WHALE WATCHING CRUISE – KNYSNA

Get up close and personal with whales and other marine life in the Knysna Heads and coastline on this whale watching cruise.

Our operator is Knysna’s only official whale-watching permit holder, allowing you to approach whales to within 50m. If the whale chooses to come closer, the cruise doesn’t have to move away. With a maximum of 25 passengers on board, personal service is guaranteed. Approaching a whale requires incredible skill and understanding of the behaviour of these gentle giants. 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.

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. During whale season, regular sightings of Southern Right whales and Humpback whales are spotted. Both species travel to South African waters for their breeding season. During the peak whale season, whales are spotted on 95% of cruises.

This is an ocean-going trip and is dependent on weather and sea conditions. Only the skipper of the vessel can make a judgement call on these conditions which are determined on the day of the charter. Conditions are influenced by tide, wind direction & speed, and sea swell, therefore going out through the Knysna Heads to the ocean is never guaranteed.

Minimum of 4 pax per trip to go out.

Only available from June – November.

Highlights include:

• 1.5 – 2 hour close encounter whale-watching cruise of the Knysna estuary and the beautiful coastline (weather & sea conditions permitting)
• Stand a chance to get up close to whales, sharks, dolphins, seabirds, and much more!

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Inclusions: Cruise and a life jacket.
Exclusions: Food and other beverages (Besides bottled water) is not allowed on this tour. Items of personal nature

• Sea sickness
  If this is your first time out on the ocean, you may want to consider motion sickness medications. These can usually be found at most pharmacies.
• Children welcome when accompanied by parents, no experience necessary
• Please note that this is not a permitted close encounter whale-watching tour.