This trip can be combined with the steam Train to make a fun filled day, with time left over for you to explore on your own the towns of Knysna, or Plettenberg Bay.

The Knysna Heads are famous, not only for the grand sandstone cliffs, which tower above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, but also for the many recorded shipwrecks which have occurred over the past 150 years. At first glance, this entrance does not appear to be dangerous but submerged rocks and two sandbars, which deflect winds and powerful currents, make it highly respected by even the most experienced skipper.

In 1817 the ship, 'Emu', hit a submerged rock, subsequently named Emu Rock, at the entrance to the Heads and became the first recorded shipwreck in the Heads.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is situated on the Western Head and is privately owned by Mr William Smith - the Maths and Physics guru of the Learning Channel. He inherited this property from his father, Professor JLB Smith, the world renowned scientist who identified the Coelocanth - a fossil fish thought to be extinct 180 million years ago.

Apart from the Nature Reserve, which is a South African Natural Heritage site, The Featherbed Company has operated as a family business for the past 20 years, and offers ferry trips on the Knysna Lagoon, sailing aboard our luxury yacht, fine dining on our paddle cruiser and a unique eco-experience in the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve.

For a unique cruise and dining experience - with a modern, hip and trendy twist

The Paddle Cruiser offers both lunch time (12h30 departure) and evening (18h15 departure) cruises. This is the only paddle-driven vessel in South Africa and is a unique dining venue in Knysna. Turn your evening meal into a special occasion - depart at sunset, cruise to the famous Knysna Heads at twilight and return under the stars and twinkling lights of the town.

The Paddle Cruiser was built over a period 12 of months by Two Oceans Marine and launched in Cape Town in October 2003. It measures 22.7 metres in length by 7.5 metres in the beam and has a draft of 1.4 metres. Her propellers are powered by twin Caterpillar 3056 Turbo Diesel and twin diesel electric generators, which power the boat's galley, lighting and its paddles.

The Paddle Cruiser offers delicious meals, enjoyed at lunch time during a well-deserved midday break or at the end of the day during a magical sunset cruise. It is the ideal opportunity to unwind and enjoy a cocktail, locally brewed beer or a fine wine from an award-winning selection, while savouring fresh Knysna oysters. Lunch time cruises offer a Tapas Mediterranean a la carte selection while a 3-course Mediterranean buffet is available in the evening, with matching 5 star service guaranteed. The Paddle Cruiser has been graded as a 4 star restaurant by the SA Tourism Grading Council - the only floating restaurant in South Africa with this grading!

The Paddle Cruiser has 360 degree views and is fully enclosed, thus unaffected by weather conditions, and she has a bar on each deck

The Paddle Cruiser is a unique and unconventional venue for conferences, corporate functions, incentives, product launches, weddings and private functions. Special cruise time requests are catered for groups.

With only the sound of the wind in her sails and water lapping against her bow, 'Heads Explorer' and her experienced skipper will take you on a magical sailing experience where estuary meets open ocean, creating a lasting memory.

See the Knysna Heads as the sailors of yesteryear did and, in season, spot whales and dolphins frolicking in the water.

Spectacular sunsets are accompanied by a sundowner / anti-pasta platter and a choice of wine; as an optional extra, oysters are available on request.

This excursion is for the adventurous and romantic at heart. It is ideal for small groups, private charter, parties and special occasions.

The John Benn is Knysna's only luxury pleasure cruiser.

She is beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest. This unique vessel has carried many local and international travellers on the Lagoon over the years and offers daily cruises to the Knysna Heads. This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun!

The lunch time or sunset cruise aboard the John Benn is an experience not to be missed.

Share the stories of the legendary pilot of a by-gone shipping era on a relaxing and comfortable trip to the Knysna Heads. This wonderful floating restaurant offers a wide dining selection from the a la carte menu, has a bar on each of the upper and lower decks and is fully enclosed. The John Benn is an ideal venue for corporate functions, staff parties and weddings, or simply to have a good time!