Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Knysna, South Africa
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Embark on a close-encounter whale and dolphin watching tour with one of Knysa's only permitted close-encounter tour operators. Step aboard a boat with an experienced captain and travel to the waters just off the South African coastline. During your travels, listen to in-depth commentary about the marine animals' biology and behavior. Keep an eye out for large pods of dolphins, Brydes whales, Southern right and humpback whales.
- Bottled water provided to stay hydrated
- National Park fees included in tour cost
- Informative commentary from your captain and guide
- See several varieties of dolphins and whales up close
What's Included
- Bottled waterAvailable on request
- Local guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching KnysnaHarbour Town, TH22 Long St, Thesen Island, Knysna, 6571, South Africa
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)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
LOANNE_L
We saw a beautiful whale, two different types of dolphins, seals and lovely sights. The team was lovely.
Reviews
4.6
based on 90 reviews
LOANNE_L, Nov 2025
We saw a beautiful whale, two different types of dolphins, seals and lovely sights. The team was lovely.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi, thank you so much for giving us such a lovely review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a nice time with us!
Malcolm_T, Oct 2025
A great experience to see whales in their natural habitat- although rather choppy waters we got to enjoy watching humpback whales fin & tail slapping but best of all breaching- we highly recommend
!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi, thank you so much for the 5 star review! Breaching whales is always the cherry on the cake with our tours! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience! Visit again soon!
AlAnoud_A, Aug 2024
Don’t miss it when u r in the city it was awesome 🥰 one of the best sight i have ever seen. The sea and the whale even the staff were friendly
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi, thank you so much for such a lovely review on our tour! We are thrilled that you had a fabulous time out with us! Please visit again soon!
Candice_S, Aug 2024
Thank you, an amazing day out seeing the whales. Your staff are friendly, and knowledgeable. Will definitely recommend. Exciting going through The Heads aswell.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Hi! Thank you so much for review! I am so glad that you and the family had an amazing time with us!
Nokuthula_M, Oct 2023
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.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you so much for your review! We try our best to give our passengers a close encounter experience with our majestic giants but also respect the marine life at the same time! Thank you so much for the tips! Its always cooler on the ocean than on land! And if you are sensitive to the motion of the ocean - take those motion sickness tablets!
Dalene_H, Oct 2023
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.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi, Thank you so much for the detailed review on your experience with us! I am so glad you enjoyed it and look forward to yo visiting us again!
Michelle_V, Nov 2022
The boat ride was absolutely amazing and we ended up seeing a mother humpback whale and her calf. Later we saw 1000's of common dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi Michelle! Sounds like you had a tour of a lifetime! Thank you so much for the review! Please visit again soon!
farah_a, Aug 2022
Perfect. Enjoy the trip. Great teamwork. We saw the whales many times. Safety trip. Thanks a lot guys.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hi Farah! Thank you so much for your review. We trust you had an amazing time onboard. Please visit again soon!
Leoni_B, Sep 2021
Was amazing to see the whale in action so closely. Most amazing experience ever. Definitely a recommendation to do if you ever can
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thank you so much! We are so glad you enjoyed your close encounter whale watching experience with us! They are such majestic creatures. Visit again soon
Oliver_Q, Nov 2025
The tour started as planned. When we left the bay we already saw the very high waves. After a good 10 minutes the skipper stopped the boat and said it was already very extreme conditions and we would probably not see any whales. For this reason, he would advise termination.
The group agreed and so it went back. Once on land we learned that we can arrange a new appointment or get a part refunded. Few expected that.
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Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi, thank you so much for the 5 star review! We do hope you visit us again and hopefully we have better ocean conditions that we can do a successful tour! Safety first!
From $102.14
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
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