Add dates

Things to do in The Heads

Our most recommended things to do in The Heads

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

1. Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

The tour departs from Thesen Island Harbour Town and heads out onto the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to an array of native birds and marine life. On board the ‘Oyster Boat', spend a leisurely 75-minutes exploring the lagoon as you sail to the breathtaking and imposing Knysna Heads. As you glide along the waters, sit back and relax whilst soaking up the famous South African sunshine with the wind in your hair. From start to finish the tour provides breathtaking views of the surrounding waters as well as the Knysna coastline. During the boat ride your guide shares fascinating insight into the history, heritage, and culture of Knysna, from a local’s perspective.

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

2. Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

End a hot summer's day on the Garden Route with a relaxing cruise around Knysna Lagoon. Bring family or friends along on this scenic adventure among the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains. Admire privileged views of the sunset and come across a variety of wildlife. Set sail in Knysna and navigate around the quiet lagoon for the unique chance to experience the ocean in an intimate way. Become mesmerized by the exquisite views of the lagoon, framed by the beautiful town with the mountains as a backdrop. Discover breathtaking bays and vistas as the sun sets, from the magnificent Knysna estuary to the famous Heads and back. Choose the option with food included to enjoy delicious snacks, drinks, and oysters during your experience.

Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

3. Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas The tour departs from Cape Town and heads to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for playing home to hundreds of Southern Right whales from July to November. The town also features many shops, restaurants, and markets. In the afternoon you'll drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2:  Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the ostrich capital of the world, via scenic Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Sample local wines before experiencing the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided tour. Day 3:  Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield After breakfast head over to Outeniqua Mountain Pass, where you'll explore Wilderness National Park by canoe. Enjoy a paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest, admiring the diverse local birds along the way. After about 40 minutes, leave your canoe behind for a 2-kilometer hike along a boardwalk that leads to rock pools and a lovely waterfall. Afterwards, head to the famous town of Knysna via the beautiful Garden Route Lake District. Visit the famous Knysna Heads viewing point, overlooking the Knysna estuary. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches of Sedgefield. Day 4: Sedgefield- Tsitsikamma - Addo After breakfast, head off to Tsitsikamma National Park. En route, you'll stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump bridge, standing at 216 meters tall. You'll spend the afternoon in Tsitsikamma National Park, which features a unique combination of indigenous forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. The park offers hikes of varying lengths including a walk across a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the late afternoon, depart the Garden Route for Addo. Day 5: Addo-Wilderness/Mossel Bay Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. You'll get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and various other animals, including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs and many more. After an exciting morning on safari, we drive back to the Garden Route where we overnight in Wilderness/Mossel Bay. Day 6: Wilderness –Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the gorgeous beaches, hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs, and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000 foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening.

Knysna Coastline Speedboat Tour

4. Knysna Coastline Speedboat Tour

Depart from Knysna Waterfront and travel along Knysna Estuarine at speed until you reach the Knysna Heads. Famous for their large waves, exit the Heads safely with a professional skipper at the helm of a custom-built adventure boat. Once out at sea, jet along the coastline and enjoy the pristine scenery. Be sure to keep a look out for the abundant marine life that inhabits the waters. Travel into the vast sea caves and get close to the rocks so you can experience the amazing power and beauty of the ocean up close. Enjoy numerous stops for photo opportunities, before making your way back to Knysna Waterfront.

Knysna: Sunset Cruise

5. Knysna: Sunset Cruise

Indulge your inner romantic and join this fully guided tour aboard the Oyster Boat. Head off slowly towards the impressive Knysna Heads. Take in the splendor of the tranquil lagoon as the sun sets on another perfect day in Africa. Relax while you enjoy a glass of wine with a few fresh local oysters. The cruise is slow and leisurely, ultimately relaxing, and you can’t help but just sit back and take it all in. 

Knysna: #1 Private Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Catamaran

6. Knysna: #1 Private Scenic Cruise Aboard a Luxury Catamaran

Nature’s playground awaits – Sail in beautiful Knysna on a luxury catamaran. We invite you to a magical escape on the Knysna lagoon with the Ocean Sailing Charters Family, an unrivaled experience in nature. Step aboard what feels like your own private yacht and enjoy time to reconnect with your family and friends. All of this delivered in a luxury setting with a team of passionate people at your service. Our charter experience is intimate and personalized, arrive as visitors and leave as friends. Our luxury catamarans navigate the iconic Knysna Heads and sail into the Indian Ocean. The Knysna lagoon and coastline have an abundance of interesting bird and marine life, breathtaking views, and exhilarating adventure. The experience of being joined by a pod of dolphins, or a friendly seal is something which you’ll remember long after the journey has ended. For those that prefer to stay in the calmer waters of the Knysna Lagoon, Bella Vita provides the perfect platform to enjoy your surroundings in lounge-like style and comfort. Our private cruises allow for tailor-made experiences, including live music, and a braai on board, or you can even hire your very own private chef. Our spacious Catamarans will offer the perfect venue for corporate functions, birthday parties, year-end functions, photoshoots, marriage proposals, or any other special occasion you may have. Speak to our crew to customize a cruise to your liking. Our vessels take a maximum of 12 guests each, offering a feeling of your very own private yacht. LaraBella, our flagship vessel is equipped with spacious trampolines, an outdoor shower, a braai, a wine cooler, a coffee machine, a big lounge saloon area, 4 beautiful ensuite cabins, a cash bar, and several fridges.

From Thesen Island: Knysna Lagoon Luxury Cruise

7. 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 The Heads

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

What people are saying about The Heads

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 246 reviews

This trip was just amazing. Super well organised, nice accommodations, fun activities and Last but not least we had with Gareth the best guide on this trip. The driving can get intense but Gareth made sure we get a lot of breaks and nice things to do during the day. We really loved all the places where we stayed.

Excellent pilot/ guide. Very warm and friendly attitude and he answered all our questions. Relaxing, interesting, best way to see the Lagoon and the Heads. Can definitely recommend this boat trip.

FRANCOIS THE CAPTAIN WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE THE HISTORY OF KNYSNA, SCENERY AND THE BEST FISHING RESTAURANTS ARE THE BEST.

Great guide and just the 2 of us on the boat lovely chilled out and the guide was knowledgeable

Boat was very nice, captain very knowledgable, really great experience and good value for money