Knysna gives you two quite different kinds of beach day.
There is the lagoon, technically an estuary, where the water rises and falls with the tide and sheltered stretches are great for swimming and paddling. Then there is the Indian Ocean beyond the Heads, with waves, stronger currents and long sandy beaches.
The best place to swim depends on who you are travelling with, what kind of beach day you want and what the water is doing when you get there.
Bollard Bay for an easy lagoon swim
Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle is one of Knysna’s best-known family swimming spots.
The beach faces across the lagoon towards the Heads, with shallow water and very little wave action compared with the ocean beaches. This makes it particularly popular with families with younger children.
The tide makes a difference here. At lower tide, more sand is exposed and the water recedes further from the beach. At higher tide, there is more depth close to shore for swimming.
As anywhere around the lagoon, children still need close supervision and it is worth checking the tide before heading out.
The lagoon beside The Milkwood Collection
For guests staying at our lagoon-side properties, the beach is right there. Under Milkwood, Paquita and Number Eleven all have direct beach access, so it is easy to step outside for a swim, a paddle or some time on the sand.
The important thing to remember is that this is a tidal estuary. Water depth and currents change through the day, and the main channel towards the Heads should always be treated with caution.
At very low tide, the water can recede so far from the beach that swimming is not possible at all. At higher tide, the water reaches closer to shore and there is enough depth for swimming and paddling.
Buffalo Bay for a proper ocean beach day
If you want waves and a long stretch of sand, Buffalo Bay is one of the main ocean beaches near Knysna.
The main beach is popular with swimmers, families and surfers. When lifeguards are on duty, swim in the designated area between their flags.
There is an important distinction between the main beach and the Wild Side, the quieter, more exposed stretch of coastline west of Buffalo Bay that forms part of the Goukamma Nature Reserve. It is beautiful for walking, but swimming there is not recommended because of the stronger waves and currents.
Brenton-on-Sea for rock pools and sandstone formations
Brenton-on-Sea has a long sandy beach with rock pools and distinctive sandstone formations, including Castle Rock. There is a designated swimming area, but swimming is recommended only when lifeguards are on duty.
The long shoreline also makes Brenton one of the better beaches near Knysna for a proper walk along the coast.
Noetzie for a wilder beach day
Noetzie is a more secluded option, with forested cliffs, a river mouth, a quiet beach and the sandstone castles that have become part of its identity.
Getting there takes a little effort. From the public parking area there are more than a hundred steps down to the beach, and of course the same steps to climb again on the way back. There are also no nearby shops or restaurants, so bring what you need with you.
The open sea at Noetzie can have strong and unpredictable currents. Local guidance recommends the river and lagoon area at the mouth rather than the ocean for swimming.
Lagoon or ocean?
For a family-friendly lagoon swim, choose Bollard Bay.
For a classic ocean beach with swimming and surfing, head to Buffalo Bay’s main beach.
Brenton-on-Sea is a good choice for a long beach walk, with swimming in the designated area.
Noetzie suits visitors who do not mind the steps and want a more secluded beach setting.
A few things worth knowing before you swim
Conditions around Knysna can change quickly. On ocean beaches, rip currents can occur even when the water looks inviting, so swim between the lifeguard flags whenever lifeguards are present.
Particular care is needed around the Knysna Heads and the main entrance channel, where tidal currents can be extremely strong. Coney Glen, below the East Head, is beautiful for a walk and for exploring the shore, but it is not considered a safe swimming beach. The entrance channel itself should also be avoided for casual swimming, kayaking or paddling.
On the lagoon, check the tide and pay attention to local conditions. Knysna Municipality publishes regular estuary water-quality results, which you can check before swimming.
Planning a summer stay in Knysna? Explore The Milkwood Collection’s self-catering chalets and villas near the Knysna Heads, or contact our team for help choosing the property that best suits your stay.