When we think of the best beaches in South Africa, naturally Camps Bay beach comes to mind or the surfer’s paradise of South Beach in Durban. Maybe we even think of the tranquil beaches of Paternoster on the West Coast…
Noetzie (also sometimes spelled as Knoetzie) has a pristine, secluded beach which lies in a hidden bay bordered by the lush forest of the Sinclair Nature Reserve on one side and the fynbos landscapes of Pezula Resort Estate on the other.
It owes its seclusion to the fact that it is accessed along a gravel road from Knysna’s N2 and a steep climb from the parking area down a narrow path and a flight of stairs hewn into the cliff. It boasts a beautiful lagoon formed by the mouth of the Noetzie River which meanders through the Knysna forest.
Sports & leisure
Safe paddling, swimming & kayaking in the pristine Noetzie River. Surfing and fishing on Noetzie Beach. Hiking, cycling, quad biking, scuba diving, horse riding & dolphin/whale watching are close by, as are extreme sports such as paragliding, bungy-jumping and treetop zip-line forest canopy tours. The superb golf courses (including Pezula, Simola, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Goose Valley, George & Oubaai) are all within easy reach.
Shopping & dining out
There are excellent supermarkets, boutiques and craft markets, plus superb choice of cafés, pubs and gourmet restaurants, in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Weddings
Some of the Noetzie Castles allow small intimate weddings. If you are thinking about getting married at one of the castles, read our blog about using the castles as a wedding venue here
The beach is famous for the Noetzie Castles originally built in the 1930s, two of which have been restored. It is a small beach with an expanse of golden sand protected on the north and south sides by rocky outcrops.
From June to November whale sightings are common as the Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young.
