knysna catamaran cruises

EXPLORE THE KNYSNA HEADS & BEYOND ON THE

KNYSNA HEADS EXPLORER

The Heads Explorer… escape the ordinary! Sailing is like flirting with life. Its like saying, “I would like to stay and love you, but I have to go, the sea is calling… it’s a passion.

Embark on an exquisite adventure onboard the beautiful Knysna Heads Explorer. Our Catamaran Cruises are perfect for those seeking adventure, romance, and unforgettable memories. Our luxurious 44 ft catamaran, the Heads Explorer, can accommodate up to 36 passengers, making it an exclusive experience to share with friends, family or team mates. Departing daily from Knysna Waterfront Harbour, our experienced skipper takes you on a breathtaking journey through the famous Knysna Headlands and out to the ocean beyond (weather permitting and groups of 12). We are fully licensed and have a bar onboard, allowing you to enjoy your favourite drinks while lounging on our trampolines, deck, or beanbags. Add sushi or an Island platter to enjoy with your friends. With tailored trips, private functions, and all-inclusive luxury experiences, we customise your trip to your liking, ensuring your every need and request is attended to. Spot dolphins, seals, birds, and even whales (in season) and take something very special back home with you on this unforgettable sailing adventure.

– Rika and Kevin Fouche

A Knysna heads adventure

We sail on the Knysna Lagoon and to the Heads & Indian Ocean and beyond (weather permitting), drop anchor at the beautiful turquoise Featherbed bay where we have lunch, swim and enjoy a day out in nature and the sunshine.

We depart daily from the Knysna Quays Waterfront.  There’s 4 cruises daily.  Departure times: 10h30, 12h30, 14h30. 16h30 – Sunset cruise   Platters and sparkling wine can be arranged. The Experience

• The catamaran yacht is licensed to go through the Heads and into the Indian Ocean weather permitting.
• Sail in style on the Knysna lagoon through the famous heads & beyond.
• See the magnificent coastline of Knysna.
• Sailing with your experienced skipper is an exclusive way to enjoy the splendour of the Lagoon & Ocean.
• View dolphins, seals, birds and, in season, whales.
• See the sun dipping into the ocean on our sunset cruise
• Return to the vibrant Knysna Waterfront after your cruise
• Full catering options can be arranged.
• Perfect for large or small groups – take up to 36pax
• Tailored trips and private functions can be arranged.
• Multiple Payment Options Available. (EFT or credit card facilities)
• Dress Code: Casual
• What to bring: light jacket, beach type shoes (no shoes allowed onboard)/ camera / sunblock

Explore The HEADS

Make sure you bring your camera or smartphone! Our cruise provides excellent photo opportunities of the magnificent Knysna Heads, and the beautiful Knysna lagoon and surrounds.

SOME knysna facts

Knysna oyster festival.

The Knysna Oyster Festival, held annually in late June/early July, is the town's biggest event. The duration of the festival is ten days. It was first held in 1983.

Knysna Speed Festival

The best-known hillclimb event in South Africa is held annually in early May during the Knysna Speed Festival, currently known as The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb.

Knysna Seahorse

The Knysna seahorse is endemic to South Africa and is the only seahorse species known to exclusively inhabit estuaries and has a short snout.

A bit of history

Knysna, from a Khoisan word meaning "place of wood", is a town with 85,708 inhabitants as of 2019 in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

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Sunset Cruise Knysna | Boat Tours & Sailing Trips

Knysna offers single hull and catamaran boats which are sailed or motored depending on the conditions. Travelling from the lagoon into the Indian Ocean on a sailing catamaran is the best way to experience a sunset cruise in Knysna. Top the evening off with a glass of sparkling wine to toast the setting sun! A single sip can transport your senses to the vineyards of Franschhoek or Stellenbosch .

The sunsets in Knysna are best experienced during the summer months when the sun sets over the ocean with warm weather. Perfect for embracing a swim in comfortable water conditions of 70℉ (21℃).

Discover your ideal sunset cruise to suit you below. We cover the sailing, motor-boats and floating restaurants offering sunset cruises in Knysna.

