KNYSNA

• Latitude: -34.0395
•
• Longitude: 23.0435
•
• South Africa
•
• Port in South Africa

Address: Knysna Western Cape 6570 South Africa

Port of Knysna, South Africa

Overview:

Knysna is a picturesque town situated along South Africa's famous Garden Route. The town's port, known as Knysna Harbour, is more of a small, recreational marina than a commercial seaport. It primarily caters to tourism, leisure boating, and small-scale fishing activities.

Location:

• Latitude: 34°02′ S
• Longitude: 23°03′ E
• Country: South Africa
• Region: Western Cape

Port Facilities:

1. Marina:

   • The Waterfront Knysna Quays features a well-maintained marina.
   • It caters to yachts, pleasure boats, and small fishing vessels.
   • Facilities for refueling and minor repairs are available.

2. Berths:

   • Primarily for smaller watercraft, such as yachts and private boats.
   • Limited capacity for accommodating vessels, emphasizing recreational use.

3. Amenities:

   • Restaurants and cafes.
   • Retail shops and boutiques.
   • Marine services like boat charters, kayaking, and fishing expeditions.
   • Accommodation options in surrounding areas, ranging from hotels to guest houses.

4. Navigational Information:

   • The port is nestled in a lagoon, accessed through a narrow and perilous channel known as The Heads.
   • Navigation through The Heads requires careful maneuvering, typically best done by those familiar with local conditions or with local pilot assistance.
   • Buoys and markers are used to guide entry and exit.

Activities:

• Recreational Boating:

  • The port is a popular starting point for yacht charters and cruises.
  • Kayaking and canoeing activities are available in the lagoon.

• Tourism:

  • Scenic boat trips that explore the lagoon and nearby estuaries.
  • Activities such as whale watching and dolphin spotting.
  • Scenic nature trails and waterfront walks.

• Fishing:

  • Both recreational and small-scale commercial fishing.
  • Popular among angling enthusiasts, offering sea and lagoon fishing experiences.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Environmental Protections:

  • Maintain pristine water quality within the lagoon.
  • Efforts to protect local marine and bird life habitats.
  • Regulations in place to minimize pollution from boating activities.

• Safety Measures:

  • Navigation through The Heads requires caution due to changing tides and conditions.
  • Emergency services are available locally for maritime incidents.

Conclusion:

The Knysna Harbour serves as an idyllic port for tourists and recreational boaters, emphasizing a combination of leisure and natural beauty rather than heavy commercial use. Its facilities cater to the needs of small watercraft and visitors looking to experience the scenic charm and diverse marine and bird life of the Knysna lagoon and surrounding areas.