Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
4.5
Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
By Ocean Odyssey
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 25 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Available on request
- Local guide
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna, Thesen Harbour Town, TH22 Long St, Thesen Island, Knysna, 6571, South AfricaTravel 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:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 51740P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- Most travellers 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 experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 51740P2
From
AU$145.02
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 287alistairs0 contributionsKnysna 90 min SailingExcellent crew in Easton and Eric, with a great experience. Sailed in the lagoon, through the Heads and out into the ocean.Written 11 February 2025
- Wo S0 contributionsBoat trip beautifullTOP - very good guide, trip was amazing, You can see only animals which are there, so no complain, we have enjoyned it ,........Written 6 January 2025
- Daydream664536947050 contributionsTo do in 2025Excellent experience.Guide was excellent. Beautiful views of untouched nature. Saw multiple dolphins. Nature at its finest.Written 4 January 2025
- gwenc4600 contributionsExcellentExcellent , beautiful, crew was fantastic. Food and wine was great!!!!! Recommend highly!!!! We had so much fun and it was an amazing experience.Written 1 January 2025
- RonPG0 contributionsWhale afterseason still very worthwhileGreat experience! Fantastic boat and great skipper, who tries his level best to turn this into an adventure. Provides for a lot of information on everything at sea. Being after season we weren't fortunate to see whales. But the dolphins and seals were nice to see.Written 14 December 2024
- eugenehn0 contributionsAmazing sunset experience and great crewSteven and the crew were excellent. He was full of stories and the crew were so attentive, helping us take photos and serving drinks. And the snacks were excellent. Definitely worth itWritten 8 December 2024
- susansZ3674FH0 contributionsGreat trip saw much more than expectedHard to decide which boat trip to take, but we were very happy with this. It was fun in the boat, much better than a sedate trip just around the lagoon, although we did that as well. Out in the ocean we were lucky enough to spot whales, seals and then 2 pods of dolphins who swam alongside the boat, giving plenty of photo opportunities! The guide was knowledgeable and the trip was just the right length.Written 2 December 2024
- 873bernardb0 contributionsAnniversary cruiseThis was an excellent Anniversary cruise for our 41st. The views from the sailing yacht of Knysna were spectacular we sailed out through the "Heads" to open ocean where we spotted an injured whale who had possibly been attacked by an Orca. On the return trip we were served cold cuts, fruit and bubbly. A wonderful way to spend 2 1/2 hours with a loved one. The crew went over and above to provide an excellent and safe service.Written 1 November 2024
- Passenger399589545240 contributionsGreat first time sea experienceAs nerve-wreaking as it was to go out to the open sea, the crew was incredible. Big shoutout to Nigel for awesome awesome service.Written 1 November 2024
- Connector642210456840 contributionsKnysna Heads CruiseThis experience was truly something to remember. The tour guide gave us a good overview of the area and pointed put the Seals. The best part was leaving the lagoon into the sea and the joy our son experienced in the waves. This is a must when you're in KnysnaWritten 28 September 2024
- Wesley P0 contributionsGreat experience we would do again.Excellent captain who shared a lot of information and was very friendly. Crew was equally friendly and helpful. Plenty of small plate snacks.Written 9 September 2024
- Pioneer641691136140 contributions5 🌟Experiência maravilhosa, calmo.. de encontro com a natureza.. recharge yourself 🧘♀️ ✌️❤️ Staff was friendly and they knew their way around the ocean 👌Written 29 August 2024
- 922shaunv0 contributionsAwesome experience, must do in knysna.My family and myself went an incredible sail. We privileged to have Stevan a gentleman and true sailor ,thank you. To Nigel another true man of the sea and young man with a wealth of knowledge. We truly had an awesome time with the perfect hospitality and delicious bubbly and extravagant finger meal.Written 14 August 2024
- stevenmA8251LN0 contributionsSimply a magical experienceThe small bit of bad news first ...... we booked as a couple and got a whatsapp on the morning of the booking to say we are the only 2 booked so cannot proceed as requires 4 minimum. We made the decision to book the other two places (only if we got the bubbly allowance of 4 people) as we really wanted to do this in Knysna lagoon. We could not be more glad we made this decision and it was probbaly even more special to have the whole boat to ourselves. Stef and Marquinn are total superstars and were great company for the duration. The boat is fantastic, properly sailing (by wind) at sunset, with bubbles and just us two as a couple was a real memory that we wont forget. The food spread is delicious too. Thanks for a magical few hours guys.Written 14 August 2024
