Sun’s out: Find the best beaches in and around Knysna

A visit to the Knysna, the “Pearl of the Garden Route” wouldn’t be complete without spending some time on one of these magnificent beaches in and around the popular coastal community.

If you are planning to head up to the Garden Route International Film Festival in October, make sure to stop off at one of these fantastic beaches for a picnic or a swim.

Knysna’s best beaches

Bollard Beach (Leisure Island, 3,5km from Knysna)

Safe for swimming with gently lapping waves and plenty of shallow waters for kids to splash around in, Bollard Beach is perfect for families with small children.

With magnificent views of the Knysna Heads, the main beach on Leisure Island offers an array of fun activities to enjoy — at high tide, swim, fish, canoe, or sail, while the low tide is ideal for pumping prawns for bait and a walk across the sand towards the Heads.

Brenton Beach (Brenton-on-Sea, 5,5km away)

Described as one of the world’s best beaches by locals and visitors alike, Brenton Beach can be found in the quaint seaside village of Brenton-on-Sea on the western side of the Knysna Heads.

A wonderful beach with rocks to clamber over, rock pools to explore and take cooling dips, and long, sandy stretches for relaxing beach walks and shell seeking, a visit to Brenton Beach is a must.

Sparrebosch Beach (Pezula Golf Estate)

This secluded, private beach on the Pezula Golf Estate is a tranquil slice of heaven.

Although it has fairly steep access, once down on the beach, you will feel like you are on a tropical island. Swim, fish, or simply relax in the tranquil beauty that surrounds you without anyone else around.

Buffalo Bay (10km from Knysna)

Lying 10km to the southwest of Knysna is the glorious Buffalo Bay, which offers long, white sandy shores and excellent surf. Loved by locals and travellers alike, the beach is a short walk from the town on Brenton-on-Sea and is usually dotted with beach walkers, shell seekers, and salt-encrusted surfers.

Noetzie Beach (10km away)

If you are looking for something completely off the beaten track and far from the madding crowds, then Noetzie Beach is a must.

Located just 10km out of Knysna and bordered by a private nature reserve, access to the beach is on a bumpy gravel road to a small parking lot, and from there down a forest path to the beach where you will be met with breath-taking beauty. Footprint-free sands surrounded by thick indigenous forests and azure waters… it is truly paradise found.

The sea can be rough and the currents fairly strong here, so care needs to be taken when swimming in the sea, otherwise, there is a beautiful lagoon and river in which to take a dip. No dogs are allowed, but due to being a conservancy, expect to see baboons, monkeys, amazing birds, and if you are lucky a snake or bushbuck can be spotted.