Boat

Our complimentary 90-minute lagoon cruise

One of the highlights at The St James of Knysna is our complimentary 90-minute lagoon cruise on our barge “The Boat”. Reserved exclusively for our in-house guests, this journey explores the upper reaches of the Knysna Lagoon.

Departing from our private jetty, the cruise meanders upriver, giving our guests a unique glimpse into a side of the Knysna Lagoon that is less widely explored. Along the way, you’ll experience local history, spot indigenous birds, take in the surrounding lush greenery, and catch sight of the lagoon’s diverse marine life.

Our cruise is the perfect way to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle. With water gently lapping against the side of the boat, you can simply unwind and soak in the stunning views while gliding across the lagoon. Perfect for couples or solo travellers with inviting spots to sit back and let the world drift quietly by.

Onboard Picnic

To elevate the experience, you can arrange a delightful picnic onboard. Sip champagne, savour delicious treats, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings as you cruise the lagoon.

At The St James of Knysna, luxury is often found in the quietest moments—and this boat cruise is one of them. Simply chat to one of our helpful and friendly staff members to arrange a time for this magical experience!

Fun Facts

The Knysna Lagoon is technically an estuary, where the freshwater river meets and mixes with the Indian Ocean, creating an extremely rich and dynamic ecosystem. The Knysna Lagoon (estuary) is one of the most biodiverse landscapes in South Africa, and the conservation of it is extremely important.

The lagoon forms part of the Garden Route National Park, a mosaic of diverse protected areas managed as one park by SANParks. It combines several existing reserves and forests, creating a continuous conservation corridor along South Africa’s southern coast.