Knysna · Garden Route
Knysna Whale Watching
Season
Humpback Whales: May–June & November–January · Southern Right Whales: June to end of November
Duration
1.5 to 2 hours (Weather and sea conditions dependent)
Departs from
Thesen Island, Knysna
Adult
Ages 13+
R1,820
Per Person
Child (12 years and younger)
Ages 12 and younger
R1,430
Per Child
All whale watching trips are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions and availability.
All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions, availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
Southern Right Whales may be seen in the coastal waters of Knysna and along the Garden Route during the winter and spring months. Peak viewing opportunities are typically experienced during September and October when whale activity along the coastline is often at its highest. Sightings depend on weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
Humpback Whales pass The Knysna Heads during their annual migration along the South African coastline, creating seasonal whale watching opportunities in the Knysna area. Peak migration activity and viewing opportunities may occur between July/August and October when larger numbers of Humpback Whales may be present offshore along the Garden Route coastline.
Resident along the Garden Route and sometimes seen feeding offshore from Knysna.
Common and Bottlenose dolphins and Cape Fur seals may be seen on most trips throughout the year.
Whale and marine wildlife sightings month by month in Knysna and the surrounding Garden Route coastline.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Right Whale | ||||||||||||
| Humpback WhaleMigrating May–June & Nov–Jan | ||||||||||||
| Bryde's WhaleOccasional, year-round | ||||||||||||
| Dolphins | ||||||||||||
| Cape Fur Seals | ||||||||||||
| Marine Birdlife |
The experience typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on weather and sea conditions.
Trips depart from Thesen Island, Knysna.
Humpback Whales pass The Knysna Heads during their annual migration along the South African coastline, with seasonal viewing opportunities from May to June and again from November to January. Peak migration activity may occur between July/August and October.
Southern Right Whales may be seen from June to the end of November. Peak viewing opportunities are often experienced during September and October.
No. Whale sightings can never be guaranteed because whales are wild marine mammals and sightings depend on weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
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Trip Summary
All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions, availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
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