Knysna Lagoon: Vintage Boat Cruise on Coquette Launch

Summary

Classic wooden boat cruise Knysna lagoon with local stories

You’ll feel the grain of century-old mahogany as you board Coquette in Knysna, hear local stories from your captain on the way to the Heads, sip drinks while gulls wheel overhead, and catch those small silences when everyone’s watching for eagles or just soaking up the lagoon light. It’s not fancy — it’s honest, warm, and quietly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wood to feel so smooth under my hand — it’s this old mahogany, polished by who knows how many palms over a century. We met at Thesen Island, where the air smelled like salt and something sweet from the bakeries nearby. Our captain, Peter (who’s apparently lived in Knysna his whole life), just grinned and said, “She’s older than me — but only just.” I laughed, but honestly, Coquette does look pretty good for 102.

The lagoon was quiet except for gulls and that soft clink of glasses when someone ordered a drink. It’s not a long ride out to the Knysna Heads — maybe half an hour if you don’t count the slow drifting when Peter started telling stories about shipwrecks and old timber yards. There’s something about being out there that makes you listen harder. The wind picked up a bit and I could smell brine and engine oil (not in a bad way — just real). I tried to say “Knysna” properly and Li laughed; I probably butchered it again.

It wasn’t crowded — just us and two families with kids bundled up against the winter chill. Someone pointed out a fish eagle overhead. For a second everyone went quiet, even the kids. I still think about that view through the Heads — light bouncing off the water, all those green hills crowding in. It felt like we were part of Knysna’s story for an hour or so. And then suddenly we were back at Thesen Island, hands cold but hearts kind of warm, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Knysna Lagoon boat cruise

• Embark at Thesen Island
• Enjoy cruise aboard Coquette
• View Knysna Heads
• Food and drinks available

Top questions

Where does the Knysna boat cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Thesen Island in Knysna.

How long is the vintage boat Coquette?

Coquette is a 102-year-old mahogany launch currently used for cruises.

Is food or drink available on board?

Yes, food and drinks are available during the cruise.

Are children allowed on this Knysna boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; service animals are allowed.

Does the cruise include safety equipment?

All safety gear and life jackets are carried aboard for every passenger.

What route does this Knysna Lagoon cruise take?

The round trip goes from Thesen Island to the Knysna Heads and back.

What’s included

Your time includes all required safety gear and life jackets onboard Coquette, plus drinks or snacks available for purchase as you travel roundtrip from Thesen Island to the Knysna Heads before returning relaxed to shore.