Our Crew

Evelyn Pepler

Evelyn Pepler – CEO & Marketing Director AKA Head girl

With fiery Portuguese gusto, owner of Ocean Odyssey Evelyn Pepler is a force to be reckoned with. Adding to her passion of the environment she has recently been certified as a Registered Nature Site Guide for Marine and Coastal (Whale Watching).

Steff Pepler – Head Experienced Skipper & Fleet Manager

Steff was introduced early in life to our local marine environment by his father and has had a love affair with the ocean ever since. Steff is a qualified skipper (A1 (1) and A11 Category C) as well as a certified Registered Nature Site Guide for Marine and Coastal (Whale Watching). He has been navigating the Knysna Heads and the adjacent Indian Ocean for over 20 years.

LUCY VAN EYK

Lucy van Eyk – Accounts & Finance

Lucy’s Career started in the financial sector working for some top corporate banks in South Africa. She has now settled in our little piece of paradise and has since become a certified Registered Nature Site Guide for Marine and Coastal (Whale Watching).

Leandre Christoffels

Leandre Christoffels – Reservations & Front Desk

Leandre’s friendly smile will be the first thing you see when you check-in for your tour. This soft spoken young lady is dynamite in a small package handling our retail and reservations sector, welcoming of guests and general office duties.

Teresa Da Mata

Teresa Da Mata – Marketing, Admin & Reservations Assistant

Teresa is new to the team and to Knysna. After spending many years in sales and marketing in Durban and Johannesburg she decided to relocate to Knysna. Teresa will be assisting the marketing, admin and reservations departments.

Johannes Pikaan

Johannes Pikaan – Qualified Skipper & Crew Supervisor

Johannes is an experienced Skipper (Category C) and a registered Nature Site Guide for Marine and Coastal (Whale Watching). Johannes was born and bred in Knysna growing up with a passion for the ocean and marine life.

Eric Everts

Eric Everts – Deckhand/Whale Spotter/Skipper in Training

Eric grew up in Knysna. After he matriculated he studied at Boston City campus. He was also part of the local sea cadets for 5 years. He is a friendly soft spoken guy and we are happy to have him as part of our team. Eric has been selected to train as a skipper and is super excited to take the helm!