So if you want a truly remarkable whale watching encounter, this is the only option. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa. Whale watching tours depart from cape town and end at george airport. Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on. Slightly off the main topic, but i thought id post in here as it is closely related. Knysna stands out on south africa s famed garden route thanks to the sandstone cliffs that dramatically separate its tranquil lagoon from the pounding surf of the indian ocean. Download highquality humpback whale surfacing off coast knysna, south images, illustrations and vectors perfectly priced to fit your projects budget. South africa is the worlds fifth fastest growing whale watching destination. A juvenile whale shark who became stranded on a sandbar near knysna south africa is back in the sea thanks to the help of the national sea rescue institute and a group of local paddlers. Brenton is situated in knysna, western cape, south africa some 400km or 4 hours drive east from cape town and is centrally situated in the heart of the south african garden route about midway between george, the industrial hub of the garden route and plettenberg bay, the holiday mecca of the garden route. A vshaped spray and the sound of a great breath being expelled fill the crisp morning air. The boat carries a maximum of 12 passengers, and the 90minute to 2hour tours depart at 10. Dead whale closes popular south african beach amid shark.
Download a free whalewatching infographic brochure. Sep 18, 2017 hermanus, the whale capital, was ranked in the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. Its also home to the countrys largest indigenous forest. Whale carcass leads to knysna shark warning the citizen. Marine eco boat excursion trip through the knysna heads. The south african boat based whale watching association recommends only using their members. Were travelling to south africa to cape town and along the garden route in september and are staying in hermanus for two nights which assuming we leave cape town after breakfast and then hermanus again first thing onto our next destination gives us one full day and a half in hermanus.
Whale watching, marine ecotours, boat tours in knysna, garden. Whale and dolphin monitoring in south africa volunteer. Whale watching waters off the coast of southern africa run from false bay, south of cape town, up as far as st lucia in kwazulunatal on the east coast. Dec 25, 2016 south africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, including whales, whether from land or from boats, with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins yearround. Jan 24, 2018 south africa is blessed with over 2000kms of whale watching coastline stretching from the cape west coast to northern kwazulunatal. Humpback whales dorsal fin visible off the coast of knysna, south africa stock photo. Make your way to south africas 2000km long whale coast for a privileged encounter with the largest mammals on earth. Ocean odyssey offers unforgettable marine adventures. Boatbased whale watching, marine tours, sup and gonow electric bike hire in knysna, on the garden route of south africa. Hop aboard a ferry for a ride through the scenic highlights. Whale watching in knysna or plettenburg bay knysna message. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 55 kilometres east from the city of george on the n2 highway, and 33 kilometres west of the town of plettenberg bay on. Mossel bay offers boatbased whale watching on the garden route whale coast in south africa.
Ocean odyssey whale watching knysna south africa africa. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights, bryde. We also have some great special accommodation deals in knysna south africa. Whale watching in south africa is one of the major highlights of. Whale watching from plettenberg bay, south africa youtube. South africa undoubtedly has the best landbased viewings of these beautiful creatures frolicking in the water only metres away. Southern right charters whale watching 8,830 views. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off south africa.
Knysna is one of the favoured destinations on the cape. The best time for whale watching in south africa is during our winter months from july to november. Photo about humpback whale watching off the coast of knysna, south africa. A good vantage point is key when whale watching in kn ysna have a look at the rental property below. Another discerning factor is the vshaped blowhole atop their heads. Healthy populations of dolphins are to be found in almost all coastal regions and there are fantastic sightings to be had on any marine tour. Download south africa radio station fm and enjoy it on your iphone, ipad and ipod touch. Approaching a whale requires incredible skill and understanding of the behaviour of these wild creatures. It is also a good whale watching destination in south africa. Dec 24, 2015 a south african beach popular with christmas holidaymakers has been closed until the carcass of a beached whale is removed amid concerns its blood may attract sharks, the city of cape town said. Boatbased whale watching, marine tours, sup and gonow electric bike hire in knysna, on the garden route of south africa ocean odyssey offers unforgettable marine adventures. Annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and the presence of enormous pods of dolphins all yearround provide amazing viewing opportunities both from land and from boats.
