Catamaran Sunset Cruise Knysna

Book the yacht for Private use or join a Group Cruise

What better way to enjoy an African sunset than from the vantage point of a luxury yacht.  The 2hr – 2hr 30min Sunset Cruise is a late afternoon excursion, which encompasses a scenic sail along the Knysna estuary, out through the Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean then returning to the tranquility of the lagoon for a lazy sail as the sun sets over the Outeniqua Mountains.

Receive a complimentary glass of bubbles upon boarding and if you are sailing on Lara Bella, you will be treated to our famous Captain’s Braai BBQ.  

Often joined by a pod of dolphins or a friendly seal, this remains, unrivaled, as the best sundowner location in the Garden Route.  

Book a Private Sunset cruise for the ultimate serene and sophisticated setting for romantic moments, special celebrations, or just time to reconnect with family and friends.

Each yacht offers a fully licensed bar on board, with a great selection of local South African wines and MCC to complement your cruise.  

Limited to only 12 guests, this cruise offers an intimate and elevated experience on the water.

The departure time and duration of this cruise varies slightly with the seasons, to align with the time the sun sets.  The Sunset Cruise departs once a day between 15:30 – 17:30.   (times depend on the season, there is a departure schedule below under departure time).

More details on each Catamaran to help you choose

LaraBella (55ft Catamaran)

Private Cruise from R 14 400
Join a Group from R1 790 pp (Under 12/years R1 790 )

Starts: between 15:30 – 17:30 (Departure times are dependent on the season)
Duration: 2hr – 2hr 30min
Includes: Complimentary glass of MCC upon boarding & Captains Braai (BBQ)  (Applicable to per person bookings only, please contact us to customize your private booking) 
Sails through the Knysna Heads. (ocean conditions permitting)

LaraBella our flagship vessel is equipped with all the luxuries of a large high end catamaran.  She is the larger of the boats in the fleet offering the best sailing experience in the Garden Route.  She is sleek and fast, handling the ocean waters with an elegance, like only a boat of this quality can.

Offering spacious trampolines, an above deck lounging space, covered outdoor seating area, outdoor shower, braai, wine cooler, coffee machine, fully stocked bar, large inside lounge saloon area,  beautiful cabins available to view as well as x2 guests bathrooms on board.

This vessel offers the ultimate PREMIUM “feel like a billionaire” sailing experience.

  • A well stocked bar onboard with a variety of drinks available for purchase
  • X2 guest toilets
  • Braai
  • Sound system
  • Covered outside and inside seating areas
  • Functional sails for true sailing experience
  • Professional skipper and crew

Bella Luna (40ft Catamaran)

Private cruise from R10 900
Join a Group from R 1090 pp (Under 12/years R 990)

Starts: between 15:30 – 17:30 (Departure times are dependent on the season)
Duration: 2hr – 2hr 30min 
Includes: Complimentary glass of MCC upon boarding (Applicable to per person bookings only, please contact us to customize your private booking) 
Sails through the Knysna Heads. (ocean conditions permitting)

Bella Luna is a modern 40ft luxury catamaran, offering all the bells and whistles a catamaran of this calibre should.   While slightly smaller than the flagship Lara Bella, she does not compromise on space or elegance.  This catamaran makes sailing look and feel effortless. 

Offering spacious trampolines, an above deck lounging space, covered outdoor seating area, outdoor shower, braai, wine cooler, fully stocked bar, large inside lounge saloon area,  beautiful cabins available to view as well as x2 guests bathrooms on board.

This vessel offers the ultimate “feel like a millionaire” sailing experience.

  • A well stocked bar onboard with a variety of drinks available for purchase
  • X2 guest toilets
  • Braai
  • Sound system
  • Covered outside and inside seating areas
  • Functional sails for true sailing experience
  • Professional skipper and crew

Your journey begins from the Sirocco Jetty on Thesen Island Knysna, where you’ll be greeted by our welcoming captain and crew before setting sail.

Depend on the season, refer to the departure schedule below for times.
Advanced bookings are essential to secure your preferred date.

catamaran-departure-times

  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Something warm, as it can get chilly on the water, especially during the late afternoons.
  • Towel (should you want to swim)

Our Catamarans each have a well stocked bar onboard with a variety of drinks available to purchase.

Lara Bella includes: a glass of MCC upon boarding as well as a Captains Braai / BBQ.  (300g of meat served with x2 sides)

Bella Luna includes: a glass of MCC upon boarding.  Snacks and fresh oysters are available on pre-order.

A maximum of just 12 guests onboard every cruise ensures space, comfort, and personalised attention.
Opt to join a small-group cruise or book one of the catamarans exclusively for a private charter experience.

Yes. As one of only two licensed operators allowed beyond the Knysna Heads, our catamarans sail into the Indian Ocean for an authentic wind-powered sailing experience.
(Passage through the Knysna Heads out into the open ocean is subject to Ocean conditions and is at the sole discretion of the skipper.  Regardless of our route, you can be assured of a memorable experience.) 

A diverse variety of lagoon, bird and ocean marine life are often encountered during the excursion.  pods of dolphins, cape fur seals, oyster catchers, sun fish, african darters, and even Whales in season when we are lucky. 

For more information on what you could see, have a look at our Marine Sightings page.

  • We don’t allow shoes onboard the boat. We will keep your shoes in our onboard storage, during the cruise. 
  • While we do have bathroom facilities onboard, we request that you use the restrooms on Thesen Island (opposite Tapas) before you board.

  • No smoking is allowed on board please.

Please Note; In the unlikely event that this boat is unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Ocean Sailing Charters reserve the right to utilize an alternative vessel for this experience.

Looking for something extraordinary?  Experience the freedom of a private catamaran cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, designed exclusively for you and your guests. Whether you’re looking for an elegant engagement shoot or an executive team event, celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic escape, or hosting a corporate gathering, our private charters offer an intimate, stylish, and fully customisable sailing experience. Create a tailor-made sailing itinerary with personalised timing, catering, and enhancements.

• Bottomless MCC Bubbles
• Gourmet snack platters
• Professional photographer
• Custom or themed decor styling
• Catering by local chefs
• Live music or curated playlists
• Branded corporate experiences

We craft a seamless, premium experience from start to finish.

Private cruise departure times vary seasonally. Please refer to the schedule when booking and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

• Snacks can be arranged from any of the surrounding restaurants 
• Medium Oysters
• Photographer
• Bottle of MCC
• Braai/BBQ (200g of meat with x2 sides)
• Ocean Sailing Cap 
• Ocean Sailing quick dry towel
• Live music
• In house charcuterie board
• Private chef

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