Top Knysna Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

The Knysna Lagoon is one of the most stunning natural wonders along South Africa’s Garden Route—a glittering lagoon framed by the soaring cliffs of Knysna Heads. On this tour, set sail across the lagoon, explore the Knysna estuary, and head out into the ocean to Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay. Along the way, look out for wildlife, including whales, dolphins, cape fur seals, and sea birds.

Embark on a close-encounter whale and dolphin watching tour with one of Knysa's only permitted close-encounter tour operators. Step aboard a boat with an experienced captain and travel to the waters just off the South African coastline. During your travels, listen to in-depth commentary about the marine animals' biology and behavior. Keep an eye out for large pods of dolphins, Brydes whales, Southern right and humpback whales.

This is a fun and fast alternative to walking tours in Knysna. After arriving at the meeting point, ride a minibus to the heart of Knysna’s forest to begin your scooter tour. No need to worry about bringing anything with you as all equipment—including a helmet and gloves—is provided. During the ride, look out for wildlife; such as wild boars, and see the beauty of the Garden Route National Park.

Get out on the water and experience the beauty of Knysna from a completely new vantage point. Traveling on a cruise takes you to places that you wouldn’t get to see from the land such as secluded coves and caves, and the towering sandstone cliffs of Knysna Heads. During the tour, the guide provides commentary to help you learn about the scenery and local wildlife.

Spend some time out on the tranquil Knysna Lagoon aboard a leisurely cruise through the calm waters. Join a small group and sail on the pristine waters that are fed by the Indian Ocean. Feel the wind in your hair as you sail past Knysna heads, small coastal towns, and through the turquoise waters of Featherhead Bay.

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.

Get the ultimate oyster experience when you take this immersive tour of South Africa’s oyster capital, Knysna. With a small group, visit the Knysna Lagoon to learn about this raw delicacy. Learn the difference between wild and cultivated oysters while you sail around the lagoon and enjoy a tasting of oysters paired with local white wine.

Sail along the Knysna waterfront and out into the Indian Ocean on this relaxing yacht excursion, which includes South African sparkling wine and a tasty Mediterranean food platter. Listen to entertaining histories of the region from your onboard crew, and soak up the golden and pink hues of the sun slipping along the horizon. Tours are specially timed to capture the most stunning moments of the sunset.

Get to know the history and modern life of the Knysna Township on this immersive half-day tour. Learn about the social and economic challenges to residents of the area through this tour, narrated and led by a local. Walk down the township's dirt roads to meet members of the Ama Xhosa tribe and learn about their culture, traditions, customs, language, and dress. This tour offers an off-the-beaten-path experience and introduces you to languages and cultures you may not encounter simply exploring on your own.

Immerse yourself in the indigenous forests of Knysna through a truly unique experience of Monster Mountain Scootering. Your scooter is safe and robust, taking you through the magnificent Garden Route National Park on a gentle decent. Large enough for one adult and child per scooter, this is a great option for all types of holiday goers. Your guides are passionate about showing off the beauty of their homeland. Don’t miss out! Say yes to this unforgettable journey.

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

We invite you to enjoy a whimsical and magical cruise on board our beautiful lagoon cruiser. Serendipity is a vintage & unique European Sloep boat. Enjoy a 1 hour charter towards the famous Knysna Heads and enjoy freshly made sushi

Sail over the Knysa lagoon and past the Knysa Heads on this open-ocean lunchtime adventure. During this half-day tour, see the coastal scenery of the Garden Route from your vantage point on the water, then return to the calm of the Knysa Estuary to anchor for a Mediterranean-style lunch. Learn about the marine ecosystem and the animals who thrive their through your skipper's commentary as you sail.

Combine lagoon and open sea sailing on this boat excursion in Knysa. You and a group of just 12 people or fewer will enjoy an intimate atmosphere onboard the sailboat, listening to commentary on the local ecosystem and keeping watch for dolphins and whales. Enjoy personalized attention from the captain and crew, as well as drinks for purchase while you relax on board.

Kynsna is one of the most beautiful, picturesque towns in South Africa. We will take a boat trip across the estuary where the tiny sea horses breed to the Heads. Lunch at any number of restaurants on the quayside. Meet and feed the Herd at the Elephant sanctuary. Having traveled South Africa extensively, I have followed my passion for this incredibly diverse country by offering personalized tours. I am a qualified tour guide with much experience and knowledge and love for my country. Let me take you on a tour to satisfy your curiosity for travel.

Your private cruise aboard Coquette is the perfect way to enjoy Knysna with up to 12 friends and family. The skipper is provided and drinks are available at The SandBar. Your private cruise embarks at our Quay on Thesen Harbour Town. The route takes you to the Knysna Heads on the Knysna Lagoon, the Knysna Waterfront and then back to Thesen Harbour Town. The cruise does not stop at these locations.