Knysna

Tours

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.

Join a guided 1-hour tour to get up close to the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, including servals, caracals, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Catch a glimpse of other animals such as meerkats, marabou storks, and many more. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see incredible wildlife, as you learn about conservation efforts in the region from your informative guide.  Follow your guide through the various habitats of the different cats as you listen to interesting facts about each species. See and photograph the wild cats at close range from within a walkway.

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!

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. The activity begins from our booking office on Thesen Island, Heads up Coffee and Co. You are then transported to the starting point in the forests , your quad bike experience will begin and we will the transport you back safely to our booking office on Thesen Island. Come and join us today here at Knysna Charters where we prioritize your happiness and do our very best to ensure your enjoyment!

Day 1: Route 62 Start with a morning pickup (6am to 7am) from your accommodation in Cape Town and Stellenbosch. Travel about 450km ( about 6 hours driving) along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, with a wine-tasting stop (non-alcoholic tasting available too) before reaching Oudtshoorn by afternoon. For a close encounter with Mother Nature, opt in to join elephant guides on an Elephant Observation in Nature (at extra cost) and observe 3 lovable rescued elephants in their natural Cango Valley bush veld habitat. Overnight at Uthando Backpackers (Dorm or Saver Backpack package) or 88 van Rheede Guesthouse (3 star Comfort Stay package) or Hlangana lodge or similar (4 star Luxe package). Ask to upgrade to Buffelsdrift at extra fee. Day 2: Oudtshoorn Travel time today is about 250km / 3 hours. 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 for about 400km to reach the Addo town region. Overnight at Avaco Cabins (Dorm or Saver -) or Gerald's Gift (Comfort-) or Addo Wildlife lodge or similar (Luxe package). Day 3: Addo, Jeffreys Bay Travel route about 300km / 3 hours. Rise early for the best chance to spot wildlife as the bush awakes in Addo Elephant National Park, the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. Join your own group after breakfast for the included 2-hour van game drive with your guide to search for some of the big five animals; if lucky you'll spot elephants, buffalos, lion & more. Travel about 200km to J'bay to either spend free time at the beach or choosing between optional surfing or beach horseback riding (extra cost). Overnight at Island Vibe (Dorm or Saver -) or Sea Whisper (Comfort -) or On The Beach Lodge or similar (Luxe package). Day 4: Tsitsikamma, Sedgefield Travel route about 300km / 3 hours. After breakfast, drive inland to experience an optional highest Bungy jump bridge in the world, optional Waterfall Zipline over waterfalls in Tsitsikamma forest (both at extra cost) or choose to have free time and arrive early to spend more time in Tsitsikamma National Park. After all had some time to explore the park, drive onward with a photo stop at Knysna's lagoon en route to Sedgefield. Overnight at Pili Pili Backpackers (Dorm or Saver-) Fairy Knowe (Comfort-) or Dolphin Dunes or similar (Luxe package). Day 5: Wilderness Travel route about 400km / 6 hours. Take the road back along the coastline and views of calm rivers in the wilderness region. Journey back to Cape Town, with an optional optional 4x4 Botlierskop game drive at extra cost. Your adventure ends with evening drop-offs in Cape Town or Stellenbosch (between 8pm to 10pm).

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 about 1 - 1 :15 hours going downhill on the trails, you’ll head back to the meeting point via minibus, never needing to worry about the uphill climb.

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 beautiful panoramic views of the sunset as you head back to the jetty.

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. 

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.