Ocean odyssey is the only permitted whale and dolphin operator in knysna, on a coastline that boasts yearround loads of marine life. Toothed whales odontoceti are predators eating a variety of marine wildlife, whereas baleen whales mysticeti have a filter called a baleen used to sieve tiny food particles from the water. The tsitsikama national park, at the storms river mouth offers excellent whale watching opportunities. Take a speedboat ride through the knysna heads to your close personal encounter with southern right.
Over 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found off the shore of south africa. This 3day itinerary is actionpacked with wilderness canoeing and a 4x4 safari at a game reserve, with optional addons like an elephant bush walk or bungy jump and zipline. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off south africa, and is. Whale watching in kn ysna makes for prime sightseeing in a protected area of the garden route, the knysna heads or the tsitsikamma national park. On this tour, set sail across the lagoon, explore the knysna estuary, and head out into the ocean to brentononsea and buffalo bay.
Protea hotel knysna quays knysna, garden route, south. Dont forget that we also list all the popular knysna hotels. The hotel is only a short distance from the center of town and pristine beaches, making it the ideal vacation destination. Whale watching in knysna knysna whale watching trips.
Dominated by its beautiful lagoon and the spectacular knysna heads, which guard it from the sea, makes knysna is an attractive seaside town. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in knysna, south africa on tripadvisor. Plettenberg bay in the western cape offers boat trips from its beach out into the calmer waters of its bay to. Whale shark rescue in knysna south africa reefdivers. Whale watching in the western cape south africa travel news. The southern right whale is easy to identify from the calluses found on its head. The tour will operate from 15 june to 15 november each year to coincide with the presence of the numerous southern right whales that migrate to the coastline of south africa. Whale watching tours south africa best whale watching in sa. Its because of this that the whales choose to make their way to hermanus in the winter months, when the sun is weaker and the waters cooler. It has been claimed that whales speak to other whales in a language that appears to. South africa adventures knysna whale watching youtube. Special animals and links between species whales and elephants. Departing from thesen island marina, we cross the knysna estuary to the knysna heads and proceed through the mouth out into the teeming indian ocean.
Southern right whales migrate annually from their icy feeding grounds off antarctica to warmer. Whale trail hermanus, cape whale coast, garden route south africa is undoubtedly one of the most exciting whale watching destinations in the world. Plan a meander of at least four days breaking your journey to stay at a choice of splendid accommodation along the way. Top things to do in knysna, south africa tripsavvy. Whale watching, marine ecotours, boat tours in knysna. These migratory mammals, southern right and humpback whales, visit knysna between june to november to show off their acrobatic skills and give birth to their young in the calm waters around the bay. Situated on the pristine shores of the idyllic knysna lagoon, amanzi island lodge offers breathtaking sweeping views of the knysna heads and featherbed nature reserve.
Knysna has so many stunning features, its indescribable. There is easy access to the n2 and a short stroll to town. Dolphin watching tours and boat charters are available in most coastal regions of south africa. Sleep to the music of the ocean in a safe and tranquil area. Beautiful 4 bedroom ensuite family home situated 50 meters away from the signature hole at the pezula championship golf course in knysna, south africa. I vanhoe sea safaris is regarded as one the leading boatbased whale watching companies in south africa, we operate just a 2 hour drive from cape town near the whale capital of the world hermanus and launch from the quaint fishing harbour of gansbaai. The garden route in south africa is a year round destination, conveniently located from cape town and ideally suited to a selfdrive holiday where visitors can take in the scenic beauty of this route at their own pace. Found in all the oceans of the world, whales are members of the cetacea order of marine mammals, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. Your responsibilities will include some or all of the following. This sheltered bay was a haven for european sailors in the early days of exploration of the african coast. About whale watching in knysna bamboo guest house blog. A good vantage point is key when whale watching in knysna have a look at the rental property below.
