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KnysnaCruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Knysna Cruises & boat tours

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: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

6. 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.

Knysna: Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Lounge Cruiser

7. 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.

Knysna: Dolphin Watching and Garden Route Coastline Cruise

8. Knysna: Dolphin Watching and Garden Route Coastline Cruise

Experience the three most iconic sites of Knysna on a 1.5-hour eco cruise of the Knysna estuary. Cruise along the rugged headlands and encounter the abundant marine life of the coastal waters.  Navigate the amazing estuary and pass the picturesque Knysna Heads. Venture further out into the expansive Indian Ocean to look for dolphins, seals, penguins, and Bryde's whales in their natural environment. Learn more about the geological features and wildlife you encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Knysna: Sunset Cruise

9. Knysna: Sunset Cruise

Indulge your inner romantic and join this fully guided tour aboard the Oyster Boat. Head off slowly towards the impressive Knysna Heads. Take in the splendor of the tranquil lagoon as the sun sets on another perfect day in Africa. Relax while you enjoy a glass of wine with a few fresh local oysters. The cruise is slow and leisurely, ultimately relaxing, and you can’t help but just sit back and take it all in. 

Knysna: 2.5-Hour Day Sail & Lunch Charter

10. Knysna: 2.5-Hour Day Sail & Lunch Charter

Join the ultimate sailing experience whilst soaking up the warm sun aboard the beautiful Outeniqua. This 2.5-hour experience departs from the Knysna waterfront and cruises through the Knysna estuary and through the rugged headlands, the beautiful passage to the extensive Indian Ocean. Let the natural beauty of Knysna entertain you, from the breathtaking coastline to the diverse marine life, as the sails to steer us. Guests are treated to an appetizing picnic on deck composed of cheeses, fruits, savory snacks, and a complimentary glass of chilled bubbles, while you take in picturesque surroundings. All the 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 and speed, and sea swell, therefore going out through the Knysna Heads is never guaranteed.  

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Frequently asked questions about Knysna Cruises & boat tours

What are other things to do than Cruises & boat tours that are worth visiting in Knysna?

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What people are saying about Knysna

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 26 reviews

The cruise was amazing. The tour guide answered all our questions and explained everything clearly. My kids enjoyed it too. We got to taste the oysters for the first time, that was just fantastic

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

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.