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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. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. Being a prime example of eco-tourism and 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 Eco-Experience starts with a 25-minute ferry cruise. Your local guide on board will share fascinating tales about the Lagoon, the early shipping industry and oyster cultivation. On arrival at the Reserve, visitors can enjoy a drive to the top of the Western Head in a 4 x 4 unimog vehicle with trailers, stopping at a magnificent view point en route. Here unsurpassed views of the Lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be enjoyed, whilst our knowledgeable guides explain the history and ecology of the Reserve. After the drive, your specialist guide will take you on an optional 2.2 kilometre downhill walk.
The Featherbed Company 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 Lagoon.
The John Benn
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!
The Paddle Cruiser
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 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 'Heads Explorer'
The 'Heads Explorer' catamaran yacht on the Knysna Lagoon and out at sea. Offers exclusive sailing on the Knysna Lagoon, through the world-famous Heads and out into the Indian Ocean on the luxury catamaran yacht, 'Heads Explorer'. 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.
Three Legs
If time is limited, join Three Legs for a 75-minute cruise with a difference! This Rivercat was featured on television's 'Beyond 2000' as one of the most advanced ferries ever built. This is a fun and adventurous cruise to and INTO the Knysna Heads - weather conditions permitting - between the cliffs, 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
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.
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!
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Address : Featherbed Ferry terminus, off Waterfront drive, Knysna
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382 1693
Email : bookings@featherbed.co.za
Website : www.featherbed.co.za
GPS: 34°02" 21' S 23°02" 39' E
   
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