Ocean Odyssey & Springtide Charters - Knysna Marine Eco-tour

Activity Description

Ocean Odyssey’s Eco Marine Tour offers the ultimate ocean-going experience that captures the beauty of the unique Garden Route coastline! Our coastline offers incredible coves and caves, and rugged rock formations. Amongst this natural beauty is an array of marine life that can be encountered!

With a maximum capacity of 37 passengers (over two vessels – Odysseus 25-seater & Oyster Catcher 12 seater) per tour, expect an intimate and personalized experience aboard our vessels which is accompanied by our skilled skipper and nature site guide. The tour departs from Thesen Island marina and cruises through the diverse Knysna estuary up to the impressive, rugged headlands. Passing through the Knysna Heads is an experience on its own! Once we skilfully maneuver our way through the headlands, we enter the vast Indian Ocean where all the fun begins!

Our skilled crew will traverse the coastline in search of three species of dolphins (Bottlenose, Common, and Humpback dolphin). Dolphin is common to the area and is often sighted surfing the waves, feeding, and traveling across the coast. Our Humpback dolphin is an incredible special sighting as they are an endangered and protected species. We can always count on our Cape Fur Seals to make an appearance as their colony is close by and often venture out looking for a delicious octopus to snack on. It may not be whale season but keep your eyes peeled for the whale’s distinctive blow, you may be lucky to stumble across the Brydes whale, our non-migratory whale. Expect to sight plenty of pelagic birdlife during the experience – African Penguins, Cape Gannets, Cape Cormorants, Terns and so much more! The ocean is an incredibly unpredictable place, you never know what you are going to find until you are out there!

This tour pays a very special focus on the coastline itself! Expect to view coves and caves that are not accessible by land and multiple rock formations which are often covered in birdlife. Admire the iconic Knysna Heads that guard the passage to sea from the estuary. Take in the spectacular rugged cliffs and coast – the magnificent natural scenery perfectly complements the experience!

The duration of the activity is 1.5 hours and is sea and weather conditions permitting! We highly recommend booking this for the first day you are in the area, in the event of poor conditions we can reschedule you to the next best ocean-going day.

Arrangements

Duration1 hour 30 minutes

WhenFrom the 1st of December until the 31st of May annually

WhereOcean Odyssey Charters & Retail store TH 22, Long street Thesen Harbour Town Thesen Island Knysna GPS Directions to our offices for check-in on Thesen Island, Knysna. Coming from George: Exit George Airport and turn right on the R404. Follow the R404 until you have reached the interchange of the N2, and turn left to join the N2. Remain on the N2 for 65.8km (52 minutes approximately). Once you have entered Knysna on the N2 turn right at the 3rd set of traffic lights onto Waterfront Drive. Follow the road until the second set of traffic lights, and turn right into Long Street. Travel down Long Street, over the little white bridge, and into Thesen Island. Follow the road and at the stop street, carry on straight. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long St our shop – Ocean Odyssey - is located on the left-hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique). Parking is available and free. Coming from Port Elizbeth (P.E.) / Plettenberg Bay: Join the N2 highway from P.E./Plettenberg Bay and follow the road until you enter Knysna. At the third set of traffic lights on the N2, turn left into Waterfront Drive and follow the road until the next set of traffic lights, turn left into Long Street, Travel down Long Street, over the little white bridge, and into Thesen Island. Follow the road and at the stop street, carry on straight. Just before you reach the traffic circle at the end of Long St our shop – Ocean Odyssey - is located on the left-hand side (Opposite The Time Machine and next to Diana Loon Boutique). Parking is available and free. GUESTS WILL CHECK IN 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AT OUR RECEPTION, WHERE THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE INDEMNITY FORM.

WeatherAll trips through the Knysna Heads and out to sea are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Only the skipper can make a decision on whether the cruise can depart. This decision is made according to wind direction and speed, sea swell, and tide. This decision can only be made on the day of the cruise.

What to WearWarm jacket Flat comfortable shoes

Things to BringSunblock, sunhats, warm top, or jumper. Don’t forget your camera. A sense of adventure and holiday spirit is essential

Guests or SpectatorsOnly paid guests onboard All guests participating are required to complete the indemnity form at check-in All guests are required to wear life jackets

Requirements

Minimum Age3 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNot Applicable

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Bottled Water
Life Jackets

ExclusionsFood and other beverages (Besides bottled water) is not allowed on this tour.

Notes

CHECK IN IS 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME –
All passengers are required to complete our indemnity form.
Ready to be kitted out with lifejackets and present for our predeparture briefing.
• Minimum of 4 passengers required to proceed.
• Please dress warmly, it’s always cooler on the ocean than on land
• Children welcome (Min age 3 years old), Skipper will advise parent of young children if they feel conditions maybe uncomfortable for them – please contact our offices.
• Food and beverages are NOT permitted on board – water is available and is included in the tour