Leisure Isle
A serene island paradise on the Knysna Lagoon, offering tranquil walks, stunning views, and a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Vibrant market atmosphere
Leisure Isle
Best Time
Vibrant market atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island paradise on the Knysna Lagoon, offering tranquil walks, stunning views, and a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.
"It just has this power to draw you in to the better life. Loved coming here."
🐾 Pet-Friendly Walks
Leisure Isle is incredibly dog-friendly! Enjoy long walks along the lagoon with your furry companions.
☕ Cafe Stops
Savor tea and cake at local spots after a leisurely stroll through the suburb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Knysna Lagoon Views
Leisure Isle Waterfront
Breathtaking vistas of the Knysna Heads and the tranquil lagoon. Perfect for morning strolls or sunset gazing.
Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
Leisure Isle
Luxurious suites with stunning lagoon and Heads views. A top pick for a pampered stay.
Thesen Island Ambiance
Thesen Islands
Vibrant atmosphere with waterfront restaurants and shops, just a stroll away.
Featherbed Nature Reserve
Knysna Heads
Explore pristine fynbos and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lagoon Life
Pet-Friendly Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Pet-Friendly Walks
Leisure Isle is incredibly dog-friendly! Enjoy long walks along the lagoon with your furry companions.
☕ Cafe Stops
Savor tea and cake at local spots after a leisurely stroll through the suburb.
🚤 Lagoon Cruising
Experience the lagoon from the water with boat tours like All4One Charter.
🛍️ Festival Finds
Check out local festivals for unique crafts, art, and delicious food.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pet-Friendly Walks
Leisure Isle is incredibly dog-friendly! Enjoy long walks along the lagoon with your furry companions.
☕ Cafe Stops
Savor tea and cake at local spots after a leisurely stroll through the suburb.
🚤 Lagoon Cruising
Experience the lagoon from the water with boat tours like All4One Charter.
🛍️ Festival Finds
Check out local festivals for unique crafts, art, and delicious food.
🛏️ Boutique Stays
Consider staying at Amanzi Island Lodge for stunning views and luxurious comfort.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Leisure Isle's tranquil atmosphere, stunning lagoon views, and incredibly pet-friendly nature, making it feel like a home away from home. The island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, with opportunities for leisurely walks and enjoying local events. While some may find it quiet, its charm lies in its peaceful ambiance and positive energy.
"Such an awesome place to go with dogs. It feels like home. It just has this power to draw you in to the better life. Loved coming here"
Natasha Rizzo
"2023 Leisure Island Festival
4-5 Nov 2023
Lots to browse books art jewellery clothing Christmas gifts local charity sales and stalls and a great numbers of tasty eats to pick from !!
Pet friendly 🐾🐾"
Yvonne Vurovecz
"Great for walking along the lagoon, through the suburb and enjoying tea and cake at the local"
William Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leisure Isle is accessible by car, located within Knysna. If you're arriving from further afield, you'll likely fly into George Airport (GRJ) and then drive approximately 1 hour to Knysna. Many visitors explore the Garden Route by car, making Leisure Isle an easy stop.
While there isn't extensive public transport directly on Leisure Isle itself, Knysna has local taxi services. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider Garden Route and for convenient access to Leisure Isle and its surroundings.
Leisure Isle is best explored on foot or by bicycle, especially for enjoying the lagoon-side walks and the peaceful residential streets.
Parking is generally available on the streets of Leisure Isle. If you're visiting a specific hotel or restaurant, they will typically have their own parking.
Yes, cycling is a popular and enjoyable way to see Leisure Isle, with its flat terrain and scenic routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Leisure Isle is a residential suburb, so there are no general entry tickets required to visit or drive through. Access to specific attractions like Featherbed Nature Reserve will have their own admission fees.
Leisure Isle is always accessible as it's a public area. However, individual businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops will have their own operating hours.
Walking and swimming in the lagoon are generally free. However, be mindful of private property and designated swimming areas.
The Leisure Island Festival typically has a small entry fee, which contributes to local charities and the event's organization.
