Knysna Lagoon

A trip to Knysna is not complete without a cruise on the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to the world famous Knysna Heads and many species of bird and marine life. Join us onboard the "Oyster Boat" for a memorable, leisurely 75 minute long cruise to the famous Knysna Heads and back we also pass through the Featherbed Bay which offers calm turquoise waters. Sit back and relax, enjoy the feeling of our African sun on your face, the wind in your hair, while viewing Knysna from a unique vantage. Enjoy hearing all about one of SA's favourite coastal towns, Knysna, from a local, homegrown perspective!

We offer scenic a cruise on the Knysna Lagoon aboard a vintage European Sloep boat. We embark at Thesen Island in Knysna for round trips to the Knysna Heads. Food and drinks are available from the Knysna Experience before departure

This spectacular cruise takes you across the Knysna Lagoon and out to sea through the Knysna Heads to explore the coves, caves and bays of our rugged and beautiful coastline. Ocean Odyssey’s Heads adventure serves to highlight both the geological characteristics and the biodiversity of Knysna’s estuarine and marine environment.  We show you the expansive estuary and then head into the Knysna Heads where you are able to see the impressive sandstone cliffs, the ancient caves and outcrops of this famous landmark.

A unique and true forest experience. Enjoy an exhilarating downhill on the Monster Mountain Scooter, descent through indigenous forest, sweepy bends and single track. A scenic minibus ride takes you into the heart of the forest to the best hills to start your descent in the Garden Route National Park. All of this while on the lookout for our local wild life, the majestic Knysna Loerie, the shy bushbuck and wild boar. Scooters are non motorized making this eco friendly. These Swiss designed scooters are used in the Alps during the summer season on the ski slopes when the snow is gone. All trips are guided by professional qualified guides. Children must be 9 years and older to ride on their own/solo. R600 Solo riders. R300 Passengers.

Discover the Garden Route's best adventure with Ocean Sailing Charters. Explore and discover the magnificent natural beauty of Knysna on the most luxurious and spacious Catamaran in Knysna. Venture out for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon while you laze in the sun with an ice-cold beverage, navigate the famous Knysna Heads and then head out to sea to explore the spectacular marine and bird life of the Indian Ocean. Being joined by pods of dolphins, or a friendly seal, is an experience which you’ll remember long after the journey has ended. Our impressive 55ft LaraBella is equipped with a wine cooler, a coffee machine, bar, big lounge saloon area, beautiful cabins and several fridges. Our friendly crew will make you feel right at home. Our Sunset Braai cruise include a complimentary 'Braai/BBQ' with a glass of bubbly.

Hire a kayak and explore the Knysna Lagoon from a unique perspective.'Take your time, stop at the beach,and catch some sunshine along the way!' Hire a kayak or an SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) in Knysna and head off to explore our pristine lagoon on your own schedule. Knysna Kayaking is great fun for the whole family, provided you can swim!

Our coastal town of Knysna and Oysters go together like champagne and caviar, sea and sky, summer breezes and cold beers … if you're more than a little intrigued by oysters, then join us for the ultimate oyster experience on the spectacular Knysna Lagoon. Learn all there is to know about one of the world's most loved delicacy, taste the difference between wild and cultivated oysters, all whilst cruising the lagoon to the Heads and surrounds. Ask questions, take photo's, excite your taste buds – all on board our "Oyster Boat" with a small group of guests. The cruise includes complimentary local white wine and oysters for tasting. Extra oysters are available on pre-order to enjoy on the boat.

Enjoy this spectacular 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, that takes you across the Knysna Lagoon and out to sea through the Knysna Heads to explore the coves, caves and bays of our rugged and beautiful coastline. With your local, professional guide, experience the highlights from the geological characteristics and the biodiversity of Knysna’s estuarine and marine environment. Get a chance to often see marine life in your shared group, with no more than 25 people. Choose from one of three departure times when you book.

Drift into the magic of twilight with our unforgettable Sunset Cruise on the serene Knysna Lagoon. As the day gently fades into evening, experience the spectacular natural beauty of Knysna from the best vantage point possible—on the water, aboard our elegant 12-passenger vessel Coquette.

Join us for the ultimate sailing experience whilst soaking up the golden hues of the Knysna sunset. This 2.5 hour experience departs from the Knysna waterfront and glides through the Knysna estuary up to the rugged headlands and out to the vast Indian Ocean. Let the natural beauty of Knysna entertain you from the breathtaking coastline to the diverse marine life. Included with this unique experience is an amazing Mediterranean platter and a complimentary glass or two of chilled South African Cap Classique while you watch the sun sink into the horizon.

This scenic sail on either LaraBella (our flagship premium catamaran) or BellaLuna (our sister yacht that also offers a suberb Sail), is one of the most exciting things to do in Knysna. You can experience the abundant marine and bird life of the Knysna lagoon and ocean from the vantage point of our spacious trampolines, roof viewing deck, pontoon seats, interior bar and saloon, or sun lounges at the back. Our luxury Catamaran's provide beautiful photo opportunities. Let the sun warm your skin and the salt breeze energise your soul while we venture out for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon, navigate the famous Knysna Heads and then head out to sea. On occasion being joined by pods of dolphins or a friendly seal is a magnificent experience. On our return into the Knysna Lagoon we will treat you to some light snacks. Once we are anchored at Featherbed Bay there’s ample time for lazing in the sun, supping, and in the warmer months swimming or snorkelling.

