You’ve done the drive and arrived safely on Thesen Island. Maybe you’ve spent the better part of six hours in a car from Cape Town, or caught an early flight into George, followed by an hour’s drive along the N2. Either way, it’s 11 am, you’re here, but check-in at The Turbine Hotel & Spa only opens at 2 pm.
We’re here to turn your conundrum into a plan! Think of it this way: three spare hours in Knysna isn’t a problem; it’s a head start. Leave your bags with us at reception, stretch your legs, and work through a few of these things to do in Knysna while you wait.
All of the suggested Knysna activities below are close enough that you’ll be back in time to grab your room key.
Walk Thesen Island
(30 to 60 minutes)
The easiest place to start is right outside our hotel’s front door, and we’ll bet you’re eager to stretch your legs after that long drive.
Thesen Island was laid out for people on foot: the paths are flat, small bridges cross the canals, and the walking routes loop around the island with lagoon views most of the way. To get your bearings, head towards The Marina for boutique shops, art galleries and a good coffee if the drive has left you in need of a flat white.
Nature-lovers, keep an eye on the water’s edge as you go. The island’s indigenous gardens and canals draw a steady stream of birdlife.
What a way to soak up your surroundings and settle into your stay – we can’t recommend a walk around the island enough.
Get on the Water
(1 to 2 hours)
For those who can’t wait to get out on the canals or Knysna Lagoon, you’re in luck.
The Water Club operates from Sawtooth Lane, just across the road from us, and runs scenic lagoon cruises along with kayak hire for exploring Thesen Island’s canals.
They also rent out bicycles and SUPs and run a number of other activities and tours in the wider Garden Route area. Before check-in would be the ideal time to chat to their knowledgeable team and add some exciting excursions to your itinerary for the days ahead.
Lunch Beside the Canal
You don’t need a room key to eat at the Island Café, our stunning, sunny, on-site eatery. Find a table inside, on the deck or facing the canal, order lunch, and watch the yachts come and go while someone else does the cooking. It’s the lowest-effort item on this list and, after a long drive, possibly the most sensible. By the time dessert arrives at the table, you’ll be most of the way to check-in.
The kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so whether you roll in hungry at 10 am or merely peckish at 1 pm, there’s something on the menu that fits the hour.
Book an Early Spa Treatment
If the N2 has left your shoulders somewhere near your ears, the Turbine Spa is the most efficient fix we know of. Book a massage for late morning or early afternoon and you’ll walk into your room already half on holiday.
Travelling as two? We’ve got fabulous couples’ treatments that pair perfectly with a session in our Rasul.
Email spa@turbinehotel.co.za before you arrive to secure a slot, as walk-in availability isn’t guaranteed.
Drive Out to the Heads (allow 1 to 1.5 hours)
If the car keys are still in your pocket, why not take a drive to the Knysna Heads?
Follow George Rex Drive and the signs for Leisure Isle and The Heads; the East Head viewpoint is about 7 km from town, with parking near the lookout.
From the top, you’ll watch the Indian Ocean push through one of South Africa’s most notoriously treacherous harbour entrances, with the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the western headland opposite.
On the way back, Leisure Isle is worth a slow loop if time allows. It’s a small residential island with sandy lagoon-side beaches and some of the calmest water in town. We hope you have your beach towels at the ready!
Or Just Claim a Seat at the Gastro Pub
Not every gap needs filling. The Gastro Pub deck looks straight onto the canal and Knysna Lagoon beyond, the drinks are cold, and the snacks are the perfect light bites for spring.
Sometimes the best thing to do in Knysna before check-in is to grow where you’re planted – you’re on holiday, after all.
Early Arrival, Sorted
Check-in at The Turbine Hotel & Spa opens at 2 pm and check-out is at 11 am. If you know you’ll be arriving early, mention it when you book and we’ll do what we can to accommodate you, subject to availability.
Either way, early arrivals tend to have the best first afternoons: lunch eaten, lagoon seen, and nothing left to decide at 2 pm except which pool lounger is yours.
Browse our rooms and book your stay online. Alternatively, feel free to email us at book@turbinehotel.co.za if you need help with your reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you to the sunny Garden Route this season!
