Things to do near The Drift-In at Nautilus Cove

Discover Adventure, Nature & Local Fun Within ~40 km of The Drift-in at Nautilus Cove, Knysna Central

Nestled in the heart of Knysna Central, The Drift-In at Nautilus Cove is your perfect base to explore the best of the Garden Route. Whether you crave forest trails, wildlife encounters, adrenaline adventures, or local culture, everything is just a short walk or drive away.

Ziplining in the Knysna forests.

Nature & Outdoor Exploration

  1. Pledge Nature Reserve (1km) – Short walk or a few minutes’ drive from your accommodation — this small nature reserve within Knysna offers forest trails, native flora and birdwatching right in town.
  2. Featherbed Nature Reserve (4 km by ferry from Knysna Waterfront) – A protected coastal paradise on the Western Head offering guided eco-tours, viewpoints, and nature walks with lagoon and ocean panoramas.
  3. Garden of Eden (16 km) – Boardwalk trails under a dense indigenous canopy — an easy, shaded forest walk with interpretive signs, perfect for families.
  4. Goukamma Nature Reserve (18 km) – Hike coastal dunes, kayak down the Goukamma River, or spot rare bird species in this UNESCO World Heritage coastal reserve.
  5. Jubilee Creek & Millwood Goldfields (30 km) – A scenic forest picnic area and hiking trail leading to a waterfall and relics of Knysna’s gold-rush history.
Kayaking in the Knysna lagoon

Water Adventures & Lagoon Activities

  1. Lagoon Cruises & Yacht Sailing (750m) – Embark on a yacht or catamaran from the Knysna Waterfront. Choose from oyster tasting, sunset cruises, or eco-tours through the Knysna Heads.
  2. Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (1.2 km) – Rent a kayak or SUP and explore the calm lagoon waters and canals of Thesen Island.
  3. Whale & Dolphin Watching (4 km) – Seasonal tours (June–November) offer close encounters with whales, dolphins, and seals beyond the Heads.
  4. Knysna Heads Viewpoint (7 km) – A must-visit lookout point where the lagoon meets the sea — spectacular for photography and sunsets.
Paintball adventures in Knysna

Adventure & Adrenaline

  1. Knysna Ziplines at Harkerville (20 km) – Soar above valleys and forests on South Africa’s longest zipline with thrilling aerial views of the Garden Route.
  2. Quad Biking Adventures (20 km) – Explore scenic forest trails and dirt tracks on guided quad bike tours — perfect for groups, families, or adrenaline seekers.
  3. Forest Paintball (10 km) – Team up for forest-style paintball action — a fun group activity surrounded by Knysna’s natural beauty.
  4. Tandem Paragliding at Brenton-on-Sea (16 km) – Launch from the coastal cliffs of Brenton and glide over turquoise ocean vistas for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
  5. Knysna Elephant Park (24 km / 20 min drive) – Walk alongside rescued elephants in a safe, ethical environment — one of the Garden Route’s most loved animal encounters.
  6. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary (54 km) – The world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary, offering immersive guided forest tours near The Crags.
  7. Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary (21 km) – Learn about rescued wolves and huskies at this peaceful, educational sanctuary between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Knysna Lagoon

Scenic Viewpoints & Drives

  1. Brenton-on-Sea Viewpoint (16 km) – Enjoy panoramic views over the ocean and Knysna Lagoon — ideal for sunset picnics.
  2. Phantom Pass (15 km) – A scenic drive through old forest roads and past ancient yellowwood trees, with hiking trails and picnic spots along the way.
  3. The Seven Passes Road (start 7 km from The Drift-in) – A historic, winding route linking Knysna and George through lush forests, rivers, and mountain scenery.

Culture & History

  1. Knysna Museum (270m) – A collection of small heritage houses showcasing Knysna’s maritime, timber, and gold-mining history — a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past.
  2. The Old Gaol Craft Centre (400m) – Browse local art and handmade goods inside Knysna’s original 19th-century jail building.
  3. Millwood Mining Museum (33 km) – Located deep in the forest near Jubilee Creek — the site of Knysna’s short-lived gold rush and early settler history.

Food, Markets & Local Flavour

  1. Knysna Waterfront Quays (700m) – Dine by the marina, shop local boutiques, and watch yachts drift by. Ideal for seafood lovers.
  2. Thesen Harbour Town (1.7 km) – Trendy cafés, craft breweries, and waterside restaurants — a hub for local dining and nightlife.
  3. Wild Oats Community Farmers Market (28 km Sedgefield) – Held every Saturday morning — famous for fresh local produce, homemade treats, and live music.
  4. The Knysna Distillery (3.2 km) – Enjoy this local spirit which includes the Num Num berry, which is the Knysna Lourie’s favourite treat.

Beaches Near Knysna

  1. Bollard Bay Beach (6 km) — Lagoon-side beach on Leisure Isle, perfect for calm swimming.
  2. Brenton-on-Sea (15 km) — Wide, golden beach popular for walks, sunsets, and surfing.
  3. Buffalo Bay (21) — Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and safe swimming areas.
  4. Noetzie Beach (11 km) — Secluded beach with stone “castles” and dramatic coastal cliffs.
  5. Plettenberg Bay (34 km) — Expansive beaches, vibrant cafés, and dolphin sightings.

Stay Central, Explore It All

From your base at The Drift-In at Nautilus Cove, you’re minutes from Knysna’s attractions and a short drive to the region’s best adventures. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, ziplining through forests, or relaxing on Blue Flag beaches — it’s all within reach.

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