KNYSNA ACTIVITIES
OCEAN ODYSSEY
Ocean Odyssey, Close encounter whale watching tours and Eco Marine tours, is passionate about showcasing Knysna’s natural assets. This breath-taking Garden Route setting provides us with the ideal platform from which to introduce visitors to our rich aquatic heritage; an iconic estuary and adjacent coastline and the complex web of life that is found here. We are the proud holder of a prestigious Blue Flag status, an international award given to beaches, marinas and nature-based boat excursions that meet a standard of excellence in the following categories – environmental education, environmental management, safety and security, and water quality.
Where we are: Conveniently located on the popular Thesen Island within walking distance from the Knysna Quays and the centre of Knysna town. Our vessels are accessible by walk-on jetties on Thesen Harbour town which is a Blue Flag Marina.
What to bring:
- Camera or Camcorder
Make sure your batteries are fully charged or you have a spare set to ensure you don’t miss the “money shot”. And don’t forget you memory card.
- Binoculars
Usually the whales are close enough to see better without binoculars. They may, however, be useful for spotting some beautiful pelagic bird species.
- Rubber-soled shoes
A moving vessel is not usually the best place for high heels. Sneakers/takkies have much better traction as sometimes the decks get wet and slippery even though we have non-slip rubberising on our vessels.
- Warm clothes
Ideally you should wear a nice warm jacket or hoodie as it can get really chilly out on the ocean. We will supply you with a blanket if the day is colder than normal.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
On sunny days you can get quite a sunburn and sunglasses will help protect your eyes from glare off the water as you scan the horizon looking for whales and dolphins.
Safety: The safety of our guests and crew are our number one priority and each tour commences with a safety briefing prior to departure. Each guest is supplied with the latest approved commercial PFD/Life jackets (automatically inflated and super comfortable), and a bottle of water.
Most of our trips are ocean going trips and are weather and sea conditions permitting. Only the skipper of the vessel can make a judgment call on these conditions, which are determined on the day of the trip. Conditions are influenced by tide, wind direction, wind speed and sea swell, therefore going out through the Knysna Heads is never guaranteed.
Every year, both the Southern Right and the Humpback whales leave their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica and migrate to mate and calve in the warmer waters of our Southern African coastline. Knysna is one of the best whale watching destination in the country. Whale season is from 1 June to 30 November, and the close encounter trips depart three times daily. Out of whale season, we offer Marine Eco-Tours.
Ocean Odyssey is the only close encounter whale watching permit holder for the greater Knysna area, which extends from the Western Side of the Robberg Peninsula, to Gericke’s Point in Sedgefield. The Permit, which is issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs, allows us to approach marine mammals up to 50m, and if whales approach us we are permitted to stay and observe. Our 25 seater, 9m Butt Cat departs from Thesen Harbour Town. From Thesen Island we cruise across the sweeping Knysna estuary and out to sea through the Iconic Knysna Heads in search of marine life.
Vessel: Odysseus
Pax: 25 pax, in comfortavle cinema-style seating
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Departure: 09:30, 12:00, 15:00 or as scheduled with us directly
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.
(Please note that this is not a permitted close encounter Whale watching tour)
Vessel: Odysseus and Oyster Catcher
Pax: Total 35 pax (25 pax – Odysseur & 12 pax – Oyster Catcher, in comfortavle cinema-style seating)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Departure: 09:30, 12:00, 15:00 or as scheduled with us directly
Prepare yourself for an educational adventure of our expansive estuary and dynamic Knysna Heads. Our Estuary consists of fascinating birdlife and compelling history. This captivating place is a unique marine protected area inhabited by 43% of South Africa’s plant and animal life.
This trip is ideal for families or large tour groups. (Please note that this is not a permitted close encounter Whale watching tour)
Vessel: Odysseus and Oyster Catcher
Pax: Total 35 pax (25 pax – Odysseur & 12 pax – Oyster Catcher, in comfortavle cinema-style seating)
Duration: 45 minutes
Departure: No set scheduled time. Guests are required to contact our offices to book this tour.
Explore the waterways of Thesen Island with the world’s fastest growing water sport, 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 experienced paddlers. Ten top quality boards and paddles are available for rent by the hour.
Pax: 10 pax
Duration: Unlimited
Departure: All day (subject to availability)
Check in, jump on a boat and go on a watery adventure! But it doesn’t stop there! Our offices on Thesen Island completes the experience! Clients can enjoy some retail therapy before or after the experience. The shop is bursting at the seams with amazing gifts, curios & merchandise all inspired by our love of the ocean and marine life! Our most recent addition is our in-store coffee shop, enjoy a delicious cup of Lavazza coffee or grab bite to eat! We have a scrumptious range of cakes, sweets and savouries for those on the go or sit and enjoy the island vibe at our curb side café tables.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382 0321 or
+27 (0)82 852 9402
Email: info@oceanodyssey.co.za
Website: www.oceanodyssey.co.za
Opening Hours
08h00 – 17h00 (office hours)
or until the last boat gets back
Address
TH22 Long st,
Thesen Harbour Town,
Knysna
GPS:
– 34° 2′ 54.2″ S
23° 2′ 51.3″ E