Our most recommended things to do in Knysna

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

1. Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

Come get up close and personal with the gentle giants of the ocean on this 2-hour whale watching tour! Your trip begins as your captain navigates you through the Knysna Estuary and then you'll head out towards the vast and beautiful Indian Ocean. Every year, both the southern right and humpback whales leave their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica and migrate to mate and calve in the warmer waters of the Southern African coastline - this makes Knysna one of the best whale-watching destinations in the country. The tour will be narrated by an experienced skipper and guide who will share with you fascinating information about the lives of these whales. Your adventure will also be assisted by an experienced whale spotter who is in radio contact with all skippers, so you can be directed to any sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for other marine life as well - you may even spot a dolphin or a penguin or two!

Knysna: Guided Quad Bike Tour in the Forest

2. Knysna: Guided Quad Bike Tour in the Forest

Knysna Forests are unforgettable natural and real. This is a unique and true forest experience. Discover the amazing Quad biking excursion through the Knysna pine and indigenous forests. Share this incredible quad-biking experience with your loved ones. Photos will be taken for memory purposes. So come and join us today here at Knysna Charters where we prioritize your happiness and do our very best to ensure your enjoyment!

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

3. Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

End a hot summer's day on the Garden Route with a relaxing cruise around Knysna Lagoon. Bring family or friends along on this scenic adventure among the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains. Admire privileged views of the sunset and come across a variety of wildlife. Set sail in Knysna and navigate around the quiet lagoon for the unique chance to experience the ocean in an intimate way. Become mesmerized by the exquisite views of the lagoon, framed by the beautiful town with the mountains as a backdrop. Discover breathtaking bays and vistas as the sun sets, from the magnificent Knysna estuary to the famous Heads and back. Choose the option with food included to enjoy delicious snacks, drinks, and oysters during your experience.

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

4. Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

The tour departs from Thesen Island Harbour Town and heads out onto the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to an array of native birds and marine life. On board the ‘Oyster Boat', spend a leisurely 75-minutes exploring the lagoon as you sail to the breathtaking and imposing Knysna Heads. As you glide along the waters, sit back and relax whilst soaking up the famous South African sunshine with the wind in your hair. From start to finish the tour provides breathtaking views of the surrounding waters as well as the Knysna coastline. During the boat ride your guide shares fascinating insight into the history, heritage, and culture of Knysna, from a local’s perspective.

Knysna: Luxury Sunset Cruise with Captain's Barbeque

5. Knysna: Luxury Sunset Cruise with Captain's Barbeque

Depart from Sirocco Restaurant Jetty on Thesen Island in Knysna.   Our experienced crew will welcome you with a glass of bubbly on board our luxury 55-foot catamaran. We then set sail and follow the picturesque channel past Leisure Isle, Featherbed Nature Reserve and through the world famous Knysna Heads (weather permitting) before setting sail into the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a sumptuous Captain's barbeque while you admire the coastline's abundant array of marine life, such as birds, seals, dolphins, sharks, whales, and much more. You may even get the chance to catch fish.  Enjoy panoramic views of the sunset over the port as you head back to the jetty.

Knysna: Lagoon Boat Cruise and Oyster Tour with Tastings

6. Knysna: Lagoon Boat Cruise and Oyster Tour with Tastings

The tour departs from Thesen Island Harbor Town and heads out onto the blue waters of Knysna Lagoon. As you sail, learn all there is to know about oysters, as well as how to taste the difference between those that are wild or cultivated. The boat takes you along the picturesque lagoon where the ocean stretches out towards the crisp blue sky, then sails around the Kynsna Heads for more spectacular views. Throughout the tour, feel free to ask questions, take photos, and excite your taste buds with complimentary oyster tasting and white wine too.

Knysna: Downhill Forest Scootour Adventure

7. Knysna: Downhill Forest Scootour Adventure

Experience the stunning, tropical beauty that is Garden Route National Park on a mountain scooter-bike. Used in the Alps during the summer season on the snowless ski slopes, the thick tires and solid design of your scooter-bike allows you to carve Garden Route’s trails with ease. Each scooter can fit one adult and a child passenger. After meeting your expert guides, you’ll board a scenic minibus ride to start your descent into the national park. After a safety briefing, you’ll head out onto the sweeping bends, criss-crossing down long hills within the lush forest. Keep on the lookout for local wildlife, like the majestic Knysna loerie, the shy bushbuck, and plentiful wild boar. After 2 hours going downhill on the trails, you’ll head back to the meeting point via minibus, never needing to worry about the uphill climb.

Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

8. Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

Have the ultimate sailing experience while soaking up the golden hues of the Knynsa sunset. Depart from the waterfront and cruise through the Knysna Estuary and rugged headlands, a region known for its lush and diverse flora and fauna. Pass by the iconic Knysna Heads, a formation of impressive sandstone cliffs. If weather permits, exit the estuary out onto the vast Indian Ocean for beautiful evening views. Let the natural beauty of Knysna enchant you, from the breathtaking coastline to the diverse marine life. Onboard, savor an appetizing sunset array of savory snacks, cheeses, and fruits, and a complimentary glass of chilled bubbly while you watch the sun sink into the horizon.

From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route and Addo Safari

9. From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route and Addo Safari

Day 1: Route 62 (travel about 400 km) Start with a morning pickup from Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Travel along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, with a wine-tasting stop (non-alcoholic tasting available too) before reaching Oudtshoorn by late afternoon. For a close encounter with Mother Nature, opt in to join elephant guides on an Elephant Observation Nature Walk (at extra cost) and follow 3 lovable rescued elephants in their natural Cango Valley bush veld habitat. Overnight at Uthando Backpackers (dorm or saver package) or 88 van Rheede Guesthouse (3* comfort package) or Buffelsdrift Lodge (4* deluxe package). Day 2: Oudtshoorn (travel about 400 km excluding safari drives) Visit a working ostrich farm and see the largest flightless birds in the world. Next, head to the mountains to go deep underground in the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves, exploring vast halls filled with ancient stalactites before traveling onward to the Addo region. Overnight at Avaco Cabins (dorm or saver package) or Gerald's Gift (comfort package) or Addo Wildlife lodge (deluxe package). Day 3: Addo, Jeffreys Bay (travel about 200 km) An early morning start allows the best option to spot wildlife as the bush awakes in Addo Elephant National Park, the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. Join the park's optional 4x4 game drive or simply take the included 2-hour safari bus drive. Along with. your guide, search for some of the big five, which includes elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Spend your afternoon relaxing with free time at Jeffreys Bay's Beach. Choose between surfing, beach horseback riding, or sand boarding (all optional at an extra cost). Overnight at Island Vibe (dorm or saver package) or Sea Whisper (3* comfort package) or On The Beach Lodge (4* deluxe package). Day 4: Tsitsikamma, Sedgefield (travel about 250 km) Experience the highest bungy jump bridge in the world, Waterfall Zipline over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest for even more optional adventure (at extra cost) or spend more time in Tsitsikamma National Park. Take a short walk to the suspension bridges before a photo stop at Knysna's lagoon en route to Sedgefield. Overnight at Pili Pili Beach Cabanas (dorm or saver) Fairy Knowe (3* comfort) or Dolphin Dunes (4* deluxe). Day 5: Wilderness (travel about 450 km excluding safari drives) Take to the water for a leisurely canoeing session to a secret waterfall along the rivers of the wilderness region. On the journey back to Cape Town, spot wildlife on a 4x4 Botlierskop game drive (at extra cost) or relax at Mossel Bay's Diaz Beach after walking to the Cape St Blaize lighthouse. Your adventure ends with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation.

Knysna: Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Lounge Cruiser

10. Knysna: Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Lounge Cruiser

Take in the sunshine aboard the BellaVita luxury lounge cruiser. Marvel at the two tall cliffs which stand above the lake. Appreciate the beauty of the Outeniqua mountains. Decide how long you want to spend cruising. Play your own music aboard the cruiser. Come to the departure point at Sirocco Restaurant on Thesen Island. Board your luxury lounge cruiser. Cruise around and explore the amazing Knysna Lagoon. Admire the peaks of the Outeniqua mountains as you relax in the company of your friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-order champagne and oysters. Keep an eye out for herons, African fish eagles, kingfishers, and other birds. Bring your own music aboard to entertain yourself. Finish your lagoon cruise and disembark at the starting point.

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What people are saying about Knysna

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 570 reviews

It was a great experience and we had a super great time! The captain and his crew were just so extremely attentive and lovely! We look forward to doing this trip again! Many thanks

Tour excellently arranged, guests get a good insight of important highlights along the Garden Route within a few days. I am fully satisfied with the accommodations and meals.

Booking for the cruise done in minutes and the cruise was riveting, with the skipper providing eye opening information about the place.

Our skipper / guide was really exceptional!! He truly made the experience spectacular

My experience was so awesome and amazing, I would do it again.