Knysna Heads

Our fleet of wooden vessels are unique and allow guests to embrace the ambience and history of Knysna perfectly. Currently we are running Coquette, our 102 year old Mahogany launch and we are very excited to be shortly welcoming two new additions, Elegance, an 89 year old Gaff rigged Ketch and Pamela, a vintage mahogany dauntless cruiser.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Booking a Knysna Sunset Cruise is a memorable way to end off a day in Knysna. Fresh air, delicious oysters and many perfect photographic opportunities all ensure that our guests leave the tour with lasting memories of Knysna.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience an intimate journey on the tranquil waters of the Knysna Lagoon with our exclusive Romantic Cruises. Tailored for couples, these private cruises are designed to create unforgettable moments, whether you’re celebrating a proposal, engagement, anniversary, honeymoon, or simply indulging in a romantic escape. Our itinerary takes us from Thesen Islands down the main channel to the Knysna Heads and back.

Cape Town to Knysna 3 Days / 3 Nights (4 Star) The Garden Route is possibly one of the most beautifully scenic routes you will ever encounter. Travelling from Cape Town to Knysna lets you embark on a journey across a wide variety of landscapes, from the arid region of the Karoo to the lush forests, valleys and rivers guiding you to the preserved beaches along the beautiful coastline. From the bustling harbour town of Knysna, to the breath-taking beauty of Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, the popular beaches of Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay and the rich natural wonders of Oudtshoorn, a tour of the Garden Route will sure leave you with a thousand new memories. For adventure enthusiasts, the Garden Route is home of many outdoor activities, with plenty of options to suit every taste. Tree-top cannopy walks, river rafting, bungee jumping, surfing, cave explorations, ostrich riding and kayaking are all activities that can be found along the Garden Route.