South Africa · BOAT TOURS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 boat tours in the Garden Route worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
A 75-minute guided Oyster Boat cruise from Thesen Island to Knysna Heads, with sunny views and local history for $31.
“The activity was awesome. I liked the comfort of the boat and how knowledgeable about the area the driver of the boat was. The driver was very friendly.”
2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat whale watch with beach launch, close sightings in season, dolphins, seals, and rain gear.
“Such a slick, well managed ride with delightful guides. We had a magical adventure hunting with dolphins and “playing” with a young humpbacked whale!”
Sail a small-group Knysna Lagoon sunset cruise, see the Knysna Heads at golden hour, and add optional oysters and drinks onboard.
“A stupid error on my part. Got the wrong day. Rang. No problem. New trip arranged. Turned out we were only passengers. Guide was fantastic. Lagoon is gorgeous. This a peaceful, sit back and relax activity. Kids had a go steering boat and loved it. Highly recommend.”
2-hour whale watching from Thesen Harbour, Knysna. Humpback and southern right sightings, plus dolphins and estuary views.
“Our Guide was the best. We got to see Dolphin, Seelions and more than one Whale.”
A 1h15 Knysna Lagoon cruise on the vintage mahogany Coquette to the Knysna Heads, with onboard drinks and stories.
“Educational, funny and impressive. Our guide was exceptional. A wonderfully entertaining trip. Nothing else to say”
Knysna sunset cruise with award winning white wine and fresh oysters on a luxury lounger boat. 90 minutes of calm views and guides.
“Had a great experience, and the history around Knysna was well explained. Blankets were provided as it was cold on the boat. Would definitely recommend this.”
2-hour Gansbaai whale watching along De Kelders cliffs for southern right whales, dolphins, seals and more with an English guide.
“Once in a lifetime experience 😍 Had a great guide, perfect communication before the tour and was so blessed to see the incredible whales! Thanks for this opportunity 😍”
Luxury sunset sailing in Knysna on a small catamaran, past the Heads, with bubbly and a captain’s BBQ, plus snacks included.
“Thank you very much for this nights boat tour. The food was delicious and the sunrise also thank you very much greetings Roland and Angélique.”
2.5-hour Knysna sunset sailing cruise for up to 12 people with a light dinner spread, wine, and possible ocean views through the Heads.
“Such a great experience. Great crew onboard who were most friendly and hospitable. We sailed wind powered through the heads and were even lucky enough to see some humpback dolphins. the platter snacks and drinks were also top notch. would highly reccomend.”
A 90-minute Knysna Lagoon boat cruise with oyster tasting and white wine, plus guided stops around the Knysna Heads.
“loved the scenery, the oysters and the guides knowledge of the lagoon was very good”
A 90-minute whale-watching cruise from Plettenberg Bay, with surf launches, seal colony hopes, and chances at Southern Right and humpbacks.
“It was a very exciting experience The guide was great. He explained a lot, and it showed a lot. it was a really great experience”
Cruise Knysna Lagoon on the BellaVita luxury lounge cruiser for views of Knysna Heads, wildlife spotting, and optional champagne and oysters.
Spot dolphins, sharks, and Cape fur seals off Robberg Peninsula on a 90-minute boat tour from Plettenberg Bay.
“It was enjoyable and lots of fun. The guides were informative. However we didn’t think it was suitable for tiny babies and small children. It is not a Disneyland ride!”
Cruise Knysna Lagoon on the Tom Cruiser, spot the Thesen Islands, enjoy commentary and a swim, with sunset options at the Water Club.
Gansbaai combo boat trip with a shark cage dive off Dyer Island and southern right whale watching in Walker Bay, plus breakfast.
“Shark Diving was absolutely great, the driver arrived on time and the drive to Gansbaai was smooth. They gave us breakfast and briefing before heading to the boat. We went in the cage for two dives of about 15 minutes each. We saw so many bronze whaler sharks. When we came back lunch was waiting for us and then we got back to Cape town. We couldn’t do the whale watching due to the strong wind in the afternoon, it got canceled. We got a refund. Totally worth it”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