Knysna Sunset Cruise

Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s best known travel locations and is famous for its oysters. The Knysna river mouth meets the ocean at the foot of the Outeniqua mountain. Outeniqua means ‘those who bear honey’ and is ascribed to the San and Khoi who once inhabited the mountains. Take time during your cruise to enjoy the natural beauty of Knysna!

Ocean Sailing Charters

Climb aboard a luxury 44ft catamaran for a sunset cruise in Knysna with Ocean Sailing Charters. Your sail starts and ends at the Thesen Island Harbour. Knysna estuary is known as the Garden Route’s gem with the dramatic Knysna Heads standing at the meeting point of the lagoon and ocean.

Feel truly free at sea when you choose a 2,5 hour cruise for $66 (R990) per adult.   Should you feel adventurous Ocean Sailing Charters allows you to take a dip or even paddle board once the anchor has been dropped. Book extra hours and experience a traditional braai onboard for a minimum of six passengers.

Consider sailing into the Indian Ocean for an unforgettable proposal to your partner or a romantic date. The entire vessel can be booked for a private and more intimate cruise with your loved one. Travelling on your own? A group tour is a great way to meet like minded travellers on the water.

Click here to check prices and book

Knysna Charters

Set off on a 90-minute sunset cruise with Knysna Charters. The twin-hull motorboat has an upper deck for seating and is known affectionately as the ‘oyster boat’. Tours start from the ‘Knysna Charters’ activity desk on Thesen Island.

Sunset cruises from Knysna waterfront cost $43 (R650) per person and can accommodate 12 guests. The entire boat can be booked for a private experience. Add oysters and a Method Cap Classique sparkling wine to experience the best of South African seafood and wine.

John Benn Sunset Cruise

John Benn is a twin hull motor-boat with a restaurant and two bars offering food and drinks during cruises. The company hosts sunset cruises with a tapas style menu. ‘John Benn’ is named after the famous pilot who was in charge of safe passage into the Knysna lagoon from 1868. The boat itself is well known and features stunning yellow wood sourced from the Knysna forest.

The boat provides enclosed seating allowing for trips in all weather conditions. Tickets are affordable with food and drinks billed separately. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your cruise time at the Featherbed Ferry Terminus in the Knysna Harbour. If you need to cancel your tickets, notify the office within 72 hours of your cruise date for a 100% refund.

Things to Know for Your Knysna Boat Cruise

Looking at activities for Knysna on Tripadvisor, you will notice many affordable options. A boat cruise can be adventurous and provide incredible wildlife sightings. The ‘Oyster Boat’ offers the most affordable ticket at only $27 (R400) for a 75-minute lagoon cruise , ideal for up to 12 participants.

Cruising is the perfect activity for families with children of all ages. A trip on an authentic sailing yacht lets you relax while the crew work around you. Climb aboard the ‘Spring Tide’ for a single-hull sailing yacht experience including dinner . Spring Tide sailing charters are based in the Knysna Harbour and trips start at the lighthouse inspired ticket office.

Knysna estuary is part of the South African National Parks and hosts an incredible diversity of species. Learn about the endangered Knysna Sea Horse which is an endemic species found in only three estuaries in South Africa. See specimens in person at the SANParks Thesen Island Office in Knysna.

Knysna Lagoon Cruise Conditions

A sunset cruise is weather and swell dependent. On days when the swell is too strong to travel between the heads, cruises take place on the lagoon; the last 20 km of the Knysna river before it reaches the sea is a tidal zone.

Rainfall in Knysna is not a cause for concern when choosing a cruise. Levels are evenly distributed throughout the year with an average of 700mm. If the boat does not have an enclosed deck a windbreaker or rain jacket will be suitable.

Sunset cruises depart later in Summer and are more likely to have comfortable conditions. Winter cruisers can still expect great conditions but should note some operators depart as early as 5 pm in June and July. Remember your camera, sunblock, sunhat and windbreaker.

Knysna: ‘The Heads’ & Other Things to See

The Knysna Heads are a part of the Outeniqua Mountain and form a natural bottleneck between the estuary and the ocean. Following fires in the area in 2017, archeologists discovered 102 artifacts on the Featherbed nature reserve located at the headland. They attribute the tools to early stone age residents living in the area more than 200 000 years ago .

