Let’s get up close and personal with these majestic giants that inhabit our vast and pristine Indian ocean. These migratory mammals, Southern Right and Humpback whales, grace us with their presence from June to November annually showing off their acrobatic skills while nurturing their young.

Approaching a whale requires incredible skill and understanding of the behaviour of these wild creatures. Our skippers are well aware of the strict guidelines set in place by the permit and respect that they are in the whale’s domain.



Trip Duration – 1 ½ to 2 Hours

Trips depart 3 times daily (weather & sea conditions permitting)

Maximum of 25 pax per trip

Easily accessible Thesen Island Blue Flag Marina jetty

Whale spotter on duty to assist and direct skipper towards sightings



DEPARTURE TIMES

Daily departures at 09h30 | 12h00 | 15h00



INCLUDED IN TRIP

Laliza life jackets supplied

Mineral water supplied

No food allowed

Ocean Odyssey is Knysna’s only official whale watching permit holder, allowing the 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 12 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 deep water 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 around. 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.

Arrangements
Duration2 hoursWhenFrom June to NovemberWherePlease arrive 15minutes before your booking start time. Start Location: Company: Ocean Odyssey Charters & retail shop TH 44, Long street Thesen Harbour Town Knysna Directions to our offices for check-in on Thesen Isle, From George direction drive into Knysna on N2. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Waterfront drive. Follow the road until the second set of traffic lights, turn right onto Long Street, head all the way down the road till the roundabout, follow the roundabout to the right, find us on the right opposite “Big Blue the whale sculpture”. From Plettenberg Bay direction: Drive into Knysna on N2 at third set of traffic lights keep Left onto Waterfront Drive, first set of traffic lights turn left onto Long Street. head all the way down the road till the roundabout follow the roundabout to the right, find us on the right opposite “Big Blue the whale sculpture”.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 WearWind breaker or jumperThings to BringCamera Guests or SpectatorsOnly paid guests on board
Requirements
Minimum Age3 yearsMinimum Height0.0 mMaximum Height0.0 mFitness LevelNo Fitness RequirementQualificationsNot ApplicableMaximum Weight0.0 kgCertificationNone RequiredExperience LevelNo Experience Requirement
Inclusions and Exclusions
InclusionsBottle of waterExclusionsFood is not allowed on this tour.
Notes
Minimum of 4 guests required to run this trip.
Trip duration is 1½ – 2 hours, depending on conditions.
Children welcome, no experience necessary

Explore the waterways of Thesen Island and the Knysna Estuary with the world’s fastest growing watersport, Stand-Up Paddling. Stand-Up Paddling, or SUP for short, is easy, fun and guaranteed to keep you fit whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery of our waterways & lagoon. The calm waters of Thesen Island are ideal for beginners and the many inlets and coves are perfect for the more adventurous or experience paddlers. Ten top quality boards and paddles are available for rent by the hour.



Arrangements

DurationOpen EndedWhenAll year roundWhereCompany: Ocean Odyssey Charters & retail store TH 44, Long street Thesen Harbour Town Thesen Island Knysna GPS Directions to our offices for check-in on Thesen Island, Knysna. From George direction: drive into Knysna on N2. Turn right at the traffic lights onto Waterfront drive. Follow the road until the second set of traffic lights, turn right into Long Street, head all the way down the road until the roundabout, follow the roundabout to the right and find us on the right, opposite “Blue” the whale sculpture”. From Plettenberg Bay direction: Drive into Knysna on N2, At the third set of traffic lights, go Left into Waterfront Drive, at the next set of traffic lights, turn left into Long Street, head all the way down the road until the roundabout, follow the roundabout to the right, and find us on the right, opposite “Blue” the whale sculpture”.WeatherWeather permittingWhat to WearSwimming costume Wet suit (for colder months) Things to BringSunscreen and Sunglasses Towel Waterproof bag to protect your belongingsGuests or SpectatorsSpectators can watch from the side

Requirements

Minimum Age12 yearsMinimum Height0.0 mMaximum Height0.0 mFitness LevelNo Fitness RequirementQualificationsNot ApplicableMaximum Weight120.0 kgCertificationNone RequiredExperience LevelBeginner

Inclusions and Exclusions

InclusionsRigid SUP board & paddle and life jacket supplied ExclusionsSouvenirs and items of a personal nature

Notes

Beginner tips

If this is your first Stand-Up Paddle experience, stay in the protected waters of Thesen Island. The water is calmer and boats travel at wake speed.



Keep hydrated

Don’t get dehydrated! When on the water it is recommended that you keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.



What to wear!

Dress comfortably in a costume or shorts & a t-shirt. During the cooler winter months, you may want to bring a wet suite.



Don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses!

