Although Knysna Town has no beach of its own, a choice of great swimming and surfing beaches lie just a short drive away.
However, the lagoon itself offers sheltered swimming and good kayaking through the marine estuary where you may find a secluded beach accessible only by water.
(Leisure Isle) – Sunbathe on the soft white sands of this 270m-long beach that lies on southern shore of the small island of Leisure Isle.
Go swimming in the shallow clear waters and enjoy the Indian Ocean through the gap between The Heads. Bollard Bay Beach is easily located along Bayswater Drive. Note: High tide offers the best swimming conditions.
Leisure Isle is around 6km from the centre of Knysna, around 10 minutes by car.
Pick a spot to unwind on this long golden-sand beach that offers excellent conditions for surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing.
Bring your own food and drinks, as there are no facilities. Flanked by the lush green vegetation of Knysna National Lake Area, this wide beach is perfect for beachcombing, jogging and long walks to Buffels Bay, a distance of around 5km away.
Brenton Beach is around 16km from Knysna, a 20-minute drive.
This gorgeous golden-sand beach sits beneath grass-covered sand dunes and the charming town of Buffels Bay (also known as Buffalo Bay), which perches on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Indian Ocean.
The beach continues uninterrupted to the west for more than 12km until it merges with Sedgefield Beach at Kingfisher Creek – perfect for long walks and beachcombing.
The east side of Buffels Bay offers one of the safest swimming beaches along the Garden Route, while the west side offers good surfing. Buffels Bay Beach is located around 21km from Knysna, a 20-minute drive.
Unwind on the soft white sand of this 600m-long beach that lies surrounded by forest-covered hills facing a beautiful cove.
The region offers spectacular scenery and is renowned among locals for its spacious holiday homes, built in the style of medieval castles. Take your own food and drinks to this beach, as there are no facilities.
Noetzie Beach is around 10km east of Knysna, a 20-minute drive.
Latest update: Best Beaches in Knysna: 3 January, 2023
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