Knysna heads
The Knysna Heads are a pair of cliffs at the Knysna Lagoon that separate it from the sea. It is a famous landmark along Garden Route. The east head with its spectacular views of the channel, the estuary, the Outeniqua mountains and the ocean are accessible by car.
The areas around the Knysna Heads are mostly NOT safe for watersports. canoeing, kayaking or swimming is risky. With a width of about 230 metres and an Average tidal flow: of 1,000 cubic metres per second –the maximum flow is, 2,000 m3/s. The tidal rise and fall at spring tide get to 1.8 metres).
There are several little beaches and rock pools that can be reached via the East Head. These are a great launching area for snorkellers, stand-up paddlers, canoeists, paddlers, kayakers and kiteboarders. However, always check the changing tides before you embark on any watersport.
This is a popular snorkelling and scuba diving site. The wreck of the Paquita can be visited by keen divers. The ship came to rest in this area. Most of the wreck has weathered away but there is ample sea life to be seen at GPS: S34 04.598 E23 03.561
You will need a 4×4 to access The West Head since there are no public roads to it. However, there is a ferry trip you can take across the lagoon. The ferry leaves regularly from the waterfront. The Featherbed Nature Reserve is situated on The West Head.
A trip to the reserve includes the ferry trip across the lagoon a 4 x 4 trip up the headland, and a 2.2-kilometre walk which is not too demanding. You will get to see the coastal forest and fynbos and the ancient caves in the area.
There are charters to The Heads which include sunset cruises, oyster cruises and lagoon cruises
Knysna Heads – S34 04.661 E23 03.621
Check the sea temperature here
Check the tide times here
