May 19, 2025

Ocean Sailing Charters: Sunset Cruise Knysna, South Africa

Discover the ocean state of mind ….

While there are plenty of reasons to visit this scenic coastal town on the Garden Route, sailing on the Knysna lagoon on a luxurious catamaran is the perfect way to unwind.

With a sigh of anticipation, I stepped onto the jetty, admiring the catamaran‘s sleek design and spacious deck, which provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable sunset experience.

The sails tightened and the boat set sail away from the safety of the shore. As it pushed its way through the water, we made ourselves comfortable on one of the trampolines and we were on our way on Larabella, Ocean Sailing Charters’s flagship luxury catamaran. Music set the atmosphere on the deck while we sipped at our complimentary sparkling wine and took in the views.

Location

Our sunset sail cruise was on the Knysna Lagoon, which is in the most pristine part of the Garden Route, a coastal stretch that runs from the Outeniqua to the Tsitsikamma Mountain range, of which Knysna is the heart. A town situated on the shores of a protected natural basin guarded by two huge geological formations known as the Knysna Heads, which are two towering sandstone cliffs that rise from the sea, forming a narrow, organic opening into the Indian Ocean. This marvel must be one of the most striking natural geographical features along the entire Southern African coastline. Views along this jagged-edged coast include small hidden beaches bordered by indigenous fynbos and weathering sandstone formations, which, through time, created alluring picturesque coves and mysterious stone caverns.  To complete it all, the line of forests and the blue mountains in the distance create the perfect backdrop for this remarkable vista.

Sun, Wind and Tide

As sailing is a relished Knysna experience, several boat operators take visitors from the lagoon, through the heads to the ocean and back again. The lively Waterfront area of Knysna is lined with gently bobbing sailboats and atmospheric restaurants offering fresh seafood, world-class oysters and magnificent views. There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than breathing in the fresh ocean air while gazing out over the blue horizon with the African sun on your skin.

What sets Ocean Sailing Charters apart from its competitors is its luxury catamarans. The company is a family owner-managed business and operated venture and I could feel this with the extra level of care that went into the experience. They have a team of passionate people who have brought together their love for travel, fun, sailing, good food and excellent wine. We sat back while we were treated to a marvellous escape on the most luxurious catamaran in the Garden Route. The tranquillity of being on the water was very calming as a soft, warm wind blew gently as we sailed on towards the Knysna Heads.

The boat glided smoothly across the calm waters with its sails billowing in the gentle breeze, and there was an opportunity to keep an eye out for playful seals and dolphins, and other majestic marine life.

Testing the waters

As we approached the point in the channel to exit the lagoon, an ominous swell developed in the Heads, the tide was coming in, and there was news of a blustery storm brewing at sea. The experience and confidence of the crew comforted us and were evident as the skipper carefully guided the boat through the swells. The sky darkened, the wind picked up, and the waves crashed against the coastline, driven by increasingly strong winds. The sea swells became towering, then another boat emerged from the mist like a ghostly apparition. Life jackets were hastily put on all passengers, and wine glasses were whipped away in steadiness for the rough waters ahead.

The salty spray kissed my face as the wind filled the sails, and the strong wind streamed through my hair, and the chill nipped our faces. Even with this change in weather, we all had a sense of excitement and harmony with the boat and the elements.

Although a catamaran sailing on swells at sea experiences a unique blend of motion and stability, our captain decided to turn around and head back to the calm lagoon as he decided that it would be too dangerous to try and manoeuvre through the rogue waves.

On a calmer day, the journey would take us out to the glistering ocean and depending on the duration of the cruise, there would be ample time for lazing in the sun, supping on stand-up paddle boards, as well as swimming and snorkelling.

Dinner is served

Once back in the lagoon we were able to unwind and witness a spectacular sunset with a blaze of orange and red across the sky while being treated to the delicious local flavours of the captain’s braai, (BBQ) while sipping on ice-cold drinks and feasting on steak, complimented by an array of tasty salads and garlic bread.

It was astonishing that the crew managed to perfectly cook the fillet steak while guiding the boat and us through that rough patch of swells, having the dinner ready in time for the sunset on the calm waters of the lagoon.

The golden glow of the setting sun that transformed into watercolour hues of pink and lavender across the sky and over the lagoon was magnificent.

Our return, after dinner, was past the old Tapas Jetty on Thesen Island, then past the Knysna Yacht Club and before turning back into the Knysna Quays. This was quite unexpected and a welcome addition of being able to see the waterfront from a different angle. By the time we docked, the sun was just slipping over the horizon, and the views over the glass-like lagoon were immaculate.

Sail fast, live slow

Experience the thrill of adventure as you explore Knysna, which is the “heart and soul” of exploration and adventure along the Garden Route. Its natural surroundings make this the destination for sightseeing, foodie experiences, leisure adventures and recreational sport, be it on the water, on land or in the air. Ocean Sailing Charters is part of the signature Cape Country Routes Collection of carefully selected activities and accommodation in South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape as they invite you to step into their world and discover the difference.

As I discovered the ocean state of mind, the journey was like a dance with whispers in the wind and a sea worthy of dreams.