The Knysna Oyster Company operates oyster farms in the lagoon and offers boat tours that take you out to the floating cultivation racks to watch how the oysters are grown and harvested, then bring you back for a tasting session on the water or at the dockside facility. The lagoon water is among the cleanest in South Africa, and the oysters benefit from the perfect blend of fresh and salt water.
The company also runs a waterfront restaurant and shop where you can eat them at the source — freshly shucked, with lemon and Tabasco or a mignonette, accompanied by a glass of something cold. The July Oyster Festival extends across the whole town, with special menus at restaurants across Knysna and festival events at the waterfront.