The Trip
Across vast ranges, many whale species are navigating their way around the world’s oceans, taking part in epic annual migrations. Each winter, both the southern right and humpback whales participate in an ancient migratory ritual, leaving their frosty feeding grounds off Antarctica to mate and calve in the warmer waters off our Southern African coastline. Our close encounter whale watching trips depart three times daily (weather and sea conditions permitting) from the easily accessible Thesen Island Harbour Town jetty, adjacent to the Turbine Hotel, Sirocco restaurants and Tapas & Oysters. From here we cruise across the iconic Knysna estuary and out to sea through the dramatic Knysna Heads in search of whale activity.
The Vessel
Our buttcat ‘Sousa’, which has the carrying capacity of 12 passengers, is an all-rounder designed for both serious deep sea adventures and general estuarine cruises. It is extremely stable and handles well in the many variable and dynamic sea conditions. Without question, the obvious outboard motor for their vessel is Honda and this vessel in fitted with Honda BF 200hp 4, as many of its specs are in line with the company’s environmental ethos. In fact the Honda vision itself is based on the philosophy of their founder that “Watercraft should not pollute the waters they ply”. Honda has invested a lot of time looking at ways of minimising noise and vibration, with the result that their outboards are one of the smoothest and quietest on the ocean. In addition to that, all Honda engines are built with cutting edge, environmentally conscious technology that complies with the most stringent anti-pollution regulations.
