Your Guide to the Waterways of Knysna

Technically an estuary, the Knysna Lagoon stretches inland from the Indian Ocean, its waters flowing in and out through the dramatic gap between the famous Knysna Heads. As you can imagine, this sheltered tidal system is incredibly rich in marine life and is one of the few places you can find the endangered Knysna seahorse. It is also a haven for water sports; kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and gentle sunset cruises are all popular ways to explore the Knysna Lagoon and its surrounding waterways.

The shoreline of the lagoon is dotted with restaurants and cafés, making it easy to blend sightseeing with a taste of local seafood. For the best panoramic views, head to the East Head Viewpoint, where the full sweep of the lagoon makes the perfect backdrop for your family holiday snap!

About 30 minutes from Knysna, near the town of Sedgefield, Swartvlei Lake is the longest and deepest of the lakes in Wilderness National Park. Fringed by sand dunes and coastal fynbos, it’s a haven for fishing, windsurfing, and birdwatching, especially in winter when migratory species return. For roughly half the year, the lake connects to the sea, with its mouth opening and closing naturally, though occasionally managed to prevent flooding after heavy rains. Its calm, shallow stretches are perfect for families, while the surrounding shoreline invites picnics, gentle walks, and quiet moments watching the water shift with the tides.

Unique among the Garden Route’s bodies of water, Groenvlei Lake is a freshwater gem tucked between Knysna and Sedgefield within the Goukamma Nature Reserve. With no inflowing rivers and only an underground link to the sea, its still waters support six fish species, including the much-sought-after Largemouth bass. Anglers can obtain freshwater fishing and boating permits from the reserve office, while canoe hire offers a peaceful way to explore the dam, paddling along its shores with a pair of binoculars nearby for when a birding opportunity presents itself!

Flowing gently into the sea at Buffalo Bay, the Goukamma River forms an estuary that’s rich in biodiversity. This waterway falls within the boundaries of the larger Goukamma Marine Protected Area, meaning the waters are clean, undisturbed, and teeming with life. Canoeing up the river is a memorable way to spend a few hours, with kingfishers darting overhead and fish breaking the surface beside your paddle. Buffalo Bay itself offers a stunning beach for swimming or sunbathing after your morning on the water.

If you’re up to travelling just under an hour from Knysna, the interconnected lagoons and rivers of Wilderness National Park are well worth the trip. The Touw River, Serpentine River, and Island Lake form a maze of waterways flanked by forest and reed beds. The park offers kayak rentals, hiking trails, and picnic spots, and it’s one of the most scenic areas for nature photography in the region. Early mornings here are often misty and magical, with the water’s surface glassy and still.