Knysna Boat Cruise - Sailing (and Braaing) Through the Knysna Heads with Ocean Sailing Charters
Can you even say you've been to Knysna if you haven’t sailed through the Knysna Heads? While there are plenty of reasons to visit this scenic coastal town, sailing through the Heads on a Knysna boat cruise feels like something of a rite of passage for any visitor.
I hopped aboard a luxury catamaran with Ocean Sailing Charters (conveniently located just a short walk from the Turbine Hotel on Thesen Islands) and this is what my experience entailed:
*I was a guest of Ocean Sailing Charters / Cape Country Routes but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Why the Knysna Heads?
For those who are not familiar with them, the Knysna Heads are basically two rock cliffs on either side of the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon as it flows into the sea. They're like nature's bouncers, deciding whether the Indian Ocean is cool enough for this town. Their magnitude makes them some of the most striking natural geographical features along the South African coastline.
Choosing a Knysna Boat Cruise
As this is a quintessential Knysna experience, a number of boat operators take visitors from the lagoon, through the heads to the ocean and back again.
What sets Ocean Sailing Charters apart from its competitors is its luxury catamarans. The company is also a member of the Cape Country Routes, a curated collection of quality accommodation and activity establishments in the Western and Eastern Cape. As they all are owner-managed businesses, you can feel an extra level of care that goes into these experiences.
My Experience with Ocean Sailing Charters:
As we neared the end of the estuary, we were fitted with life jackets. The waters were a bit choppy as we made our way through the heads into the open ocean but it only added to the fun.
The Sunset Over the Knysna Heads
On the other side, we were greeted by the vast, glittering ocean. We basked in the light of the sun as it started to make its descent towards the horizon, while taking in the views of the water, the Heads and the odd whale spray.
Calm washed over us as the boat bobbed up and down to the soundtrack of just the right mix of ocean breeze and gentle music. Talk about setting the mood! It was quite romantic …and yet not at all. (I liked the ladies in my group but not that much!)
After a leisurely sail, we returned to the lagoon but the experience was far from over.
Dinner is Served (A Braai with a View)
Just when I thought the evening had peaked, our Knysna boat cruise glided back into the tranquil lagoon. In the calmer waters, we took our seats for dinner as we continued to watch the sunset.
Now when I say “You can braai your way through the Knysna heads”, what I mean is you can look at the scenery, try to spot whales and act as Instagram husband to the influencer who is a part of your media trip (shout out to Phelo!), while someone who knows what they are doing will braai the meat to tender perfection on the lower deck. (Seriously, do not trust me with your braai meat!)
*Side note: For my international readers, a "braai" is essentially a barbecue except as South Africans, our national identity is tied to it.
The meat was delicious and so so tender. It was complemented by an array of tasty salads and garlic bread. The crew worked some kind of magic. Honestly, I don’t know how they managed to steer the ship and perfectly braai meat. I can barely make tea and toast at the same time.
A Picture-Perfect Ending
With our tummies full and hearts happy, we weren’t quite done yet. There was still time to take in more breathtaking views of the setting sun and the other boats in the lagoon. We watched the sun dip below the horizon as other boats glided by.
We also took a bit of a detour to sail close to the Knysna Waterfront to get a view of it from the water …and make all the people there jealous of how much fun we were having! — Just to keep us going until we had time to post about it on social media.
So, if you're ever in the area, bring your sunscreen, a sense of adventure ...and maybe a jacket too (the wind can get chilly) and give it a try!
Knysna Boat Cruise Prices
Sunset cruises on an Ocean Sailing Charters catamaran start at R990 per adult or R840 for children under 12. (Excluding braai.) *Price correct at time of posting but subject to change.
The company also offers Knysna boat cruises at other times of the day and even private charters.
- To find out more or to book with Ocean Sailing Charters, click here.
- To find out about other Cape Country Routes experiences, click here.
If you need any more convincing, have a look at this:
Nearby Attractions
- If you're looking for accommodation in the area try The Turbine Hotel and Spa
- Go in search of Knysna's legendary elephants in the Knysna Forest
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Read The Sharonicles' guide to Knysna here:
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