Featherbed Co. gives visitors to the Garden Route an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the ‘Knysna Heads’ - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.
There are various family activities in Knysna, of which Featherbed Co. offers several unique activities. Included is our own private nature reserve & trail, restaurants and a fleet of various boats. We can offer activities such as cruising the lagoon, nature trails and hiking the Knysna Heads, as well as hosting private functions, conferences, and weddings at any of our venues.
Our boating fleet includes a one-of-a-kind Paddle Cruiser, the famous John Benn and a Rivercat ferry. All (with exception of the Rivercat) offer restaurant and bar facilities to cater for luncheons and dinner cruises, perfect for private charters, weddings, conferences, and other functions such as product launches.
ALL FEATHERBED CO PRODUCTS BOOK NOW
Paddle Cruiser - 13h00 (1 1/2 H)
1 1/2 Hours on Paddle Cruiser - A limited a La Carte menu available
The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa's only paddle-driven vessel, offering a unique and unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon.
Paddle Cruiser - to Knysna Heads - 13h00
Eco Experience (3 H)
3 Hour - Eco Experience
The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route.
Return ferry trip - 4x4 vehicle & trailer drive - Reserve Walk
Eco Experience & Lunch(4 H)
4 Hour - Eco Experience & Buffet Lunch
The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route.
Return ferry trip - 4x4 vehicle & trailer drive - Reserve Walk - Outdoor restaurant buffet lunch
Paddle Cruiser - 18h00 (1 1/2 H)
1 1/2 Hours on Paddle Cruiser - A limited a La Carte menu available
The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa's only paddle-driven vessel, offering a unique and unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon.
Paddle Cruiser - to Knysna Heads - 18h00
John Benn Cruise (1 1/2H)
1 1/2 Hour - John Benn lunch time Cruise
The John Benn is one of the best floating restaurants in Knysna offering daily Lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads.
John Benn - to Knysna Heads - A limited A La Carte menu is available - Two full bars
John Benn Sunset Cruise (1 1/2H)
1 1/2 Hour - John Benn Sunset Cruise
The John Benn is one of the best floating restaurants in Knysna offering daily Lagoon cruises to the Knysna Heads.
John Benn - to Knysna Heads - A limited A La Carte menu is available - Two full bars
Three Legs Ferry (75min)
75 min - Three Legs Ferry Cruise
If time is limited, join Three Legs for a 75-minute cruise with a difference!
Three Legs Ferry Cruise - into Knysna Heads - visiting Otter Cove, Island Rock and passing the beachcomber caves.
featherbed nature reserve |
paddle cruiser |
john benn |
threelegs rivercat |
cruise cafe |
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.
In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides.
This 4hour excursion departs daily and reservations are essential. It is a wonderful outing for all ages and fitness levels. Good walking shoes are recommended and remember to bring your camera, hats and sunblock in summer and a warm jacket for the ferry trip in winter.
The nature reserve offers Knysna adventure activities not to be missed. A perfect outdoor family holiday activity to be enjoyed by both young and old.
Read more about our eco-experience options and make a reservation
Wow, what a superb experience! With a nature reserve guide with us throughout our visit, this was one of the highlights of our tour. Taken by boat to the reserve, we then had great fun travelling by trailer to the top of the hill, followed by a fairly easy walk back down. The views were breathtaking and the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable - they obviously love the place, and quite rightly so! Optional, slightly more adventurous 'side-routes' were available on the way down...read more
For a unique cruise and dining experience - with a modern, hip and trendy twist - The Paddle Cruiser offers both lunch time (departs 12h30) and evening cruises (departs 18h15).
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 offers delicious meals, enjoyed at lunch time 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.
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.
Read more about our Paddle Cruiser Experience options and make a reservation
“Excellent cruise.”
This paddle style cruiser offer a fantastic view around the lake/lagoon and turn back before the Knysna Heads. Very good food. quite a romantic cruise.
ben g, Pretoria, South Africa
The John Benn is a fully enclosed luxury ferry, 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 last 25 years and offers daily cruises to the Knysna Heads. If you have not cruised on the John Benn you have not enjoyed all of Knysna.
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.
The John Benn is an ideal venue for corporate functions, staff parties and weddings, or simply to have a good time!
Read more about our John Benn Experience options and make a reservation
“Very nice Cruise”
Crew are very friendly and they make you feel welcomed. Food was excellent specially for me who is a vegetarian . It was much better than I expected. OmChohan
Three Legs is an open ferry with a sun-deck or shaded seating. There are roll-down weather blinds, fold-away tables and cushioned seats. There is also a cash bar and snack menu on board (in season, or on request with prior bookings)
This is a fun and adventurous cruise to and INTO the Knysna Heads between the cliffs (ocean conditions permitting), visiting Otter Cove, Island Rock and passing the beachcomber caves.
This unequalled experience takes visitors back in time to the days when Knysna was a port and shares with those on board the thrills and spills of Knysna and its past.
This cruise is ideal for groups, so enjoy the sun on your face, the wind in your hair and experience the excitement of being on the water!
Read more about our Three Legs Rivercat Experience options and make a reservation
“Great Time”
The skipper was great. Very informative and funny. We had a awesome experience and learnt a lot about how the whole area came to be as it is now. Donovan S
Cruise Café is known for its fresh seafood and modern styled cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere with exceptional views of the Knysna Lagoon.
Cruise Café presents diners with a soothing yet sophisticated ambiance, graced by lots of blond wood, sepia coloured alcoves and enlarged nautical photographs.
Enjoy specialty coffees and classy cocktails on the lagoon deck with superb views, or sample the delightful breakfasts, healthy lunches and mouth-watering dinners from our fine selection of menu items.
Winner of the 2010 Knysna Oyster Festivals’ “Van Loveren Best Restaurant Sensation Award” and the Diners Club “Winelist of the year Gold Award”
WHERE TO FIND US:
Cruise Café @ The Featherbed Co, Remembrance Ave, Knysna.
RESERVATIONS
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382-1693
Facsimile: +27 (0)44 382-2373
Email: bookings@featherbed.co.za
Winter times: valid from 18th March to 30th September
Summer times: valid from 01st October to 17th March
“Lunch with friends”
Went here on a Sunday lunchtime and had delicious fish and chips next to the water. Gorgeous views, watched the boats coming in and out and also shared a really yummy bottle of wine called Splattered Toad! What more could you wish for on a sunny Sunday? Went again for an evening meal and had steak with a herb and lemon butter, and then shared an amarula crème brulee which was amazing. Great spot, love it! sueskyblue, Chichester, United Kingdom
Featherbed Co.
Remembrance Drive
off Waterfront Drive
Knysna
Main Phone: +27 (0)44 382-1693
Alt Phone: +27 (0)44 382-6261
Mobile: +27 (0)72 662-5798
E-mail: bookings@featherbed.co.za