Our group rode on a premium cruise and had close encounters with the whales. The whale route starts along the south of cape town and extends to durban, 1,200 plus miles of whale watching coastline. At whale phin guest house is situated out of town in reebok on a dune over looking the bay of mossel bay. Aug 18, 2015 whale watching season runs from may or june to about october or november because thats when the migratory whales come to the coast of south africa to mate and calve. Annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and the presence of enormous pods of dolphins all yearround provide amazing viewing opportunities both. Mossel bay best whale watching towns in south africa.
As the official whale watching permit holder, we can get closer to these aweinspiring ocean creatures than anyone else. I was more than a little thankful to hear that only 16 permits have been issued allowing operators close to the whales, which means we intrude on these beautiful beasts as little as possible. Knysna lies between the outeniqua mountains and the indian ocean, with stunning forests surrounding. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the garden route, tsitsikamma national park, and the transkei. Jan 15, 2016 knysna south africa the heart of the garden route. Toothed whales odontoceti are predators eating a variety of marine wildlife, whereas baleen whales mysticeti have a filter called a baleen used to sieve tiny food particles from the water scientists estimate that during feeding season, larger baleen.
There are however also humpback, brydes and killer whales frequenting the route. Download some classic south african beats by hugh masekela. Top 10 whale watching tours safari holidays in knysna. Beached whale shark helped back into knysna lagoon. The area between the wreck of the athene and the keurbooms river is especially favoured by the southern right whales.
Four species are seen along this route, of which southern right whales are the most commonly sighted when they come into mossel bay to calve. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights. The boat is licensed to carry 40 passengers but we restrict the loading to 25 passengers, this avoids overcrowding and passengers can move freely around and enjoy there viewing of these gentle giants. Spot the whales in season and dolphins all year round close to the beach. Hermanus whale watching best close encounters, purpose. The 10 best things to do in knysna 2020 with photos.
Whale and dolphin monitoring in south af rica overall rating. South africa is one of the top 10 locations worldwide for whale watching, with exceptional land and boatbased whale viewing from cape town and the garden route to the wild coast, richards bay and st lucia. The practice of whaling in south africa gained momentum at the start of the 19th century and ended in 1975. Brentononsea, the knysna heads and noetzie are the best whale watching view points. Our wellappointed suites, splashed with seaside hues and earthy palettes, overlook the lagoon or our tranquil private garden. Stay in one of the 24 thatched rooms, decorated with ethnic artwork and elegant furnishings. The whale route starts to the south of cape town and extends to durban, allowing 1,200 plus miles of whale watching coastline. South africa is wellknown as one of the best destinations worldwide for watching whales. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. South africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different. With 412 listings in knysna, our handy knysna map search and great low prices, its easy to book the perfect holiday accommodation for your knysna visit. There is simply no other whale watching experience in knysna that can compare to this one. The garden route, from stilbaai through mossel bay and on to george, wilderness, knysna and tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting whales. Increased inshore shark activity is expected due to sharks being naturally attracted to the decaying whale.
It is the perfect start to the day in knysna in the esteemed company of a southern right whale. Yes the big 5, table mountain, and a spectacular flower season, but this month we celebrate the whale season in south africa and the gentle giants of the sea as they grace our coastlines with their presence. In june our migratory humpback and southern right whales arrive, who perform acrobatics to celebrate their journey. In short, youll be able to stay connected with home, but dont expect to watch hd movies in your spare time. South africa adventures with dirty boots whale watching in knysna with johan and his family. Our close encounter, boatbased whale watching tours and marine ecotours are perfect activities to add to any itinerary in knysna. Work with a close encounter whale watching organisation in knysna. South africa is considered one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals, whether from boats or land, with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins yearround. Ocean odyssey knysna knysna, south africa tripadvisor. An adult female can grow up to 15 meters long and weigh 47 tonnes. With landbased, boatbased and aerial whale watching options, south africa offers some of the most accessible and rewarding whale and dolphin watching opportunities in the world.
