Whale whale whale, would you look at that

KNYSNA NEWS - While Plett has been named the number one whale-watching spot in SA by Getaway magazine, whale-watching in Knysna is nothing to be scoffed at, as was showcased on recent Ocean Odyssey trips.

The trips by the Knysna-based whale-watching operator in question came on Saturday 19 August, with one heading out in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

The first, skippered by Johannes Pikaan, headed out at 09:30 and they won the Orca-lottery when they sighted two adult orcas.

They were spotted by whale spotter, Ashley Rhode, who is posted out daily at the whale spotting view point on the way to Brenton on Sea.

"The sighting was on the stretch of coastline between Walkers Point and Wildside approximately 100m off the shore," explained Ocean Odyssey's Teresa da Mata. "Our vessel with passengers onboard was close by and managed to encounter them along the way!"

The excitement didn't end there as later that same afternoon the 15:00 tour departed. They were barely out at sea, and the spotter noticed an exciting disturbance in the water off the coast of Noetzie.

"Our vessel boat guide, Naiguel Keswarts, was able to track the sighting and directed our vessel to the whale party," Da Mata explained. "With a slow respectful approach, the area now completely vacant of any activity, the crew remained alert - constantly aware of the whales, their direction and behaviour and then nothing…"

According to Da Mata, patience is key in whale-watching as whales can hold their breath for roughly 20-30min.

"And boom! An adult humpback whale launched itself out of the water! And again, and again and again! The show comprised of approximately eight humpback whales frolicking in the big blue.

"There is simply nothing like witnessing a 40–60-ton mammal launching itself out the water!

"This kind of trip is the ultimate of whale-watching encounters, we always remind our passengers that this kind of performance is rare and not all whale-watching trips are treated to multiple breaches."

Tour-goers were treated to sightings of Orcas.