Winter in Knysna brings a quieter kind of magic; misty mornings, meditative landscapes, and the chance to spot migrating whales...
Winter on the Garden Route is peaceful. While summer sings with Christmas beetles, bustling beaches and leafy forest hikes, the cooler months shift the rhythm: Slow mornings, steaming cups of coffee on your balcony overlooking the Knysna Lagoon, and the anticipation of spotting something extraordinary out at sea.
That something? Whales.
Between June and November each year, Southern Right and Humpback whales arrive along South Africa’s southern coastline. Drawn by warmer waters and sheltered bays, they come to calve, nurse their young, and rest after long migrations from the Antarctic. And right here in Knysna, we have front-row seats to the spectacle.
Meet Our Visitors
Southern Right Whales: Recognisable by their vast size, calloused heads, and distinct V-shaped blow holes, Southern Rights are slow-moving and social. They’re famous for their dramatic displays like breaching, lobtailing, and spyhopping. Look closely and you may even spot a curious calf alongside its mother.
Humpback Whales: The acrobats of the ocean, Humpbacks are known for their joyful leaps, fin slaps, and haunting, melodic songs that echo beneath the waves. Reaching up to 15 metres long and weighing up to 40 tons, they remain one of the most breathtaking mammals to encounter in the wild.
How To Spot Them
While lucky guests may catch a glimpse of these whales from the cliffs at Brenton-on-Sea, Gericke’s Point, or the Robberg Peninsula, the best way to experience whales is on a dedicated marine tour.
We highly recommend Ocean Odyssey in Knysna, an established charter company offering close-encounter boat tours guided by experienced, conservation-minded professionals. Their specially modified vessels are built for stability and comfort, and their guides are excellent at interpreting whale behaviour – ensuring you get as close as possible without disrupting the animals.
Rates: Adults: R1 650 p.p. | Kids under 12: R1 300 p.p.
More info: Close Encounter Whale-Watching
A Winter Itinerary Worth Slowing Down For
A whale-watching trip from The Turbine Hotel & Spa can be part of a perfectly curated winter’s day. Start with a hearty breakfast at Island Café, head out for your marine safari, then return to a hot-stone massage at the Turbine Spa. End the evening fireside with a bold red wine or a locally crafted gin as you scroll through the day’s photos and marvel at what you witnessed.
Stay With Us
The Turbine Hotel & Spa on Thesen Island offers the ideal base for a winter escape and Knysna whale-watching expedition.
Not only are we centrally located to Knysna’s top viewing points and marine operators, but we also offer in-house luxuries that make winter travel especially appealing: Spa treatments, seasonal dining, cosy lounges, and a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of the season.
To make a booking or enquire directly, contact us at book@turbinehotel.co.za and we’ll help you plan your perfect Knysna whale-watching getaway. Alternatively, secure your dates via our online booking platform.
We look forward to sharing the wonder of the colder months with you!
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