- singingcarina0 contributionsAmazing sunset sailing cruise in Knysna 😍Just WOW! 🤩 What an amazing experience! Sitting on foredeck while passing through Knysna Heads will stay with me forever! 😍 So thankful for the whole crew, who had some convincing to do, due to the not so calm weather, but all onboard were so grateful for the sunset sailing cruise 😍. The food was tasteful and so were the bubbles 🥂. The Captain even used the boat as a surf board, while re-entering into the Knysna Lagoon! 🤩 I can really recommend this event, if you enjoy good times and a bit of adventure 😉Written 24 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
57 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
9
Average
1
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1
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Jhb_newbe
Johannesburg, South Africa47 contributions
This trip was well worthwhile.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There were 5 couples on the boat, and although the sea was rough we felt safe.
We were very lucky to spot a humpback whale with calf who breached several times for us.
Also saw 2 different dolphin pods
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There were 5 couples on the boat, and although the sea was rough we felt safe.
We were very lucky to spot a humpback whale with calf who breached several times for us.
Also saw 2 different dolphin pods
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you so much for your lovely review and for joining us on the tour! We are glad that you enjoyed it and felt safe!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jana B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The tour was well organised and staff were friendly. You are not guaranteed to see whales, as nature can't be planned! But the skipper and watchers worked hard to ensure we saw whales. We saw a couple of singular whales at a bit of a distance, then right near the end of the trip we found a whole group of humpbacks. The skipper gave us a longer trip to allow us to view them properly at a close distance and follow them for a good amount of time, which was greatly appreciated. An amazing experience, would definitely recommend!
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you so much for the amazing review of your experience with us! We are glad to hear that in the end, you found whales that weren't shy like those seen earlier in the tour. Please visit again soon!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tusk Adventures & Tours
Cape Town, South Africa33 contributions
Oct 2024 • Business
Bridget and Michael were invited by Ocean Odyssey to enjoy what this company has to offer. The pre trip communication was concise, as well as the safety briefing prior to the activity. The vessel is sturdy, well designed and handles the sea in a comfortable manner. The skipper and crew took great care of us, while delivering eco education as well. They knew exactly how to locate the whales and fantastic sightings made for memorable experiences. as an Adventure tour Operator, we will continue to use this professional company. The fact that it is family run gives own that extra personal touch. A all round great bucket list item to tick off. 👍
Written 30 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Volker G
155 contributions
The tour was a nice trip overall. The boat trip on the fast boat alone was an experience in itself. The encounter with some whales was also fascinating. It takes a lot to identify a 6-7 meter fish in the huge ocean and then be able to approach it. In addition, the captain went close to the rocky coast and showed some caves. Such a tour always requires a little luck. Fish don't jump out of the water at the push of a button. And ultimately, that's a good thing.
Automatically translated
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream17219494116
23 contributions
Excellent trip, with safety given top priority. Powerful boat that readily escaped Knysna harbour into the Indian Ocean with ease.
We saw two types of dolphins and Humpback whales.
Very well skippered boat and the crew were knowledgeable and helpful at every stage.
A ‘must do’ if you are in Knysna.
We saw two types of dolphins and Humpback whales.
Very well skippered boat and the crew were knowledgeable and helpful at every stage.
A ‘must do’ if you are in Knysna.
Written 16 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThalitaTV
Sao Paulo, SP360 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We took the tour with Ocean Odyssey to see the whales, a really cool experience and worth the price to try to see the whales. The tour begins with a visit to the coast of the mountains and then the search begins. Unfortunately, it is a trip that luck needs to be in your favor. We only managed to see two whales and they didn't come very close to the boat. Still, it was really cool and a different experience. We were able to see other species of marine life too.

Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you so much for your review! Yes, our tours involve luck and Mother Nature! You are still lucky that you were able to see whales, as a permitted whale and dolphin watching company we are allowed to approach whales up to 50m and this is with respect to marine life. Depending on the marine life that we are viewing, some are curious and approach the vessel - if this is a whale it is referred to as "whale mugging" this isnt something that happens on every tour though. As we say before every tour we have no influence or control over our marine life! They are wild and free and that is the way it is meant to be! Please do visit us again soon!
Written 18 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chelsea
South Africa39 contributions
July 2022 • Friends
Wow! I didn’t want to get my hopes up too high in terms of seeing a whale as we are in their environment and they are unpredictable creatures. Boy were we in a for a treat! First we saw two whales fairly close to shore but the boat couldn’t get too close, we then decided to make our way down the coast where we met a humpback whale we then spotted a Southern Right Whale - mother and her calf. Johannes (skipper) really made this trip so exciting and memorable. He really did his best to ensure we got as close as possible whilst still respecting the animal's space. They have a spotter whom sits on the top of the hill and watches the sea tentatively. He had told the skipper where the whales were, that was especially helpful. Teresa was so wonderful and provided great conversation before and after the trip. All in all the service was excellent (we even got a warm towelette upon disembarkation) and of course so were the whales! Great value for money! Thank you!
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Chelsea! Thank you so much for the descriptive review! I am so glad that you had a great experience. I have shared your review with our crew. Please visit us again! Thank you Teresa and the Ocean Odyssey crew!
Written 28 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travelbug33423
Fort Collins, CO229 contributions
A wonderful whale watching experience!
We were a group of 7–2 couples and 3 adult-ish children. We all had such a wonderful time and were lucky enough to see about 6 humpback whales (and a cute little seal that followed us for quite a ways). The captain and the spotter were so competent and did a great job of finding the whales and allowing us a great viewing experience. I would highly recommend this.
We were a group of 7–2 couples and 3 adult-ish children. We all had such a wonderful time and were lucky enough to see about 6 humpback whales (and a cute little seal that followed us for quite a ways). The captain and the spotter were so competent and did a great job of finding the whales and allowing us a great viewing experience. I would highly recommend this.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Thank you so much for your review on our Close Encounter Whale Watching tour! So happy to hear that you all had a fantastic time aboard with us! Please visit again soon!
Written 15 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicki
4 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Fantastic experience with Ocean Odyssey. Incredible going out through the heads with highly experienced skipper who navigated it perfectly. Saw 4 whales, seals and a sunfish. Such spectacular views on this beautiful coastline.
Written 29 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver F
London, UK8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Wasn’t sure about going initially due to the cost and thinking it was unlikely to see any whales, but how wrong i was….the trip was worth every penny and the whales really didn’t disappoint, not just humpback whales but seals and dolphins too. A great fun boat ride experience which does require some seaworthy tummy, so eat sensibly and take some ginger tablets if you are prone to seasickness. The big ocean is choppy and boats rocks !!
I would absolutely recommend this trip with Ocean Defender to anyone who visits Knysna. The best thing I did on my holidays whilst staying here.
I would absolutely recommend this trip with Ocean Defender to anyone who visits Knysna. The best thing I did on my holidays whilst staying here.
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! Thank you for such an amazing review of our experience! We are glad you enjoyed every aspect of the experience and went our there with an open mind! Thanks for the pro tip - the Indian ocean does have a little spice to it so motion sickness tablets are reccommended to those that are sensitive to the motion of the ocean!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi there, me and my partner are going to book onto this boat tour. We will have our 6 month old baby with us strapped to me in a front Joey pouch. Will this be ok? Please let me know so I can book if so. Thanks. Ian
Written 8 September 2022
Well, I would say so. Wrap baby up warm & sit at the back.
Written 10 September 2022
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