It is easy to see why ‘The Heads’ were a popular location for foraging and hunting. Traveling between the heads into the Indian Ocean, you’ll likely discover seals, dolphins, Bryde’s whales, and even, on occasion, African penguins.

Boat trips on the Knysna lagoon at sunset also offer a unique opportunity for birdwatching. The estuary is home to more than 280 species of birds. Knysna boat trips are affordable and the wildlife and bird sightings will keep you on your toes.

Final Thoughts on a Sunset Cruise in Knysna

You are spoilt for choice when booking sunset boat cruises in Knysna. Single hull, catamarans and restaurants on the water all offer affordable and professional cruise experiences. Set sail on your own, with a partner or your family for an unique view of the incredible Knysna Heads.

Check the Knysna weather forecast for rain, wind and swell conditions to help you choose the right date.

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Take a catamaran cruise on the Knysna lagoon

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What you'll do

Hop aboard a smooth-sailing catamaran to explore the stunning Knysna lagoon where you'll delve into the history of this protected haven all while eyeing out incredible birdlife. Enjoy idyllic views of Knysna town, Leisure Isle and splashing seals before cruising into deeper waters. The Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean, are your gateway to a coastline of quiet bays, rugged caves and plenty of marine life.

$ 51 per person

1 hour 30 minutes

Ocean Odyssey name: Marine Eco Tour

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A Sunset Cruise on Ocean Rhythm or Bella Luna

Watch an exquisite sunset onboard our luxury 44ft catamaran Ocean Rhythm while you take in the magnificent ocean views. Ocean Rhythm is one of the most luxurious catamarans in Knysna. Laze in the sun while we while our friendly crew take care of all your needs.

Knysna Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Ocean Rhythm & Bella Luna Sunset Cruises

2 – 2HR 30MIN – SUNSET CRUISE R 990 per Adult. R 840 Children under 12yrs Watch an exquisite sunset onboard a luxury catamaran while you take in the magnificent ocean views and enjoy a glass of ice-cold bubbly. A magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon, and through the famous Knysna Heads and out onto the open ocean. Look out for pods of dolphins and other beautiful creatures. A complimentary glass of bubbly is included.

R990 PER ADULT R840 CHILDREN UNDER 12

Ocean Rhythm & Bella Luna are equipped with spacious trampolines, a complete kitchen with gas stove, outdoor dining area, 4 double cabins, 2 en-suite, a cash bar, freezer and  fridge. Enjoy Knysna’s lagoon and nature on a spacious cruise without crowds, with ample space to laze on the trampolines and soak up the sun, while you enjoy an ice-cold bubbly.

Your cruise departs from the Sirocco jetty in Knysna. You are welcomed on board with a complimentary glass of bubbly. We then venture out for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon, navigate the famous Knysna Heads and explore the spectacular scenery and marine and bird life of the Indian Ocean. 

An excursion through the Knysna Heads out to the Ocean is weather dependant, and the tides may not always allow us to sail out to sea. Rest assured, though, you will have an exquisite experience no matter which direction we sail. Our Sunset Cruise includes one complimentary glass of sparkling wine per adult.

Our Sunset Cruise departure times vary with the season. Please make sure you check the departure schedule when booking and arrive 15 minutes prior to departure.

We have a cash bar onboard with a variety of drinks and soft drinks.

Onboard guest toilet.

Lounge Saloon & kitchen

Coffee machine

Wine cooler

Remember to bring your camera, hat, sunscreen, binoculars and something warm, as it can get cooler on the water than on land, especially during the late afternoons. Please bring your own beach towel, should you want to swim. We don’t allow shoesonboard the Catamaran. We will keep your shoes safe for you in our onboard storage, during the boat cruise. Please bring some cozy socks along in the colder winter months. We have a toilet onboard, but please try to use the bathrooms on Thesen Island before you board. No smoking on board please.

*  In the unlikely event that this Catamaran is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Ocean Sailing Charters reserve the right to utilize an alternative Catamaran for this experience.

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OUTSAIL ORDINARY

A luxury yacht manufacturer with a difference.

More than just yacht builders, we’re passionate ocean explorers ourselves. 18 years ago, Knysna Yacht Company set out to establish a boutique luxury yacht manufacturing business. Since then, we’ve gained an internationally-renowned reputation for building exceptional yachts based on a unique blend of elements – from the rich maritime heritage of our location and formidable Agulhas current on our doorstep to our equally unrelenting passion, ingenuity and craft.

