug walvissen die steeds weer samen boven kwamen en ook een zuidkaper. Gidsen deden met begeleiding via de portofoon van iemand die op de uitkijk stond erg hun best om walvissen te zien. - Marcel Sprengers
We had an excellent time. The team was thorough and professional. Although the whales were initially hard to find, the crew persevered until we got amazing sightings. Seeing the whales and the trip through the beautiful Knysna Heads out to sea, was just fantastic. We would happily do it again and can wholeheartedly recommend it. - Don Andrews
Great experience! We saw both whales and seals! All the staff was very kind and professional. We will recomend your boat tour. Thank you very much. - Alessandra Calabrese
This was a wonderful experience. The facility was easy to find w plenty of parking as well as access to restaurants and shopping afterwards. The staff was very friendly and helpful and our skipper was amazing. He was knowledgeable and gave us the best opportunity to sight marine life. The tender was well maintained . Great experience !! - Julie Lander
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