The ultimate sundowner experience.
Laze in last of the sunlight with a complimentary glass of bubbles and, for those booked on Lara Bella, our legendary Captain’s Braai (BBQ).
Savour our home-grown, flame-seared, fillet steak with delicious trimmings, served onboard as the sky turns to dusk.
Duration: 2 – 2hour 30minutes
Max Pax: 12
Inclusions: Glass on MCC Bubbles upon boarding, and if on Lara Bella includes the Captain’s Braai as well
A truly spectacular ocean adventure.
Sail from the calm of the Knysna Lagoon into the open Indian Ocean, harnessing the power of the wind. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife! While we aren’t an official whale-watching tour, we frequently spot playful dolphins, cape fur seals and majestic whales along the way. You just might get lucky!
Duration: 1hour 40minutes
Max Pax: 12
Inclusions: The boats all have well stocked bars as well as light snacks available for purchase.
An exhilarating coastal excursion.
This extended scenic day tour is perfect for those looking to anchor at featherbed nature reserve for a swim or for those that want to explore further into the Indian Ocean.
Join us aboard Lara Bella and savor a complimentary platter of artisanal cheeses and premium cold meats.
Duration: 2hour 10minutes
Max Pax: 12
Inclusions: Charcuterie board featuring decadent cheeses and artisanal meats if booked on Lara Bella
Our luxury leisure lagoon cruiser is Bella Vita, with two 60hp motors. She has stylish, comfortable fittings and is designed to offer effortless lagoon cruising for a more gentle experience.
End the day in the Garden Route with a relaxing, guided cruise on the Knysna estuary. Admire the breathtaking vistas as the bay turns pink, watch for playful seals, and enjoy our selection of drinks and snacks available to purchase.
Duration: 1 – 1hour 30minutes
For those that prefer to stay in the calmer waters of the Knysna Lagoon, with a sneak peak at the famous Knysna Heads, Bella Vita provides the perfect platform to enjoy your surroundings in lounge-like style and comfort.
Duration 1 hour 20 min
Discover the authentic sailing thrill, of this family run business, as we glide along the tranquil Knysna Lagoon, navigate through the spectacular Knysna Heads and sail out into the open Indian Ocean.
Led by our passionate, expert crew aboard beautifully crafted yachts, our journeys are shaped by nature—designed to slow your pace, restore your senses, and reconnect with what matters most.
One of only two yacht operators permitted by SANParks to sail through the Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean.
To fully embody this luxurious experience, we only allow a maximum of 12 guests per vessel.
We harness the power of the wind, sailing with minimal environmental impact.
Exceptional safety standards with experienced skippers and crew. Service, professionalism and luxury no other operator in the Garden Route can match.
A unique combination of tranquil lagoon cruising and authentic open-ocean sailing
Awarded top 10% Best Adventure Operators in Africa - rest assured you are in exceptional hands with our team.
Eat. Drink. Play. Repeat.
Starry nights and bottomless bubbles.
Private cruises only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hat
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Something warm, as it can get chilly on the water, especially during the late afternoons. We do have blankets on board if you get cold.
Swimming cossie and Towel (should you want to swim)
Your camera or phone for those picture perfect moments.
From our jetty in front of Sirocco restaurant on Thesen Island in Knysna.
Yes, there is plenty of parking on Thesen Island, including dedicated spaces for large tour busses.
Yes of course. We have discounted rates for children under the age of 12 years on two of our vessels, Bella Vita and Bella Luna. If you’re planning to bring children, please ensure they are under constant parental supervision. For safety reasons, young children are required to wear life jackets at all times while onboard.
Yes, if the slot if available. You can book a private charter directly on line or you can reach out to us via the Watsapp link below. Private charters are fully customizable, and can take up to 12 people per boat.
Charters are mildly weather dependent; a bit of wind and rain does not put us off. In the case of stormy weather, our team will assist with rescheduling the excursion. Should a rescheduled cruise not be possible we will issue a refund.
We suggest though, that if you do not want to do the charter in less than perfect conditions, that you keep an eye on the weather and remember to adjust your booking before the cancellation policy timelines.
No, no outside food or drinks are allowed onboard. The boats all have well stocked bars as well as light snacks available for purchase.
Lara Bella includes a snack board with the Marine Eco Cruise and a Captain’s Braai with the sunset cruise. We can arrange oysters, a braai or alternate snacks upon request, however, these need to be ordered in advance.
Yes! Our catamaran cruises sail out into the Indian Ocean.
Please just note the ocean is an ever changing environment and that safe passage through the Knysna Heads is dependent on sea conditions and is thus impossible to guarantee ahead of time. A decision is made at the entrance to the heads during each cruise, at the sole discretion of the skipper.
Yes, as with most boats, it is done to protect the deck. We will ask you to leave your shoes in the dedicated basket before you get on board. Your shoes will be waiting for you on the jetty at the end of the charter. If you don’t like to be bare feet, you welcome to wear your socks. We have branded socks available to purchase on board. These socks have grip on the soles, which helps avoid slipping when moving around the boat.
As we set sail, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Knysna Estuary, perfectly framed by the iconic Knysna Heads. Once we glide out, you’ll be greeted by the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean and the stunning Garden Route coastline. Be sure to keep a lookout for local marine life; while we aren’t a dedicated whale-watching vessel, you might just get lucky and spot majestic whales and playful dolphins riding the waves.
