Swartvlei is considered by many to be the Garden Route’s boating mecca. There are many hidden gems on the Garden Route – which the locals will probably want to keep secret for as long as they can – and Swartvlei is certainly one of them. Swartvlei is the largest and deepest lake in the Wilderness National Park. Surrounding the huge expanse of water is the breath-taking Outeniqua Mountains, a blue ribbon beach, and two excellent self-catering resorts; this superb boating venue has it all…
Connected to the sea for six months of the year until the mouth silts the lagoon and lake closed for the remainder, Swartvlei offers an abundance of boating options. The two main resorts, namely the Pine Lake Marina and Baywater Village offer both launch and shop facilities, making it the perfect spot for a day trip if you live nearby. Alternatively, both offer excellent self-catering options if you want to make a holiday out of it.
The waters of the lake are generally smooth and glassy, making it a phenomenal waterskiing venue; what’s more, the water level remains around the two-metre mark, keeping it warm and user-friendly. Sometimes the wind can be a factor, but due to the enormity of the lake you’ll always find a sheltered spot if quality ski-time is your primary objective.