Water reflects and magnifies the sun rays. Without protection you can get severely sunburned during your trip. Be sure to bring your sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare on the water.

Our Rugged and beautiful coastline has so much to offer. When we venture through the sheer Knysna Heads it draws us into a fascinating setting of panoramic coves, caves and bays. Amongst this natural beauty the dolphins, seals, penguins and birdlife reside in harmony in their natural habitat. Let us take you on a marine safari to showcase Knysna’s natural assets.



Trip Duration – 1 ½ hours

Trip departs 3 times daily (weather & sea conditions permitting)

Easily accessible Thesen Island Blue Flag Marine Jetty

Maximum of 37 pax per trip

Ideal for families or large tour groups

Please note that this is not a permitted close encounter whale watching tour



DEPARTURE TIMES

Three daily departures at 09h30, 12h00 and 15h00

December – June: Exploration of the Knysna estuary and the beautiful coastline.



INCLUDED IN TRIP

Laliza life jackets supplied

Mineral water supplied

No food allowed

Step aboard “Oceanic Express” for an exciting beach launch followed by 3-5 hour marine safaris.

Arrangements
DurationOpen EndedWhenSubject to weather conditions and numbersWhereCentral Beach, Plettenberg BayWeatherWeather dependentWhat to Wearsomething comfortable, no shoes on boat (except, neoprene shoes)Things to BringJacket, hat and sunscreenGuests or Spectators
Requirements
Minimum Age6 yearsMinimum Height0.0 mMaximum Height0.0 mFitness LevelNo Fitness RequirementQualificationsNoneMaximum Weight0.0 kgCertificationNone RequiredExperience LevelNo Experience Requirement
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
Polarised sunglasses provided for the excursion.
Light lunch and refreshment included

ExclusionsPhotos of the trip can be purchased @ R200 per USB
Notes
If you prone to motion sickness, please ensure you take the necessary preventions and precautions.

Hop aboard “Oceanic Express” for an exciting beach launch followed by 3-5 hours excursion approximately 5-10 nautical miles offshore into the deep. Possible sightings include bait balls of sardines chased by common dolphins, blue sharks, mako sharks, dusky sharks, bronze whalers, sunfish, striped dolphins, orcas, albatross, petrels, skuas, gannets to mention a few

Arrangements
DurationOpen EndedWhenSubject to weather conditions and numbersWhereCentral Beach, Plettenberg BayWeatherweather dependent What to WearSwimsuit, bring a change of clothes for afterwards and something warm on the boat.Things to BringSwimsuit, towel, jacket, hat and some sunscreenGuests or SpectatorsSee viewing marine safaris
Requirements
Minimum Age12 yearsMinimum Height0.0 mMaximum Height0.0 mFitness LevelAverageQualificationsNoneMaximum Weight0.0 kgCertificationNone RequiredExperience LevelBeginner
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
All equipment required (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuits)
light lunch and refreshments

ExclusionsPhotos of the trip can be purchased afterwards @ R200 per link
Notes
No sighting are guaranteed, it is safaris experience.

1hr – 1.5hr swimming with seals at Robberg Peninsula

Guest report to the Adventure hut, located at Central beach’s
car park, 30min prior to departure, where guests sign in and are
equipped with all the necesities for the excursion. After all the
formalities the boat departs from central beach to Robberg Peninsula,
home to approximately 6000 seals, where guests jump into the water with
a fully qualified divemaster for 30min packed with fun and inquisitive
furry seals!

The whole trip lasts about 1hour to an 1hour and a half.
A most do for the whole family!!

(Seal Viewing Guests join the trip but stay in the boat instead of venturing into the waters – Book Seal Viewing)

Arrangements
DurationOpen EndedWhenSeptember-May Closed on Christmas Day and New years dayWhereADVENTURE ISLAND Central Beach Car Park Hopwood Street Plettenberg Bay Please be at location 30 minutes before departure time! WeatherWeather permittingWhat to Wearswimsuit, some warm for after.Things to BringPlease bring a swimsuit to wear under your wetsuits and your own towel, we will supply the rest.Guests or SpectatorsSpectators: Welcome as seal viewing guests - R440pp. Book Seal Viewing.
Requirements
Minimum Age4 yearsMinimum Height0.0 mMaximum Height0.0 mFitness LevelAverageQualificationsNot ApplicableMaximum Weight0.0 kgCertificationNone RequiredExperience LevelNo Experience Requirement
Inclusions and Exclusions
InclusionsBoat ride, all snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and wetsuits in all sizes)ExclusionsN/a
Notes
Please report 30 minutes before departure time.
Pictures of the trip will available afterwards @ R300.00 per USB or R200 for a link.
Please allow 5-10 minutes for USB.