Things to do in The Heads

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.

End a hot summer's day on the Garden Route with a relaxing cruise around the magnificent Knysna Lagoon. Admire the sunset and become mesmerized by the exquisite views of the Knysa Lagoon and iconic Knysna Heads as you enjoy a beverage on the cruise, Enjoy the beautiful wild and marine life that Knysna has to offer. Discover breathtaking bays and vistas as the sun sets, from the magnificent Knysna estuary to the famous Heads and back. Preorder delicious snacks, drinks and oysters to enjoy during your trip (not included in the price).

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!

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. Enjoy the beautiful wild and marine life that Knysna has to offer . Relax as you enjoy our complimentary South African award winning wine paired with our fresh local oysters tastings . The cruise is slow and leisurely, ultimately relaxing, and you can’t help but just sit back and take it all in.  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. 

Take in the sunshine aboard the BellaVita luxury lounge cruiser. Marvel at the beauty that surrounds you and explore the amazing Knysna Lagoon. There are different cruise times available. Departure point at Sirocco Restaurant jetty on Thesen Island. Admire the peaks of the beautiful iconic Knysna Heads 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. This is a cruise not to be missed.

Join us on captivating cruises, whether you opt for daytime explorations or the enchantment of a sunset cruise, where you can savour the beauty of Knysna with a glass of sparkling bubbles in hand. Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard our splendid Tom Cruiser Boat. The Water Club presents a selection of remarkable Sunset Cruises, inviting you to bask in the enchanting hues of the setting sun over the picturesque Knysna Lagoon. Glide effortlessly to a secluded beach, where you can relish the spectacle with a glass of bubbly and cherished companions by your side. Our licensed skipper, a font of knowledge about Knysna, will regale you with captivating tales about the region, enriching your experience.

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.

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.

Explore Hermanus, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma, Addo, and Mossel Bay on an adventurous 6-day trip from Cape Town with accommodation, transportation, and most meals included. Discover wildlife and indigenous forests, taste local wine, canoe, hike, and visit the beaches of Mossel Bay. Day 1: Cape Town - Hermanus - Cape Agulhas Start your trip by departing from Cape Town to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for being the home to hundreds of southern right whales from July to November. Later, drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2: Cape Agulhas - Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the Ostrich Capital of the World, via Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local winery before checking into your accommodation, a working game farm in the Little Karoo. As the sun goes down, join a tour of the ostrich farm. Take in the views of the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountain ranges in the background before calling it a night. Day 3: Oudtshoorn - Sedgefield After breakfast, head to Outeniqua Mountain Pass and explore the Wilderness National Park by canoe. Paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest with an abundance of bird life. After about 40 minutes, leave the canoes for a 2 km hike along a boardwalk to a waterfall with rock pools. In the late afternoon, spend time exploring Sedgefield with its expansive views and beaches. Day 4: Sedgefield - Knysna - Tsitsikamma - Addo Head to the famous town of Knysna via the lavish Lake District of the Garden Route. Visit the Knysna Heads Viewpoint for sweeping views over the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. Next, stop at Bloukrans Bridge to view the world’s highest bungee jump bridge. Midday will be spent in Tsitsikamma National Park, with its unique combination of indigenous forest and Indian Ocean coastline. The park has a wide choice of activities including hiking, crossing a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the afternoon, leave the Garden Route for the Big Five country, Addo. Day 5: Addo - Wilderness - Sedgefield Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. Get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and other animals including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs, and more. After a morning on safari, drive back to the Garden Route where you'll stay overnight in the Wilderness or Sedgefield area. Day 6: Wilderness - Sedgefield - Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the beach. Hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex, which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000-foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Later, arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening for drop-off.

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.