Knysna: Sightseeing Cruise on Coquette

Knysna, a picturesque town on South Africa’s Garden Route, offers a unique sightseeing experience aboard the historic Coquette. This intimate cruise along the tranquil Knysna Lagoon promises breathtaking vistas of the iconic Knysna Heads and lush landscapes, all while a knowledgeable captain regales passengers with captivating commentary. Whether you’re a nature lover or a foodie, the opportunity to enhance your journey with pre-ordered snacks and drinks, including fresh oysters and premium champagne, makes this outing a truly enchanting one. However, the true allure of this cruise lies in the vessel’s remarkable history and the chance to witness the lagoon’s natural beauty up close.

Key Points

• The 1-hour sightseeing cruise on the historic Thames River Launch offers unique views of Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads.
• Passengers can enjoy pre-ordered snacks and beverages, including champagne options, while listening to the knowledgeable captain’s educational commentary.
• The cruise departs daily from the Turbine hotel on Thesen Island and provides a flexible booking experience with reserve now, pay later options.
• The classic design and wooden interiors of the Thames River Launch create a nostalgic ambiance, making it the oldest operating vessel in Africa.
• The scenic journey showcases the serene beauty of Knysna Lagoon, with its tranquil waters, islets, and lush hills, providing a unique perspective of the stunning landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Overview

What better way to explore the natural beauty of Knysna than aboard the 104-year-old Thames River Launch, the oldest operating vessel in Africa?

This 1-hour sightseeing cruise departs daily from the Turbine hotel on Thesen Island, offering a unique perspective of the Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads.

The knowledgeable captain provides educational and entertaining commentary throughout the journey, ensuring passengers gain a deeper appreciation for the area’s rich history and natural wonders.

With flexible booking options and the availability of pre-ordered snacks and drinks, this cruise is an ideal way to experience the stunning landscapes of Knysna.

Pricing and Booking

The Knysna Sightseeing Cruise offers flexible booking options, with prices starting from $28.45 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, and they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pre-ordering snacks and drinks is also available, providing a more enjoyable experience.

• Reserve now & pay later
• Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund
• Pre-order snacks and drinks
• Pricing from $28.45 per person

Onboard Experience

Aboard the Knysna Sightseeing Cruise, passengers can expect a knowledgeable captain to provide educational and entertaining commentary throughout the journey.

Scenic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads are the highlights of the experience.

For those looking to enhance their cruise, pre-ordered snacks and drinks, including ice-cold bubbly, fresh oysters, and a selection of champagne options, are available.

The champagne choices range from the luxurious Dom Perignon at R6000 to the more affordable Moët & Chandon Brut at R1300 and Veuve Clicquot at R1700.

The cruise offers a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the Knysna Lagoon while indulging in local delicacies.

Food and Beverage Options

The cruise offers a fully licensed bar for various pre-ordered drink options. Passengers can choose from an array of champagne, including prestigious labels like Dom Perignon at R6000, Moët & Chandon Brut at R1300, and Veuve Clicquot at R1700.

Along With bubbly, the menu features:

• Snack platters to accompany the drinks
• Fresh, locally-sourced oysters
• A selection of other champagne varieties
• Non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer a softer option

Whether you’re seeking a celebratory glass of champagne or a light snack to enjoy on the water, the cruise’s food and beverage offerings cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

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Accessibility and Meeting Point

Unfortunately, the cruise isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The meeting point for the Knysna Sightseeing Cruise is located at Thesen Harbor, which can be accessed by taking a left turn at the roundabout after crossing the bridge to Thesen Island.

The vessel, a 104-year-old Thames River Launch, may present accessibility challenges for those with limited mobility. Passengers should be aware of the potential difficulties in boarding and disembarking the vessel.

While the cruise offers a unique sightseeing experience on the Knysna Lagoon, individuals with mobility concerns may need to explore alternative tour options in the area.

Vessel History and Features

The Knysna Sightseeing Cruise is aboard the 104-year-old Thames River Launch, the oldest operating vessel in Africa. This historic vessel offers a unique sightseeing experience, transporting passengers through the stunning Knysna Lagoon.

• The Thames River Launch was originally built in 1919 in England and has been meticulously maintained, preserving its old-world charm.

• The vessel’s classic design and wooden interiors create an elegant ambiance, transporting passengers back in time.

• With a capacity of 35 passengers, the cruise provides an intimate and personalized experience.

• The knowledgeable captain shares fascinating insights about the area’s history and natural wonders throughout the journey.

Scenic Route and Highlights

As the Thames River Launch gently glides across the tranquil waters of the Knysna Lagoon, passengers are treated to a scenic journey filled with breathtaking vistas.

The cruise showcases the iconic Knysna Heads, the dramatic cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon. Along the way, the knowledgeable captain provides insightful commentary, sharing the history and natural wonders of the area.

Passengers can marvel at the serene beauty of the lagoon, spotted with islets and surrounded by lush, verdant hills.

The cruise offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning landscape from the comfort of the historic vessel.

Cruise Duration and Schedule

The Knysna Sightseeing Cruise offers a 1-hour journey aboard the historic Thames River Launch, departing daily from the Turbine hotel on Thesen Island.

This 104-year-old vessel, the oldest operating in Africa, provides a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads.

The cruise operates:

• Daily departures
• English-language service
• Flexible booking options with the ability to reserve now and pay later
• Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing sightseeing experience or an opportunity to indulge in some bubbly and fresh oysters, the Knysna Sightseeing Cruise has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. The operator offers a selection of pre-ordered snacks, drinks, and champagne options that can be purchased for the on-board experience.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?

The cruise is not explicitly marketed for children, though families are welcome. It’s best suited for adults due to the duration, lack of dedicated child-friendly activities, and limited accessibility for those with mobility impairments.

Is the Vessel Wheelchair Accessible?

The cruise is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the vessel is not wheelchair accessible. The meeting point is also not easily accessible for those with mobility challenges.

Do I Need to Pre-Book the Cruise?

Yes, it’s recommended to pre-book the cruise. Booking in advance secures your spot and allows you to take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the departure.

Can I Disembark at Different Points Along the Route?

Unfortunately, the cruise does not offer the option to disembark at different points along the route. It is a round-trip journey, with boarding and disembarking occurring at the same location on Thesen Island.

The Sum Up

The Knysna Lagoon sightseeing cruise aboard the historic Coquette offers an enchanting opportunity to experience the area’s natural beauty and rich history. With breathtaking views, informative commentary, and the option to enhance the journey with delectable food and drinks, this cruise is a must for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a unique and memorable outing in Knysna.

You can check if your dates are available here: