Photo Shoots
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 1 500
per adult
Ocean Odyssey
Ocean Odyssey
4.5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursStand Up Paddleboarding
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Discover Knysna , Knysna's only permitted close encounter whale watching operation, skilfully showcases whales & dolphins during their tours. Their highly competent skippers possess in-depth knowledge of this dynamic marine environment, ensuring an enlightening experience. Ocean Odyssey's Marine Eco Tour serves to highlight both the geological characteristics and the biodiversity of Knysna's estuarine and marine environment. Tours include various historical and cultural anecdotal tales of the area as well as information about the wonderful web of life that exists above and beneath the surface of this watery world. The tour is designed for both holiday revellers and nature enthusiasts alike and memorable experience for all!
Knysna, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Ocean Odyssey
Adventure Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 1 650
per adult
Adventure Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
R 1 150
per adult
Adventure Tours
45 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 695
per adult
Adventure Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
R 1 250
per adult
Travellers talk about
(12 reviews)
(45 reviews)
(30 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
162
Very good
35
Average
6
Poor
6
Terrible
10
Loraine H
1 contribution
Great friendly and knowledgeable crew. There was only 4 guests so it was chilled. We even got a chance to steer! Lovely sunset too 10/10
Written 7 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.
Jhb_newbe
Johannesburg, South Africa32 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.
EvelynP2020
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.
MarieHSweden2018
Stockholm, Sweden2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Fantastic experience where we saw whales and dolphins. The captain and the staff where great!
Well worth the money, the whole arrangement is great!
Well worth the money, the whole arrangement is great!
Written 28 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.
EvelynP2020
Hi! Thank you so much for your review! We aim to please all our passengers! Please visit again soon!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GrahamR55
London, UK84 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Nigel and Mark looked after us very well. We were very lucky as there were only 4 of us on the boat so it was very much like a private trip. Unfortunately the only sea life we saw was a seal, but sailing through the heads and into the ocean and return is very exciting.
The dinner platter was very good. They coped with my wife’s gluten free allergy very well and texted to check what they were planning worked.
The dinner platter was very good. They coped with my wife’s gluten free allergy very well and texted to check what they were planning worked.
Written 22 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.
EvelynP2020
Hi, thank you so much for your review! We are so happy to hear that our crew and skipper made the experience extra special for you and your wife! Please visit again soon!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emilia W
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Absolutely amazing!!! It was our highlight! We saw Whales, dolphins and seals , absolutely stunning! every time once again! Worth every euro!
Written 18 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.
EvelynP2020
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are so thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time onboard with us! Please do visit again soon!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RaymondRoesti
St. Gallen, Switzerland91 contributions
An absolutely amazing trip.
Sailing into the lagoon through the heads is an awning experience. We were lucky to have relatively calm water with good wind. We also saw a school of dolphins playing alongside the boat.
The dinner platter was delicious and the bubbly very good.
Sailing into the lagoon through the heads is an awning experience. We were lucky to have relatively calm water with good wind. We also saw a school of dolphins playing alongside the boat.
The dinner platter was delicious and the bubbly very good.
Written 17 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.
EvelynP2020
Hi, thank you so much for the lovely review on our Sunset Cruise! Sounds like you had a magical experience onboard especially since you were lucky to see dolphins during the charter! Please visit again soon!
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.
EvelynP2020
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.
Oliver F
London, UK7 contributions
Sep 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.
EvelynP2020
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.
NAB92
London, UK7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great experience from beginning to end. The team were incredibly helpful when booking and really welcoming when we arrived. The briefing before we left was informative and safety was a priority. We saw two Humpback Whales with their calves as well as a Southern Right Whale, also with her calf (we saw all of these several times). We also saw a pod of dolphins just relaxing near the shore, a few seals who were interested in our boat and an Albatross. Our guide was really informative and we learnt a lot about the whales, dolphins, seals and their lives along the coast of South Africa. The team were really concerned about the welfare of the animals and their space was always respected. Would certainly recommend. This company also have a great coffee shop when you return which is well worth a visit!
Written 13 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.
Vacation03077857539
4 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Everything was great .. catamaran is always the best .
The music was great .
The team was also amazing
The music was great .
The team was also amazing
Written 11 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.
Kabelo M
Botswana2 contributions
Good day
How is the weather outlook/forecast for the 2nd October? Was wondering if it would be possible or conducive to do a whale watching tour then. From AccuWeather it seems as though it will be raining
EvelynP514
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa11 contributions
Good day
We do not really pay too much attention to weather forecasts so far ahead. We look at various forecasting websites, which are generally only accurate a week ahead of time. Even so often the predicted weather does not come through at all, so you will get your most accurate weather around 3 days in advance. We are officially in spring so there are lovely warm sunny days, with good sea conditions, we would be more concerned by the wave height which will give us a good indication as to what we can expect from the sea conditions. ideal ocean conditions are between 1 -2.5 meter swell - any conditions over 3 meters means we would not likely go out to sea in those conditions but there are exceptions.
My suggestion is to contact our office closer to the time please email our office - (we may not post our contact details on this response)
varun Tikmani
Hyderabad, India1 contribution
Hi we will be travelling in month of May .. will that be open .. I will be travelling with my family of 2 adults and 2 kids - 9and 6 yrs old .. pls confirm.
EvelynP514
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa11 contributions
Good day, we never close unless it is due to bad weather, and if so its generally never for more than a day, so yes we will be open, you are welcome to book with us online, we are livebookable and you will get instant confirmation. In the event of bad weather and cancellation you will be refunded in full if you are unable to re-schedule.
Bernhard168
Brussels, Belgium4 contributions
Hi,
We are travelling on March 18, which animals can want see at that time of the year?
Best,
J schima
EvelynP514
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa11 contributions
Hi
During this time of the year you could possibly see dolphins, seals, penguins and birdlife and ofcourse our beautiful coastline. Unfortunately it is not whale season, the migratory whales are only due here on the 1st of June.
However we do have our resident Brydes whale that graces our coastline all year round. They unfortunately tend to be quiet shy so they arent sighted daily but can be seen from time to time and is considered a very special sighting.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Thank you
Teresa
Similian
Zurich, Switzerland8 contributions
Hallo Cathrin
Wir planen im Oktober nach Knysna zu gehen und Whale watching ist auf der Liste. Darf ich fragen wie das war beim Rausfahren von der Lagune aufs Offene Meer? Habe gehört, das sei eher schwierig und mit den hohen Wellen manchmal nicht möglich bzw gefährlich? können Sie mir da ne Auskunft geben wie das war? Danke Gruss Similian1
Rperi
Netanya, Central District, Israel168 contributions
Is the boat steady or can you catch a motion / sea sickness easily?
mawcam
Cambridge, UK43 contributions
The craft is effectively an elongated speed boat. Don't expect a calm journey because you are going out into the waves. Take sea sickness precautions.
claudiaLagodiGarda
lago di garda378 contributions
buonasera, volevo sapere se fine aprile è un buon periodo per avvistare balene e delfini. L'escursione è tutti i giorni? Quanto dura? Grazie per la vostra risposta. Claudia
Anita4428
Port Elizabeth, South Africa1 contribution
What is the prices for the Ocean odyssey tour for January 2016?
EvelynP514
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa11 contributions
Good day our prices for January 2016 as follows
Eco tour - 650.00pp - 1.5hr tour
Heads adventure 45 minute estuary trip R380.00pp (minimum of 6 persons required)
Whale watching tours from June 2016 onwards only R800 per person