While the Knysna Heads themselves are natural landmarks, access to certain viewpoints or activities within the broader area might incur fees. Featherbed Nature Reserve, for instance, has an entrance fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the stunning lagoon views, peaceful walks along the waterfront, and the vibrant atmosphere of Thesen Islands nearby. Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel offers exceptional views.
Absolutely! Leisure Isle is renowned for being pet-friendly, with plenty of space for dogs to roam and enjoy walks along the lagoon.
Enjoy leisurely walks, swimming, bird watching, exploring local shops and cafes, and visiting nearby attractions like Thesen Islands and Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Yes, the lagoon, Knysna Heads, and the charming architecture of the island provide numerous picturesque spots for photography.
Leisure Isle offers a tranquil, relaxed, and positive atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a slower pace of life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Leisure Isle itself is primarily residential, you'll find charming cafes for tea and cake. For a wider selection of restaurants, Thesen Islands and the Knysna Waterfront are just a short drive or walk away.
Yes, the Knysna Waterfront and Thesen Islands offer a variety of family-friendly dining options with diverse menus.
You can sample local treats and baked goods at cafes on Leisure Isle, and more extensive local and international cuisine is available at nearby dining hubs.
Most restaurants in Knysna, including those near Leisure Isle, offer vegetarian options. Vegan choices may vary, but are increasingly available.
Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel offers a delightful dining experience, often featuring breakfast with lagoon views and potentially other meals depending on their offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The lagoon's edge, the iconic Knysna Heads, and the charming residential streets with their unique architecture are prime photography locations.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lagoon and landscape. Midday can be bright but still offers stunning views of the Heads.
While possible, spotting and photographing Knysna seahorses requires specific conditions and often a guided tour. It's a unique challenge for keen photographers.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Knysna Municipality regarding drone flying restrictions before operating one.
Leisure Isle is ideal for landscape, architectural, and lifestyle photography, capturing the serene coastal environment and its beautiful homes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby attractions like Thesen Islands offer a variety of dining options that cater to children, and boat trips on the lagoon can be an exciting adventure for the whole family. The pet-friendly nature of the island also means that furry family members can join in on the fun.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
Many local cafes and even some accommodations are pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can be part of your entire holiday experience. The relaxed vibe of the island makes it easy for both humans and their pets to feel at home.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Look for self-catering accommodation options or consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower rates. The Leisure Island Festival, while having a small entry fee, offers affordable browsing and food options.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serenity of Leisure Isle
The island is a haven for those seeking peace, with opportunities for leisurely walks along the lagoon, enjoying the sunshine, and simply soaking in the positive vibes. It's also a popular spot for events like the Leisure Island Festival, which showcases local crafts, art, and food, adding a touch of community spirit to the serene setting.
For those looking for accommodation, options range from charming guest houses like One on Bollard to luxurious boutique hotels such as Amanzi Island Lodge, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil escape. The island's appeal lies in its ability to offer both relaxation and a connection to the vibrant natural environment of the Garden Route.
Exploring the Knysna Lagoon and Heads
Dominating the horizon are the iconic Knysna Heads, two dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to the lagoon from the Indian Ocean. These natural landmarks offer spectacular panoramic views and are a must-see for any visitor. Featherbed Nature Reserve, located on the Western Head, provides guided walks and incredible vistas, showcasing the unique fynbos vegetation and the rugged coastline.
Many accommodations on Leisure Isle, such as Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel, boast direct views of the lagoon and the Heads, allowing guests to wake up to these magnificent sights. The interplay of the calm lagoon waters and the imposing Heads creates a dramatic and unforgettable landscape, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
Thesen Islands: A Vibrant Neighbor
The development on Thesen Islands has created a unique urban-maritime environment, with canals and jetties adding to its charm. Visitors can enjoy a meal with a view, browse local crafts, or simply take in the bustling scene. Its proximity to Leisure Isle makes it an easy addition to any itinerary, offering a taste of Knysna's more energetic side.
Many visitors find Thesen Islands to be an ideal location for its great ambiance and convenience, being within walking distance of the waterfront and numerous eateries. It provides a lively contrast to the tranquility of Leisure Isle, offering a well-rounded experience of Knysna's diverse attractions.
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