Southern Right Whales
- Season:
- June to November
- Best months:
- August to October
Visit the Garden Route coastline to breed, calve and raise their young in the protected coastal waters around Knysna.
Knysna · Garden Route
Knysna Whale Watching
Knysna whale watching trips offer one of the most dramatic departures on the South African coast — heading straight out through the iconic Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean. Calm lagoon waters, sandstone cliffs and rich marine life make this a Garden Route highlight.
Season
June to December
Duration
1.5 to 2 hours (weather dependent)
Departs from
Knysna Waterfront
Knysna Pricing
Adult
Ages 13+
R1,650
Per Person
Child Under 12
Under 12 Years
R1,290
Per Child
All whale watching trips are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions and availability.
Knysna Departure Times
09:3012:0015:00
All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions, availability and confirmation at the time of booking.
What Whales Can You See in Knysna?
Humpback Whales
- Season:
- May to June and November to January
Migrating Humpbacks pass The Knysna Heads during their annual journey along the South African coast.
Bryde's Whales
- Season:
- Occasionally year-round
Resident along the Garden Route and sometimes seen feeding offshore from Knysna.
Dolphins & Seals
- Season:
- Year-round
Common and Bottlenose dolphins and Cape Fur seals are seen on most trips throughout the year.
When Is Whale Season in Knysna?
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 |
Peak sightings In season Not commonly seen
What You May See
- Southern Right whales (in season)
- Humpback whales
- Bryde's whales
- Common & Bottlenose dolphins
- Cape Fur seals
- Marine birdlife
What to Bring
- Warm windproof jacket
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Camera
- Closed shoes
Trip Highlights
- Sail through the iconic Knysna Heads
- Departs from Knysna Waterfront
- Sandstone cliffs & dramatic ocean entry
- Garden Route marine experience
Knysna Whale Watching FAQ
How much does whale watching cost in Knysna?
Adults are R1,650 per person and kids under 12 years are R1,290 per child.
What time do Knysna whale watching trips depart?
Knysna whale watching trips depart at 09:30, 12:00 and 15:00, subject to weather conditions, sea state and availability.
How long is the Knysna whale watching trip?
The trip is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions, sea conditions and wildlife activity.
When can I see whales in Knysna?
Peak whale season is June to December, with Southern Right and Humpback whales most commonly seen close to the coast.
Do tours go through the Knysna Heads?
Yes — trips depart the Knysna Waterfront and sail out through The Heads into the Indian Ocean, conditions permitting.
When is the best time to see whales in Knysna?
Southern Right Whales are most commonly seen from June to November, with August to October considered peak. Humpback Whales are often seen during their migrations between May and June and again from November to January.
Can I see Humpback Whales in Knysna?
Yes. Humpback Whales are regularly seen passing The Knysna Heads during their migration along the Garden Route coastline, particularly from May to June and again from November to January.
What marine animals can I see in Knysna?
Depending on the season, guests may encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, common and bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals and a variety of marine bird species.
Book Your Knysna Whale Watching Trip
Send a quick enquiry — we reply fastest on WhatsApp.
Trip Summary
Knysna Whale Watching
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2 hours (weather dependent)
- Departure Times
- 09:30 | 12:00 | 15:00
- Pricing
- Adult: R1,650 | Child Under 12: R1,290
- Season
- June to December
All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions, availability and confirmation at the time of booking.