Thesen Islands

Basking in the calm water of the Knysna Estuary, Thesen Island has always played a central role in Knysna‘s history.

It played a key role in the timber industry. The estuary is generally very shallow and the site of the quay on the island is still one of the few spots where a vessel of any draft can come alongside to load and unload cargo and passengers. Wood from the surrounding forests was brought down to the quay by ox-wagon and onto the island. There was also a sawmill until recent years.

The development has done a fine job of preserving this historical architecture as well as providing info-boards as part of the Thesen Islands Heritage Walk which is a fascinating glimpse into Knysna’s past.

The island is now the site of a luxury housing marina, Thesen Islands Marina. Tremendous effort was put into making this marina ecologically sound for the Knysna estuary, and it has worked as the waterways are teeming with life, as the kids in the photo below discovered when a squid covered them in ink!

Harbour Island hosts several popular restaurants and shops, including the famous île de païn. The Nest is another favourite.

Rent a SUP or a kayak and paddle through the waterways. I had my first-ever SUP experience here and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

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