Cruise in ultimate style while you discover all the unique coves and bays on the way to the famous Knysna Heads. We cruise alongside the beautiful turquoise Featherbed Bay where it’s very protected and one can cool down with a swim in summer. Sit back and relax, enjoy the feeling of the sun on your face, and the wind in your hair, while viewing the beautiful town of Knysna framed by the Outeniqua mountains. Our captain will be sure to tell you about all the secret spots in Knysna to explore. Oysters, drinks and snacks are available on pre-order. Remember to bring your camera, hat, sunscreen, binoculars and something warm, as it can get cooler on the water than on land, especially during the late afternoons. Please bring your own beach towel, should you want to swim.

Explore the waterways of Thesen Island and the Knysna Estuary with the world’s fastest growing watersport, Stand-Up Paddling. Stand-Up Paddling, or SUP for short, is easy, fun and guaranteed to keep you fit whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery of our waterways & lagoon. The calm waters of Thesen Island are ideal for beginners and the many inlets and coves are perfect for the more adventurous or experience paddlers. Eight top quality boards and paddles are available for rent by the hour.

Perfect for first-time and returning visitors, our 1-hour Sightseeing Cruises showcase the stunning sights and sounds of the Knysna Lagoon. Enjoy a return cruise that takes in the dramatic views of the Knysna Heads at the mouth of the lagoon. Don’t forget your camera for amazing photos and videos! Pamela is ideal for leisurely cruises rather than high-speed adventures. The boat’s charm lies in its elegance and the sense of tranquility it offers while gliding through the water. With her bowrider layout, she provides excellent vantage points for capturing stunning photos and videos, making every moment on board Instagram-worthy.

Our leisurely Sunset Cruises are ideal for enjoying sundowners while watching spectacular sunsets over the lagoon. It’s a great way to end the day with pre-drinks aboard. Make a booking at one of the nearby restaurants for dinner after the cruise. Pamela is ideal for leisurely cruises rather than high-speed adventures. The boat’s charm lies in its elegance and the sense of tranquility it offers while gliding through the water. With her bowrider layout, she provides excellent vantage points for capturing stunning photos and videos, making every moment on board Instagram-worthy.

A trip to the Garden Route is not complete without a tour of the Knysna Lagoon with Ocean Sailing Charters. Get up close to the beautiful scenery around the lagoon equipped with a glass of ice cold bubbly, this is the best way to see one of the best parts that Knysna has to offer. The Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads are home to an abundance of marine life that can be viewed from our boat.

If you enjoy sailing, this experience, followed by a delicious lunch, is the perfect way to bring a little luxury into your Knysna adventure. This activity also provides an ideal way to view the spectacular scenery and marine life of the world-renowned Garden Route coastline. The route takes you over the Knysna lagoon, through the impressive Knysna Heads and out into the true freedom of the open ocean.  After a magnificent sail, we return to the calmer waters of the Knysna Estuary and serve a delicious feast of Mediterranean style cuisine. All our trips are ocean-going trips and are weather and sea conditions dependent. Only the skipper of the vessel can make a judgment call on these conditions which are determined on the day of the charter. Conditions are influenced by tide, wind direction & speed, and sea swell, therefore going out through the Knysna Heads is never guaranteed.

This is our shortest sailing cruise but you will still thrill at the wind in the sails and the beautiful scenery out through the Knysna Heads and along the spectacular coastline. If you love sailing, this experience offers you a little taste of everything. From the calm waters of the lagoon, through the magnificent Knysna Heads and out to the vast ocean, you and your family can enjoy many different aspects of a day at sea with our highly experienced crew. This rare opportunity to combine lagoon and sea sailing means you can feel the rush of the wind in the sails and perhaps even see dolphins and whales. All our trips are ocean going trips and are weather and sea conditions dependent. Only the skipper of the vessel can make a judgement call on these conditions which are determined on the day of the charter. Conditions are influenced by tide, wind direction & speed and sea swell, therefore going out through the Knysna Heads is never guaranteed.

Cruise: Designed for couples, our Romantic Cruises are perfect for proposals, engagements, anniversaries, honeymoons, and other special moments. With a maximum of 2 passengers, you’ll enjoy an intimate and memorable experience. Step aboard Coquette, a beautifully crafted Mahogany Thames River Launch by Salters of Oxford, built in 1919. Perfect for cruising on the Knysna Lagoon in any weather, Coquette offers comfortable seating for 2 passengers around two tables. One table is located in the bow, open to the sky, while the other is in the stern under a canopy with drop-down sides.

For intimate groups of family and friends, our Private Boat Charters offer a private escape for a few hours. Ideal for birthday parties, small corporate events, and other celebrations. Step aboard Coquette, a beautifully crafted Mahogany Thames River Launch by Salters of Oxford, built in 1919. Perfect for cruising on the Knysna Lagoon in any weather, Coquette offers comfortable seating for 12 passengers around two tables. One table is located in the bow, open to the sky, while the other is in the stern under a canopy with drop-down sides.