heads explorer catamaran

EXPLORE THE KNYSNA HEADS & BEYOND ON THE

KNYSNA HEADS EXPLORER

The Heads Explorer… escape the ordinary! Sailing is like flirting with life. Its like saying, “I would like to stay and love you, but I have to go, the sea is calling… it’s a passion.

Embark on an exquisite adventure onboard the beautiful Knysna Heads Explorer. Our Catamaran Cruises are perfect for those seeking adventure, romance, and unforgettable memories. Our luxurious 44 ft catamaran, the Heads Explorer, can accommodate up to 36 passengers, making it an exclusive experience to share with friends, family or team mates. Departing daily from Knysna Waterfront Harbour, our experienced skipper takes you on a breathtaking journey through the famous Knysna Headlands and out to the ocean beyond (weather permitting and groups of 12). We are fully licensed and have a bar onboard, allowing you to enjoy your favourite drinks while lounging on our trampolines, deck, or beanbags. Add sushi or an Island platter to enjoy with your friends. With tailored trips, private functions, and all-inclusive luxury experiences, we customise your trip to your liking, ensuring your every need and request is attended to. Spot dolphins, seals, birds, and even whales (in season) and take something very special back home with you on this unforgettable sailing adventure.

– Rika and Kevin Fouche

A Knysna heads adventure

We sail on the Knysna Lagoon and to the Heads & Indian Ocean and beyond (weather permitting), drop anchor at the beautiful turquoise Featherbed bay where we have lunch, swim and enjoy a day out in nature and the sunshine.

We depart daily from the Knysna Quays Waterfront.  There’s 4 cruises daily.  Departure times: 10h30, 12h30, 14h30. 16h30 – Sunset cruise   Platters and sparkling wine can be arranged. The Experience

• The catamaran yacht is licensed to go through the Heads and into the Indian Ocean weather permitting.
• Sail in style on the Knysna lagoon through the famous heads & beyond.
• See the magnificent coastline of Knysna.
• Sailing with your experienced skipper is an exclusive way to enjoy the splendour of the Lagoon & Ocean.
• View dolphins, seals, birds and, in season, whales.
• See the sun dipping into the ocean on our sunset cruise
• Return to the vibrant Knysna Waterfront after your cruise
• Full catering options can be arranged.
• Perfect for large or small groups – take up to 36pax
• Tailored trips and private functions can be arranged.
• Multiple Payment Options Available. (EFT or credit card facilities)
• Dress Code: Casual
• What to bring: light jacket, beach type shoes (no shoes allowed onboard)/ camera / sunblock

Explore The HEADS

Make sure you bring your camera or smartphone! Our cruise provides excellent photo opportunities of the magnificent Knysna Heads, and the beautiful Knysna lagoon and surrounds.

SOME knysna facts

Knysna oyster festival.

The Knysna Oyster Festival, held annually in late June/early July, is the town's biggest event. The duration of the festival is ten days. It was first held in 1983.

Knysna Speed Festival

The best-known hillclimb event in South Africa is held annually in early May during the Knysna Speed Festival, currently known as The Jaguar Simola Hillclimb.

Knysna Seahorse

The Knysna seahorse is endemic to South Africa and is the only seahorse species known to exclusively inhabit estuaries and has a short snout.

A bit of history

Knysna, from a Khoisan word meaning "place of wood", is a town with 85,708 inhabitants as of 2019 in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

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Departure point.

From the Heads Explorer Terminus at the Knysna Waterfront Harbour, Waterfront Drive. Park at the parking area, walk into the Waterfront past the shops, you will find the Sales Kiosk (Jolly Rogers Kiosk) to your right next to the harbour jetty. 

Departure times (4 cruises daily).  Daily: 10h30, 12h30, 14h30. Duration 90 minutes.  (Our Yachts are Baby & Senior friendly) 

Dress Code: Casual

What to bring: Light Jacket, Barefoot, (no shoes allowed onboard),  Camera / Sunblock / Beach Towels for private yachting.

Hoist the Sails and Plan Your Cruise!

Choose from a revitalising morning sail, a lazy leisure & afternoon cruise or a relaxing sunset cruise…

Leisure Sail  (Popular sail) 

Join us for laidback sail along the estuary into the magnificent Heads where we will show you the opening to the mighty Indian Ocean, the beauty of the magnificent cliffs and any possible sea life. Our capable skipper will decide if the conditions of the sea are favourable and safe before sailing out to sea for 15 minutes. (Please note we are limited to exit the Heads with a maximum of 12 passengers before sailing out to sea; all trips are weather, and safety permitted, we can’t guarantee conditions.) 

Duration: 90 minutes

Times: 10h30 / 12h30 / 14h30 

Cost: R600 per adult / R300 children (2-12y)

Sunset Sail 

Sail in style on the Knysna Lagoon into the mesmerising Headlands.

The catamaran is licensed to motor sail through the Heads into the Indian Ocean with a maximum of 12 passengers. If we have more than 12 passengers onboard, we will linger in the Heads long enough for you to take in the beauty of the landscape & might Indian Ocean, we guarantee you will take lots of photos.

Sailing with your experienced skipper is an exclusive and safe way to enjoy the splendour of the Lagoon, the mesmerising Headlands and mighty Indian Ocean.  Viewing dolphins, seals, birds and, in season, whales is a bonus while we linger in the Heads or out at sea. Return to the vibrant Knysna Waterfront with all it’s boutique shops and a selection of three top-10 restaurants after the sail. 

Optional: at R150 per head extra – Order a delicious anti-pasta platter and a glass of sparkling wine to accompany you on your sunset cruise. (Pre-booking important as we need time to order the platters).  Sailing & Picnic, they go hand-in-hand! Passengers are welcome to bring along own baskets full of foodie delights and a couple bottles of wine along to celebrate the spectacular views while feasting & listening to great music.

Time: 16h30

Cost Cruise Only:   R600 per adult / R300 children (2-12y) (welcome to bring own foodie delights and bottle of wine)

Cost with optional catering: R750 adults/R450 kids: Cruise with anti-pasta platter with glass of sparkling wine.