Planning your own trip to South Africa? Read more about my Garden Route itinerary here.

My evening in Knysna is just as pretty as the afternoon — more seaside views including a pretty sunset.

It’s low tide as I drive over a small bridge to Thesen Island, smack dab in the center of the Knysna lagoon.

I look up coffee recommendations on-line before my arrival (this caffeine lover is always prepared) but Ile de Pain is closed by the time I arrive. Next time… (Holy cow, I just read that they had a bad fire last month and are closed with no immediate plans to reopen. I hope they find a new location.)

One of the reasons South Africa is my favorite country is because its landscape is so diverse — there are safari parks, wine regions, coastal towns, and mountains. Even within the town of Knysna the landscape is multifaceted; this morning I was convinced I’d teleported to the Caribbean, and this afternoon’s views around the lagoon remind me of the rugged UK coastline.

The above photo was taken from my seat on the patio at Tapas & Oysters, a place I’d highly recommend checking out. I order a blended boozy strawberry concoction.

And, because I’m in prime oyster territory, I get a single oyster. I’m not a huge fan of these guys but that might only be because I haven’t eaten many and I’m not confident ordering them. Anyone want to be my oyster guru and show me the light?

I drive back to mainland Knysna, parking near the waterfront where I had dinner last night.

I purchase a ticket for the John Benn Sunset Cruise, run by the same company that operates daily boat trips to Featherbed Nature Reserve on West Head. Since I didn’t get out there today, I’m eager to see the lagoon via boat before I depart Knysna. The sunset cruise ticket is only around $15 and my guest house host gave me a coupon, so it’s an easy decision. It will take 90 minutes and there should be good sunset photo ops.

Before climbing on board the John Benn vessel, I notice a bunch of dudes in kayaks playing polo. Turns out this is a sport? It’s called canoe polo or kayak polo depending on the country. Who knew!

These cute guys are quite a distraction. But time for that sunset cruise!

The boat passes by Featherbed Nature Reserve so we can see it up close. I wonder who owns the handful of mansions? What a spot to call home.

I’m not here for the booze (it feels like most of this crowd is) so I hang out at the front with the captain, snapping photos until the sun goes down.

I spy the East Head Cafe where I ate lunch this afternoon…

While I’m glad I got to see the lagoon from a boat, I would suggest skipping the cruise. I was sort of bored? It’s 90 minutes long and at that time of year (October 1st) the sun sets early so the second half of the cruise was in darkness, which is fine if you’re drinking in the bar. But by then I was hungry for dinner and couldn’t wait to get back to shore.

Regardless, I had a fabulous day exploring Knysna and I’m sorry to have to leave in the morning. This is one of the highlights of the Garden Route.