There are many ways in which to explore Knysna, a beautiful coastal town that comprises of varied and unique ecosystems as well as captivating marine reserves that lie within the heart of the famed Garden Route. Once you have settled into your accommodation in Knysna, attractions are plentiful. One not to miss out on is Ocean Odyssey and Eco Tours, specializing in marine adventures unlike any other. These dynamic tours appeal to local & international visitors alike!
Find the Ocean Odyssey office on Knysna’s exclusive Thesen Island, often the ideal setting for many in search of stylish accommodation surrounded by outstanding vistas. From Ocean Odyssey’s booking office, families and friends of all ages will find something to spark their interests, whether it’s finding the perfect take home souvenir or gift, booking one of their exciting marine and eco tours or enjoying activities like SUP or electric biking.
SUP (stand-up paddling) is a fun way to explore Knysna’s surrounding waterways from an unique perspective. By the use of a board and paddle, navigate the calm waters of Thesen Island, just one of many highlighted Garden Route activities. Best of all, SUP is a relatively simple activity that does not require previous experience, while those with a more adventurous streak can venture through the many inlets and coves of the lagoons that form part of Thesen Island, a multi-award winning development.
GO NOW Electric bikes, easy-to-ride and self powered, are perfect for a day outing with friends & family, where you can tailor-make your own tour to include a variety of stops. Thesen Island is home to a range of activities with something suited to everyone – why not enjoy your day of adventuring and exploring on the GO NOW bike? You won’t miss a thing and the bike rental includes helmets, bike lock and keys so that you can park it wherever your heart desires.
Of course, the boat trips (departing daily from Thesen Island, weather permitting) are the real attraction offered by Ocean Odyssey and Eco Tours. Ocean Odyssey’s boat tours are said to be very enlightening, led by professional skippers that are passionate about Knysna’s estuarine and unique marine environment.
One of the most popular boat tours enjoyed through Ocean Odyssey are their Close Encounter Whale Watching excursions and as Knysna’s only permitted close whale watching tour operator, Ocean Odyssey aims to make every experience memorable and profound. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity places guests close to majestic Humpback Whales or Southern Right Whales (known as the gentle giants of the deep), who can be seen breaching, lobtailing, spyhopping and head lunging in the indigo ocean waters.
Don’t know if you have the eye to spot a whale in the vast Indian Ocean? A competent and knowledgeable whale spotter will be on-board to direct the skipper toward sightings, giving you every opportunity to enjoy these amazing encounters like never before. Have a read through our Hello Garden Route Whale Watching blog for more information about Whale Watching in the Garden Route.
Ocean Odyssey’s popular Marine Eco Tour is a marine safari ideal for families and larger groups, where for 1 hour and 30 minutes passengers can appreciate one of South Africa’s most unique coastlines and spot dolphins, seals, penguins and an array of birds – this tour plays close attention to the various species of dolphins which can be seen all year around. An equally exciting tour is Ocean Odyssey’s Knysna Heads adventure, which is as much informative as it is an adventure to all who embark on it. Find out about the fascinating history of this stunning estuary, which is rich is plant life and animal life – the total duration of this tour is 45 minutes.
Contact us to find out more about these captivating, family friendly tours and other activities on offer throughout the Garden Route.
Needing holiday accommodation in Knysna is easy: simply get in touch with us, your friendly experts in Garden Route getaways! Our portfolio of Knysna holiday properties include self-catering holiday homes on Thesen Island itself, placing you moments away from the Ocean Odyssey office.
