Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

Nestled along South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, Knysna offers nature enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to witness the grandeur of whales in their natural habitat. The Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat provides a unique chance to observe these majestic creatures up close, as the expedition sails through the Knysna Heads and into the open sea. With knowledgeable crew members on hand to educate guests about the local ecosystem and the whales’ behaviors, this two-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience. What makes this tour truly remarkable, however, are the potential for close encounters with humpback and southern right whales, as well as the possibility of spotting dolphins, seals, and even penguins.

This experience made our list of the 22 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Knysna.

Key Points

• Daily departures from Thesen Island in Knysna for a 2-hour whale watching excursion through the Knysna Heads and out to the Indian Ocean.
• Opportunities to spot humpback and southern right whales, as well as other marine life like dolphins, seals, and penguins.
• Panoramic views of the Knysna Heads, lagoon, and coastal scenery, with a knowledgeable crew providing information about the local ecosystem.
• Suitable for most guests, but not recommended for those prone to seasickness, with back problems, or with children under 3.
• Bookings available through the Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching website, with reservations recommended, especially during peak season.

You can check if your dates are available here:

General Tour Information

The Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat departs daily from Thesen Island in Knysna, allowing visitors to sail through the Knysna Heads and out to sea for a 2-hour excursion.

During this tour, guests can expect to spot humpback and southern right whales, as well as other marine life such as dolphins, seals, and penguins.

The tour includes a life jacket, mineral water, and motion sickness tablets to ensure a comfortable experience.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness.

Visitors are also not allowed to bring food, drinks, drones, alcohol, drugs, or baby carriages, and they aren’t permitted to touch the marine life or go swimming.

Whales and Marine Life

Visitors on the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour can expect to spot both humpback and southern right whales in their natural habitat during the 2-hour excursion.

Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic breaching and tail slapping, while the southern right whales can be identified by their distinctive callosities – rough patches of skin on their heads.

Along With these majestic cetaceans, the tour also offers chances to see other marine life such as dolphins, seals, and even penguins.

The knowledgeable crew will provide information about the whales’ behaviors and the local ecosystem.

With a bit of luck, guests may witness these incredible creatures up close as they pass through the Knysna Heads and out to sea.

Scenic Views and Sights

On the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour, guests will be treated to a stunning panorama of the Knysna Heads and the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean as the boat sails through the estuary and out to sea.

The rugged cliffs of the Knysna Heads tower over the churning waters, creating a dramatic backdrop for the journey.

As the boat ventures further from the shore, the views become increasingly breathtaking, with the rolling waves and distant horizon offering a sense of tranquility and scale.

Throughout the tour, passengers can also enjoy the scenic coastal scenery, including glimpses of the lush green hills and picturesque villages that line the Knysna Lagoon.

Tour Duration and Schedule

Departing daily from Thesen Island in Knysna, the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat lasts approximately 2 hours as it sails through the Knysna Heads and out to sea.

This allows guests ample time to spot marine life like humpback and southern right whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and penguins.

The tour departs from the Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching meeting point on TH22 Long Street in Thesen Harbour Town.

With a life jacket and mineral water provided, the 2-hour excursion offers a scenic and immersive whale watching experience for visitors.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those prone to seasickness, with back problems, or with children under 3 years old.

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Included and Provided Items

The Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat provides guests with a life jacket and mineral water to ensure their comfort and safety during the 2-hour excursion.

For those prone to seasickness, the tour also includes complimentary motion sickness tablets, allowing participants to fully enjoy the whale watching experience without discomfort.

While food, drinks, and other personal items aren’t permitted on the tour, these thoughtful inclusions demonstrate the tour operator’s dedication to making the whale watching adventure as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

With these essential provisions taken care of, guests can focus on spotting majestic humpback and southern right whales, as well as other captivating marine life, while taking in the scenic views along the way.

Restrictions and Limitations

While the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of Knysna, it does come with certain restrictions and limitations to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. The tour is not suitable for children under 3 years old, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. Plus, the tour prohibits the use of baby strollers, outside food and drinks, drones, alcohol and drugs, baby carriages, as well as touching the marine life and swimming. This ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the experience without disrupting the natural environment or putting themselves at risk.

Restrictions	Limitations
Children under 3 years	Back problems
People prone to seasickness	Touching marine life
Baby strollers	Swimming
Food/drinks	Drones
Alcohol/drugs	Baby carriages

Meeting Point and Location

Participants meet at the Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching office, located at TH22 Long Street in Thesen Harbour Town, Knysna, which serves as the departure point for the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat.

This conveniently situated meeting location ensures a smooth and efficient start to the excursion. From here, guests will board the boat and set sail through the Knysna Heads, heading out to sea to begin their whale watching adventure.

The office’s central position within Thesen Harbour Town makes it easily accessible for visitors, providing a hassle-free start to their close encounter with the magnificent marine life of the region.

Booking and Reservations

Guests can easily book their spots on the Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat through the Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching website or by contacting the company directly. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, to secure availability on the preferred tour date and time.

The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to select their desired tour and complete the transaction online or over the phone with the helpful staff. Guests can choose from a variety of tour times and dates to fit their schedule. Payment can be made via credit card or other secure methods.

Once the booking is confirmed, guests will receive all the necessary information, including meeting location and what to bring. The team at Ocean Odyssey is available to assist with any questions or special requests prior to the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching?

The best time for whale watching is typically during the species’ migration seasons, when they travel between feeding and breeding grounds. This is usually in the spring and fall for humpback and southern right whales.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider includes mineral water, and outside food/drinks are not allowed due to restrictions. Guests should plan accordingly and rely on the provisions included with the tour.

Is There a Weight or Height Limit for the Tour?

There is no weight or height limit for the tour. However, it’s not suitable for children under 3 years, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. Guests should be able to board and navigate the boat safely.

Can I Swim or Snorkel During the Whale Watching Tour?

No, swimming or snorkeling is not allowed during the whale watching tour. The tour restrictions specifically prohibit touching or interacting with the marine life, as well as swimming, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Is There a Guided Tour or Audio Commentary Provided?

The tour provides a guided experience with a knowledgeable crew who share information about the whales and marine life through an informative commentary. There’s no audio tour, but the guides actively engage guests throughout the excursion.

Recap

The Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour in Knysna provides a unique opportunity to witness the majestic humpback and southern right whales up close.

Guests can also spot dolphins, seals, and penguins while enjoying panoramic views of the rugged cliffs and tranquil coastal scenery.

With knowledgeable crew members offering insights into the local ecosystem, this 2-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: