Kayaking in Knysna Lagoon: Self-guided rental

Paddle the lagoon on your own schedule, stop where you want

Rent a single kayak in Knysna and paddle the lagoon from Thesen Island on your own terms, with life jacket and paddle supplied. No experience needed. The boats are stable and easy to handle. Rentals run hourly, so you choose how long to stay out. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and swimming ability is required.

The experience

You pick up your kayak at the Jetty in front of Sirocco Restaurant on Thesen Island and head out into the Knysna Lagoon whenever you're ready. The rental is hourly, so there's no fixed itinerary: stop at a beach, drift in the sun, explore a cove, turn back whenever you want. Life jackets and paddles come with the boat. A safety briefing happens before you launch, and the guide is there in English to answer questions.

First-time kayakers find the boats stable and straightforward to steer. Families bring kids as long as each child stays with an adult and can swim. Bring sunblock and a sunhat. The water reflects hard and there's no shade once you're out. Leave phones and cameras on shore. There are no dry bags for electronics, and the lagoon is saltwater. A windbreaker helps if the afternoon turns breezy.

National Park fees are included in the rental rate. Public transport runs near the jetty if you need it to get there. The whole setup is built around moving at your own pace, not following a guide's schedule or a set route.

What’s included

• Life jacket and paddle.
• safety briefing.
• National Park fees.
• hourly rental on your own schedule.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Knysna Boat Charters

Is this one for you?Hourly rental means you set the pace and the duration, so it suits anyone who wants to explore without committing to a fixed tour length or following a guide's route. The lagoon stays calm and the boats are forgiving, which works for families and first-time paddlers as long as everyone in the group can swim.

Traveler reviews

4.14★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need kayaking experience to rent a boat in Knysna?

No previous experience is necessary. The kayaks are stable and easy to manoeuvre, and a safety briefing is included before you launch. First-time paddlers and families find them straightforward to handle.

What's included with the kayak rental?

Life jacket, paddle, safety briefing and National Park fees are all included. You supply your own sunblock, sunhat and windbreaker.

Can I bring my phone or camera on the water?

Bringing phones or cameras is not advised. There are no dry bags for electronic equipment, and saltwater and splashing make them risky. Leave them on shore.

Where do kayak rentals depart from in Knysna?

Rentals depart daily from the Jetty in front of Sirocco Restaurant on Thesen Island. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need transport to get there.