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Water & beach · Knysna

Top 10 water & beach things to do in Knysna

Boats, beaches, and the parts of Knysna you only see from the water. Ferry rides, sunset cruises, snorkel runs, and the occasional sailing day for travellers who measure good cities by their coastline.

  1. Guided Outdoor Adventures in the Garden Route, Knysna1

    1. Guided Outdoor Adventures in the Garden Route

    · 2 hours

    Explore the majestic landscapes of the Garden Route with Andre, an expert guide and outdoor enthusiast. Whether it’s kayaking on serene waters, mountain biking through vibrant forests, or hiking to hidden viewpoints, each adventure is designed to connect you with nature's beauty. Andre shares the area's secrets and stories, ensuring an experience that resonates long after the trails fade. Tailor your journey to match your pace and preferences for an unforgettable outdoor exploration.

  2. Scenic Lagoon cruise with the Bella Vita Champagne Lounger, Knysna2

    2. Scenic Lagoon cruise with the Bella Vita Champagne Lounger

    5.0· 3 reviews· 1.7 hours

    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.

  3. Sunset Boat Cruise on Bella Vita Champagne Lounger, Knysna3

    3. Sunset Boat Cruise on Bella Vita Champagne Lounger

    4.9· 17 reviews· 1.5 hours

    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.

  1. Knysna Boat Cruise to the Heads – Small Group, Calm Lagoon, Knysna4

    4. Knysna Boat Cruise to the Heads – Small Group, Calm Lagoon

    4.9· 186 reviews· 1.3 hours

    Magic Lagoon Charters offers a truly different way to experience the Knysna Lagoon — aboard beautifully restored classic wooden boats that combine timeless style with a smooth, comfortable ride. Unlike larger or ocean-based tours, our cruises take place entirely on the calm, sheltered waters of the lagoon. That means no swell, no crowds, and no rush — just a relaxed, intimate experience in one of South Africa’s most scenic settings. With small group sizes and a low-to-the-water perspective, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views and a far more personal connection to the surroundings — from the Knysna Heads to the turquoise waters of Featherbed Bay. We’re also fully licensed, allowing you to enjoy drinks, bubbly, oysters, and curated platters on board — transforming your cruise into a refined, social experience rather than just a sightseeing trip. This isn’t a standard boat tour. It’s classic lagoon cruising — private in feel, effortless, and beautifully done.

  2. Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise, Light Dinner & Bubbly, Knysna5

    5. Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise, Light Dinner & Bubbly

    4.8· 47 reviews· 2.5 hours

    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.

  3. Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruises, Knysna6

    6. Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruises

    4.8· 43 reviews· 1.3 hours

    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!

  4. Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with captain's steak Braai & Bubbly, Knysna7

    7. Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with captain's steak Braai & Bubbly

    4.8· 40 reviews· 2.5 hours

    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.

  5. Knysna Day Sailing Cruise 1.5 hour, Knysna8

    8. Knysna Day Sailing Cruise 1.5 hour

    4.8· 4 reviews· 1.5 hours

    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.

  6. Knysna Day Sail & Lunch Charter 2.5 Hour, Knysna9

    9. Knysna Day Sail & Lunch Charter 2.5 Hour

    4.8· 4 reviews· 2.5 hours

    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.

  7. Serendipity Knysna Lagoon Cruise, Knysna10

    10. Serendipity Knysna Lagoon Cruise

    4.7· 25 reviews· 1.3 hours

    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 Mane by the Sea restaurant before departure.

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