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Knysna Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Knysna Family-friendly activities

Knysna: Downhill Forest Scootour Adventure

1. Knysna: Downhill Forest Scootour Adventure

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

Knysna: Dolphin Watching and Garden Route Coastline Cruise

2. Knysna: Dolphin Watching and Garden Route Coastline Cruise

Experience the three most iconic sites of Knysna on a 1.5-hour eco cruise of the Knysna estuary. Cruise along the rugged headlands and encounter the abundant marine life of the coastal waters.  Navigate the amazing estuary and pass the picturesque Knysna Heads. Venture further out into the expansive Indian Ocean to look for dolphins, seals, penguins, and Bryde's whales in their natural environment. Learn more about the geological features and wildlife you encounter for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Knysna Kayak Hire

3. Knysna Kayak Hire

Hire a kayak and explore the Knysna Lagoon from a unique perspective. Kayaking is great fun for the whole family, provided you can swim. Take your time, stop at the beach, and catch some sunshine along the way!  For first time kayakers, don't be nervous - the kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, and you are guaranteed to create some adventurous memories. Kayak rental rates are based on a per person, per hour basis. No previous experience is necessary.

Knysna Heads and Estuary Adventure

4. Knysna Heads and Estuary Adventure

This 45-minute adventure shows you the Knysna region's legendary and diverse estuary and all that it has to offer the coastal town of Knysna. The estuary has a compelling history, fascinating birdlife and is inhabited by 43% of South Africa's plant and animal life. View the rugged and iconic Knysna Heads, a unique sandstone formation, and the magnificent ancient caves nestled amongst the coves of this beautiful coastline. Depending on the tide, you may be able to see the famous Pacquita shipwreck found at the mouth of the Knysna Heads. An experienced skipper will also share with you information and stories about the area and how these natural formations came to be.  This trip is ideal for families and large groups. The tour does not venture out into the ocean, but rather shows you all that the Knysna Estuary has to offer - this is certainly the best place to witness the beauty of the flora and fauna of the region!   

Knysna Stand Up Paddle Board Hire

5. Knysna Stand Up Paddle Board Hire

Explore the ten kilometers of waterways on the newly developed Thesen Island and the diverse Knysna Estuary with the world’s fastest growing watersport, Stand-Up Paddling. Stand up paddling, or SUP for short, is easy, fun, and guaranteed to keep you fit whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery of our waterways & lagoon. Encounter the vast amount of birdlife that we experience all year round and the beauty of your surroundings. The calm waters of Thesen Island are ideal for beginners and the many inlets and coves are perfect for the more adventurous or experienced paddlers. Eight top quality boards and paddles are available for rent by the hour from our offices on Thesen Island. Great fun for the whole family or groups. Bring along your swimming gear and jump on your board for a fun interactive experience.

From Thesen Island: Knysna Lagoon Luxury Cruise

6. From Thesen Island: Knysna Lagoon Luxury Cruise

Take in the sunshine aboard the BellaVita luxury lounge cruiser. Marvel at the two tall cliffs which stand above the lake. Appreciate the beauty of the Outeniqua mountains. Decide how long you want to spend cruising. Play your own music aboard the cruiser. Choose how long you want to spend on your cruise. Come to the departure point at Sirocco Restaurant on Thesen Island. Board your luxury lounge cruiser. Cruise around and explore the amazing Knysna Lagoon. Admire the peaks of the Outeniqua mountains as you relax in the company of your friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to pre-order champagne and oysters. Jump into the clear water for a swim. Keep an eye out for herons, African fish eagles, kingfishers, and other birds. Bring your own music aboard to entertain yourself. Finish your lagoon cruise and disembark at the starting point.

Other Sightseeing Options in Knysna

Want to discover all there is to do in Knysna? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Knysna

Very knowledgable guide and driver. The activity was on 3 separate parts of the forrest each providing a different experience and scenery. Thoroughly enjoyed the 2hrs and would recommend it

Brilliant host, very informative, unfortunately we didn’t see any dolphins, but such is the unpredictable way with nature. We did however see seals!

Am Exceptional Guide and area fantastic will recommend it.

Awesome experience! Definitely recommend this activity!

Beautiful way to see the heads and seals and whales!