• Beaches
• Canoeing
• Diving
• Fishing
• Watersports

Beaches

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Canoeing

Many waterways in the area are restricted to non-motorised craft, giving ample opportunity for peaceful, undisturbed paddling.  Take note that only the watercourse is open to the public, whereas most land bordering waterways is private property.  When canoeing on the lakes and on the lagoon, be aware of tides and sudden changes in the weather.

• Lakes and lagoons: Swartvlei, Groenvlei, Sedgefield estuary, Knysna lagoon, Plettenberg Bay lagoon

• Rivers: Touw River, Goukamma River, Knysna River, Keurbooms River

For international add +27 without the zero of the area code.

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Diving

Diving along the Knysna coastline is a unique and wonderful experience, offering a kaleidoscope of colours and spectacular coral reefs.  Nudibranchs, sea spiders, Toothed decorator crabs, colourful corals, fish and sharks are but a few of the wonders to be seen.

The famous Knysna seahorse can be found in the Knysna lagoon, which has the highest diversity of organisms of any estuary in South Africa.

Reef dives, shore dives and wreck dives are offered by local dive companies.  Due to the nature of these waters, diving can be dangerous.
Contact a local dive shop for information before going diving.

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Fishing

Knysna provides a wealth of opportunities for the keen fisherman: fly-fishing, rock and surf fishing, deepsea fishing, bass and trout fishing.  The most common fish caught in the area are steenbras, grunter and leervis.

No permit is required for fishing or bait-collecting in the estuary.  There are, however, bag and size limits, as well as closed seasons.  An invertebrate reserve has been proclaimed in the area between Thesen Island and Leisure Island : no bait may be collected from this area.

Detailed fishing regulations are available from the Tourism Bureau and from the National Parks Board - Tel. (044) 3822095 International +27 44 3822095.

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Watersports

The Knysna lagoon provides ample scope for a range of watersports. 

Sudden weather changes can occur on all waterways, particularly at The Heads.  Visitors are advised to inform themselves of the location of channels and the time of tide changes when boating on the Knysna lagoon.

Boating safety regulations and a map of the lagoon’s channels are available from the National Parks Board or from Knysna’s Tourism Bureau.

• BOATING AND SAILING: The Knysna lagoon is ideal for small-boat sailing.  Several tour operators offer yacht cruises and boat-hire.  Boats may be launched for a small fee from the Knysna Angling Club’s slipway.

• Motorised boats are prohibited on certain waterways, and boats may only be launched from demarcated areas.   Please proceed with consideration for swimmers, divers and other craft.

• WATER-SKIING: Waterskiing on the Knysna lagoon is restricted to certain areas.  A map indicating these areas is available from the National Parks Board on Thesen Jetty.

• JET SKIING: Jet skiing is permitted in the Bay of Biscay area of the lagoon, subject to obtaining a boat survey from Mr. Piet Hamilton at tel. (044) 3821884 International tel. +27 44 3821884 or 082 4941692 International tel. +27 82 4941692.
  A permit has to be obtained from the National Parks Board.

• SURFING: Good surfing spots are found at Buffalo Bay and at Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay.   There are several surf shops in Knysna.

• SWIMMING: All rivers are swimmable.  The lagoon offers safe swimming at a little beach near The Heads.  Buffalo Bay offers safe and pleasant swimming opportunities in the sea.

• WINDSURFING : Good windsurfing can be had on the Knysna lagoon and at Swartvlei.  Wind conditions are variable. 

Tait Marine:
Tel. (044) 3824460 International +27 44 3824460

In case of emergency, contact the NSRI:
Tel. (044) 3822675 International +27 44 3822675

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