The result is our world-class customizable, blue-water sailing catamarans. Engineered for stability. Designed for luxury. Destined to unleash the voyager in you.

Performance

Knysna 500se.

Light, quick, and robust, the Knysna 500SE is the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and performance. Customise the interior to your personal preference and make it truly your home on the high seas with a range of high-quality appliances, beautiful finishes, and fabrics. Fully equipped as a liveaboard, the 500SE is an international benchmark in catamaran standards. Ideal for adventurous blue water cruising yachtsmen the world over.

Light, quick, and robust, the Knysna 500SE is the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and performance. Customise the interior to your personal preference and make it truly your home on the high seas with a range of high-quality appliances, beautiful finishes, and fabrics. Fully-equipped as a liveaboard, the 500SE is an international benchmark in catamaran standards. Ideal for adventurous blue water cruising yachtsman the world over.

Luxurious and accommodating, the exclusive Knysna 550 is superior craftsmanship at its finest. The added flybridge provides a commanding vantage point leaving more room to configure your dream catamaran interior to your exacting specifications with only the highest-quality finishes. Also available as a cruising power catamaran, the 550 offers the thrill of high-performance sailing at an entirely new level of comfort.

Customisation

Yours for the making.

Our passion, extensive experience and expertise allow you to create a fully customised yacht interior, creatively using every inch of space to suit your taste and needs.

Our passion, extensive experience and expertise allow you to create a fully customized yacht interior, creatively using every inch of space to suit your taste and needs.

It starts with a dream. The desire to go places. The adventure starts in you and takes shape as we help you navigate the process of building, customising and launching your voyage-ready catamaran.

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World-class yachts expertly handcrafted and lovingly assembled by our passionate craftsmen. Find out more about our state-of-the-art yacht-building facilities and the team.

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Download your FREE Complete 2024 Boat Show Calendar to find out more about all the best and most exciting boat shows to visit around the globe.

We also highlighted some of the boat shows we usually attend. If you also happen to be at a boat show where we are, please do come and say hello – we’d love to meet you and show you around our beautiful Knysna yachts.

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[email protected] +27 82 781 2829

PO BOX 2659 KNYSNA, 6570

21 BOSWERKER ST, KNYSNA INDUSTRIAL, KNYSNA, 6570 SOUTH AFRICA

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Flotilla Radisson Royal Cruises

The Flotilla Radisson Royal is widely recognized for its luxury river cruises, offering a unique perspective of Moscow from the water. Tourist yacht trips feature the gourmet dining on board as well as the panoramic views of Moscow's key attraction points.

The fleet comprises icebreaker yachts that ensure comfort and great service regardless of the weather.

Passengers appreciate the cleanliness and modern amenities of the yachts, as well as the informative commentary that accompanies the cruise, providing insights into the history and cultural significance of the sights along the river.

Flotilla Radisson Royal Moscow River Cruises in Summer

The summer months offer an especially delightful experience for those boarding the Flotilla Radisson Royal cruises, as the weather allows for a completely different perspective of the city. With extended daylight hours, passengers can enjoy the full splendor of Moscow's riverside attractions in the warm summer breeze. The cruises offer both daytime and evening departures, the latter perfect for romantic dinners or experiencing the city's lights after sunset.

Summer cruises often feature additional services such as live music or special events, adding to the already pleasant atmosphere. The open deck areas become particularly popular in summer, providing an excellent spot for a refreshing drink while enjoying the unparalleled views of Moscow, including the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Flotilla Radisson Royal Moscow River Cruises in Winter

Winter might offer a chillier cruise experience, but it is no less magical. The Flotilla Radisson Royal yachts are well equipped for the colder months with heated interiors, providing a cozy refuge from the frosty air. Watching the snow-covered cityscape glide by while sipping hot drinks in the warmth of the yacht's cabin offers a serene and picturesque experience.

The winter season brings its own unique charm to the Moskva River. The icebreaker capabilities of the fleet mean that cruises continue to operate regularly, offering a stable and smooth journey despite any ice on the river.