Knysna tours, things to do and tickets

Enjoy a fun, family friendly guided boat cruise around the stunning Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Relax on board the boat, soak up the glorious South African sunshine, and admire breathtaking views as you glide along the glistening waters of Knysna.

Magic Lagoon Charters offers a truly different way to experience the Knysna Lagoon — aboard beautifully restored classic wooden boats that combine timeless style with a smooth, comfortable ride. Unlike larger or ocean-based tours, our cruises take place entirely on the calm, sheltered waters of the lagoon. That means no swell, no crowds, and no rush — just a relaxed, intimate experience in one of South Africa’s most scenic settings. With small group sizes and a low-to-the-water perspective, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views and a far more personal connection to the surroundings — from the Knysna Heads to the turquoise waters of Featherbed Bay. We’re also fully licensed, allowing you to enjoy drinks, bubbly, oysters, and curated platters on board — transforming your cruise into a refined, social experience rather than just a sightseeing trip. This isn’t a standard boat tour. It’s classic lagoon cruising — private in feel, effortless, and beautifully done.

This popular tour is an adventurous, yet relaxed and affordable way to explore South Africa’s Garden Route. Enjoy six-days of visiting the area’s key landmarks, exploring nature, learning about the region’s culture and taking part in daring activities.

Discover the wild cats of South Africa and learn about wildlife conservation on a guided 1-hour tour. Get an up-close look at lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other local wildlife such as meerkats, owls.

Sit back and relax on a scenic boat trip around the tranquil Knysna Lagoon. Watch the sky change color as the sun sets, and enjoy your preordered oysters, snacks, and drinks on board.

Observing whales in their natural environment leaves a feel-good mark on the soul- Knysna the best places to do this! As Knysna’s only permitted close encounter operator, our team is passionate about showcasing our prolific marine life and our incredibly picturesque & scenic coastline. Every year, both the Southern Right and the Humpback whales leave their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica and migrate to mate and calve in the warmer waters of our Southern African coastline. Knysna is one of the best whale watching destinations in the country. Knysna is blessed with year-round sightings - large pods of Dolphins and regular sightings of Brydes whales. From June through to November/December Knysna’s you can sight our incredible migrating whales, as our waters teem with Southern right and humpback whales and they skirt our coastline while making their way to the tropics.

A trip to Knysna is not complete without a cruise on the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to the world famous Knysna Heads and many species of bird and marine life. Join us onboard the "Oyster Boat" for a memorable, leisurely 75 minute long cruise to the famous Knysna Heads and back we also pass through the Featherbed Bay which offers calm turquoise waters. Sit back and relax, enjoy the feeling of our African sun on your face, the wind in your hair, while viewing Knysna from a unique vantage. Enjoy hearing all about one of SA's favourite coastal towns, Knysna, from a local, homegrown perspective!

A unique and true forest experience. Enjoy an exhilarating downhill on the Monster Mountain Scooter, descent through indigenous forest, sweepy bends and single track. A scenic minibus ride takes you into the heart of the forest to the best hills to start your descent in the Garden Route National Park. All of this while on the lookout for the our local wild life, the majestic Knysna Loerie, the shy bushbuck and wild boar. Scooters are non motorized making this eco friendly. These Swiss designed scooters are used in the Alps during the summer season on the ski slopes when the snow is gone. All trips are guided by professional qualified guides. All scooters can handle one adult with a child passenger.

Indulge the senses as you cruise the Knysna Lagoon to the iconic Heads and surrounds. Soak in the gorgeous coastline, immerse yourself in the taste and history of our treasured oysters, paired with white wine.

Join us for the ultimate sailing experience whilst soaking up the golden hues of the Knysna sunset. This 2.5 hour experience departs from the Knysna waterfront and glides through the Knysna estuary up to the rugged headlands and out to the vast Indian Ocean. Let the natural beauty of Knysna entertain you from the breathtaking coastline to the diverse marine life. Included with this unique experience is an amazing Mediterranean platter and a complimentary glass or two of chilled South African Cap Classique while you watch the sun sink into the horizon.

Knysna Forests are unforgettable natural and real. This is a unique and true forest experience to explore the Knysna pine and indigenous forests.

Enjoy this spectacular 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise, that takes you across the Knysna Lagoon and out to sea through the Knysna Heads to explore the coves, caves and bays of our rugged and beautiful coastline. With your local, professional guide, experience the highlights from the geological characteristics and the biodiversity of Knysna’s estuarine and marine environment. Get a chance to often see marine life in your shared group, with no more than 25 people. Choose from one of three departure times when you book.

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 Mane by the Sea restaurant before departure.

End your day with wine and oysters on a relaxing boat cruise. Take in the magnificence of Knysna as the African sun starts to set over the lagoon.

What sets us apart is our commitment to reliable, stress-free travel. Our Knysna to George Airport Shuttle runs 5 times daily, offering door-to-door service, affordable fares from just R225, modern air-conditioned vehicles, and friendly local drivers who know the Garden Route best. Recognized with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, we combine safety, punctuality, and personal service to ensure you never miss a flight.

Booking a Knysna Sunset Cruise is a memorable way to end off a day in Knysna. Fresh air, delicious oysters and many perfect photographic opportunities all ensure that our guests leave the tour with lasting memories of Knysna.

Watch Knysna come alive in a glow of gold, pink and amber as you cruise the tranquil lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads aboard Bella Vita, our stylish 24-foot luxury lagoon cruiser. Settle into comfortable lounge seating and soak up the changing colours of the sky, forested hills and Garden Route coastline. Keep an eye out for the lagoon’s birdlife and playful seals along the way. Enhance your experience with pre-ordered oysters, sparkling wine or a charcuterie board to enjoy as the sun sets. A relaxed and scenic way to end the day on the sheltered waters of the Knysna Lagoon.

See the best of South Africa's Western Cape on a 5-day tour from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Look for wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park and benefit from included adventure tours, such as hikes, wine tasting and canoeing in Wilderness National Park.

Experience the stunning beauty of South Africa's Garden Route on a 5-day tour from Cape Town. Look for the legendary Big 5 on game drives, visit an ostrich farm and get closer to these enormous birds.

This is an experience that will chance your life and the way you think. It takes you inside the heart the township to experience the Life of The Amaxhosa. The original Knysna Township Tour was started 26 years ago to benefit the greater community. We support pre schools and your participation is very needed and greatly appreciated. Together we make a change, promote education and provide support for our people in the Townships. Come Walk the streets, chat with the locals, visit the creche, cobbler, hairdresser and butcher with your local guide, see the Sangoma and visit inside a Real RDP house. ● Some venues may not be available on weekends or week ● You are welcome to support the school with supplies, clothes or food donations. Standard Tour No Lunch Tour + Xhosa lunch can be arranged. Adults 12 years + / Children 3 years -11 years / Infant 0 - 2 Years Min 2 adult travelers per trip or if only 1 traveler paying for 2