Whereskydive knysna, highway airfield, rheenendal road, knysna, garden route, south africa whendaily from sunrise to sunset. The best time for watching the southern right whale in south african. The 15 best things to do in knysna updated 2020 must see. When we visited 15 years ago, the highlight of our trip was a whale watching cruise in plettenburg bay. Whale watching in knysna or plettenburg bay knysna. Listen to south africa fm radio player online for free, live at anytime, anywhere. This area stretches roughly between cape town and the garden route and includes the little. Knysna close encounter whale watching tour knysna, south africa. Photo about humpback whale s dorsal fin visable off the coast of knysna, south africa.
Whale watching in knysna or plettenburg bay knysna forum. Over 30 species of whales and dolphins can be found in south african waters. Knysna offers waterfront properties overlooking the sheltered lagoon, hotels on the infamous heads that look out to the open ocean beyond or properties on top of the of the surrounding hills with views of its forest where the elusive knysna elephant live and the mysterious phantom pass. Youre guaranteed great safari options, surfing, hiking, beaches, restaurants, and hotels, plus roadside farm stalls selling local produce. By the mid1960s, south africa had depleted their population of fin whales, and subsequently those of sperm and sei whales, and had to resort to hunting the small and lessprofitable minke whale. The knysna lagoon is one of the most stunning natural wonders along south africas garden routea glittering lagoon framed by the soaring cliffs of knysna heads.
Frankly oscar guest house this miami beach art deco style house situated on the banks of a tidal estuary with stunning views of the famous knysna heads, rolling hills and pristine forests. Humpback whales dorsal fin visible off the coast of knysna. The ultimate south africa road trip on the garden route. Youll also help with daily updates of records, blogs and social media. The cape whale route stretches from doringbaai to storms river mouth. In knysna and plettenberg bay cetaceans can be sighted all year round with most sightings being those of brydes whales and dolphins. Aug 08, 2012 no holiday to the cape of south africa would be complete without some whale watching. Whale watching south africa hermanus, cape whale coast. Following the whale route, on south africa s west coast and east coast, is the scenic way to see the whales, while meandering through small towns full of charm. Outside of whale season there is still every reason to take boat based tour. On saturday, 11th march, nsri knysna duty crew responded to stranded a whale shark in front of the st james hotel 4 kilometers up inside of the knysna lagoon. The ultimate south africa road trip on the garden route afar.
Get up close and personal with the gentle giants that inhabit our vast indian ocean. Mossel bay also forms part of four species of whales frequent mossel bay to calve. It was here that a sailor left a message in an old boot under a milkwood tree and fantastically it was found and delivered to portugal. Whale watching is an unforgettable experience and visitors travel far to see these magnificent denizens of the deep. Knysna forum, travel discussion for knysna, south africa. The garden route, which runs along the eastern coast of south africa. Dominated by its beautiful lagoon and the spectacular knysna heads, which guard it from the sea, makes knysna is an. The albino whales are even more at risk to this and are therefore rarely seen.
O ne of the most loved and welltraveled coastal routes in south africa, the garden route is an epic trailer of the countrys highlights. Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Mountain national park, garden route, tsitsikamma national park. South africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching whales and dolphins.
Whale watching in knysna makes for prime sightseeing in a protected area of the garden route, the knysna heads or the tsitsikamma national park. This radio live app covers almost all the popular radio stations where you can simply stream directly without any mess on navigating here and there to find your favorite. Whale classification breeding patterns of whales whale migration join us south africa. South africa is blessed with over 2000kms of whale watching coastline stretching from the cape west coast to northern kwazulunatal. Brush up on your lingo, and watch several different types of whales showing off their breaching, fluking, lobtailing, logging, spouting and spyhopping.
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