Boat Trips in Garden Route: 9 Sorted by Price

1.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Our pick

Meet at 8am at Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club for a four-hour cruise with Raggy Charters. A small group of up to 20 boards a twin-engine catamaran to look for humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins at St. Croix Island. Crew members, including Jake, explain local wildlife and conservation.

“We were in a small group on the boat and were lucky enough to see a pod of 200 dolphins, penguins hunting for fish and some seals sunbathing. The team really care about the wildlife and spent time explaining to us the different animal behaviRead more”

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2.Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 445 reviews · 1h 15m · from $31Best value

From Thesen Island, your English-speaking skipper takes you across Knysna’s estuary toward the dramatic Heads on the Oyster Boat. Expect open views, local stories, birds, fish, and perhaps a sealion. Guides such as Justin, Bryan, Jake, and Kyle are praised for friendly, clear explanations. Bring sun protection and arrive ready for a relaxed 75-minute ride.

“Very nice guide he did the tour even if it was only two of us.”

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3.Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 362 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Join Ocean Safaris Garden Route for a two-hour whale-watching cruise from Plettenberg Bay. A 400-horsepower cat-style boat launches straight from the beach, with guides such as Andy, PK, and Ashwin helping you spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Morning departures are the safer bet in changeable weather.

“Loved the entire experience. We got what we paid for and I would definitely recommend doing the whale watching tour”

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4.Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 217 reviews · 1h 30m · from $31

Cruise Knysna Lagoon aboard the Bella Vita with an English or Afrikaans-speaking skipper, often including guides such as Stefan, Dylan, Ben, or Andre. Expect calm bays, sunset views, the Knysna Heads, blankets when it cools, and a small group of up to 12. Oysters, snacks, and drinks can be preordered at extra cost.

“Had a great time, also not too packed you are able to move around!. I'd do it again.”

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5.Knysna: Wine & Oyster Luxury Lounger Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

Spend 90 slow-paced minutes aboard a comfortable lounge cruiser on Knysna Estuary. Your English-speaking guide, who may be Justin, Ryan, Benjamin, or another member of the team, shares local stories while you enjoy three oysters, award-winning South African white wine, and sunset views toward the Knysna Heads. Boats carry up to 12 people.

“Justin was a great guide and very knowledgeable! The oyster and wine were superb. Would definitely recommend!”

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6.Knysna: Luxury Sunset Cruise with Captain’s Barbeque

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 2 hours · from $111

Meet your skipper at Sirocco Restaurant Jetty on Thesen Island for a two-hour sunset cruise aboard a 55-foot catamaran. You’ll pass Leisure Isle and Featherbed Nature Reserve, enter the Knysna Heads if weather allows, and head toward the Indian Ocean. A glass of bubbly, snacks, and barbecue are included when selected. Afrikaans and English are spoken.

“From the moment we stepped onto the yacht & stepped off it 2.5hrs later was a marvellous experience”

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7.River Cruise on the Sundays River

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 112 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $37

Board near A Taste of Africa for a 90 to 150 minute cruise along the Sundays River. Guides such as Adam and Rob share local background as you pass birdlife and the Alexandria Coastal Dune field. The boat stops at a high dune, where you can climb for bay views. Bring your own drinks, snacks, hat, and sunscreen.

“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, the breath taking beauty of the river that expose you to the ocean was marvelous. The view of the sand dunes......I can do this repeatedly”

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8.Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 2h 30m · from $124

Set sail from Knysna Waterfront aboard the 50-foot mono hull yacht Outeniqua. Your skipper and deck crew guide you across the lagoon and, sea conditions allowing, through Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean. Expect a small 12-person group, two glasses of Cap Classique, cheeses, fruit, savory snacks, and a sunset return.

“A lovely evening cruise with an expert and very friendly crew”

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9.Knysna Lagoon: Boat Cruise with Oyster & White Wine Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 93 reviews · 1h 30m · from $46

From Thesen Island Harbour Town, you’ll cruise Knysna Lagoon toward the Heads while an English-speaking guide explains oyster culture, wild and cultivated oysters, and local history. Taste six fresh oysters with white wine, hear stories from guides such as Ryan, and return after 90 minutes. Bring sun protection and expect an open-air boat experience.

“Very knowledgeable guide. Unfortunately, due to environmental concerns, there isn't any real oyster farm in the area to be seen, but good value for the quality of oyster and wine”

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