Duration | : | 1h15 |
Departures | : | 10am; noon; 2pm & 4pm |
Route | : | Thesen Harbour Town |
: | The Knysna Heads | |
: | Thesen Harbour Town |
Departing from our quay at Thesen Harbour Town on Thesen Island, the journey takes you through the heart of the Knysna Estuary, navigating across the iconic sandstone cliffs known as The Knysna Heads, and then returning to Thesen Harbour Town. Click here for a detailed description of the Sightseeing Cruise.
Sightseeing Cruise on Coquette
Capacity | : | 12 Passengers |
Rate | : | Adult R495 |
: | Child R295 | |
: | Infants free |
Step aboard Coquette, a beautifully crafted Mahogany Thames River Launch by Salters of Oxford, built in 1919. Perfect for sightseeing on the Knysna Lagoon in any weather, Coquette offers comfortable seating for up to 12 passengers around two tables. One table is located in the bow, open to the sky, while the other is in the stern under a canopy with drop-down sides.
Sightseeing Cruise on Pamela
Capacity | : | 9 Passengers |
Rate | : | Adult R795 |
: | Child R395 | |
: | Infants free |
Pamela is ideal for leisurely cruises rather than high-speed adventures. The boat’s charm lies in its elegance and the sense of tranquility it offers while gliding through the water. With her bowrider layout, she provides excellent vantage points for capturing stunning photos and videos, making every moment on board Instagram-worthy.
Sightseeing Cruise on Olympic
Capacity | : | 10 Passengers |
Rate | : | Adult R995 |
: | Child R495 | |
: | Infants free |
The Exquisite Motor-Yacht, Olympic, offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and adventure, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a truly memorable experience in Knysna.
Sightseeing Cruise on Sophia
Capacity | : | 12 Passengers |
Rate | : | Adult R1100 |
: | Child R550 | |
: | Infants free |
Magic is the pinnacle of elegance and comfort on the water. With space for up to 12 passengers, this is the premier choice for those looking to experience the best that Knysna has to offer. Magic offers everything you love about Olympic but with even more space, luxury, and features.
Sightseeing Cruise on Mahogany Fleet
Capacity | : | 21 Passengers |
Rate | : | R9995 |
More than 12 people in your group? Book 2 boats and create your own fleet. Our Mahogany Fleet comprising Coquette and Pamela caters to groups of 13 to 21 people. We cruise in close formation making for amazing photo and video opportunities. Great for the shorter duration 1 hour & 1 hour 30 minute Sightseeing and Sunset cruises.
Experience the stunning beauty of Knysna on our Sightseeing Cruise.
After setting off from our jetty, the boat slowly glides west through the main channels of Thesen Islands, where we maintain a slow pace to protect the sensitive Knysna Seahorse habitat. As we pass the SA National Parks Board building, we enter the main channel, heading towards Monkey Point.
This area, marked by channel marker buoys, is a favorite resting spot for lazy seals enjoying a break from the tides. Along the way, you’ll see Brenton on Lake to the west and Ashmead Channel to the east, with The Heads gradually emerging from behind Leisure Island.
Upon reaching Monkey Point, home to an Egyptian Goose colony, we turn southeast towards The Heads, which now dominates the view ahead. Cruising along the western shoreline, we pass a steep sandbank where African Pied Kingfishers often nest and fish in the shallow waters, before entering the serene Featherbed Bay. As Bollard Bay on Leisure Island drifts by on our eastern side, you’ll notice it’s a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Turning east at the Featherbed jetty, we sail close to the cliffs of the Eastern Headland, taking in breathtaking views of the rocky landscape and the vast Indian Ocean beyond. Though we do not venture through The Heads out to sea, the sight of the Western Headland, with its scenic view sites atop the cliffs and the walkways below nestled among Milkwood trees, is unforgettable. Here, we also point out the historic Khoi San Cave, which has been inhabited for over 130,000 years, and the navigation beacons guiding boats safely through The Heads.
As we pass the Eastern Heads Café and Piza-E-Vino, you’ll see quaint beaches perfect for swimming and exploration. For the adventurous, there’s the option to free dive at the shipwreck of The Paquita. After capturing memories with photos and videos, we head back to Thesen Harbour Town, sometimes taking a route along the Leisure Island shoreline and Bollard Bay, giving you a closer look at the lagoon’s natural beauty.
Sandbar Extras:
Enhance your cruise experience with Oysters, Champagne, Drinks, and Platters available for pre-order at checkout as Extras.
Check out the menus at The Sandbar.