Groenvlei is a natural freshwater lake located near Sedgefield along South Africa's Garden Route, falling within the Goukamma Nature Reserve and classified as a protected area. It is one of only eight natural lakes in South Africa and is notable for being fed entirely by rainwater, with no connection to the sea. A reed collar surrounds the lake's perimeter, giving it a distinctive enclosed character.

The primary Lake Pleasant Resort access point for paddlers is via Lake Pleasant Resort, where a put-in fee of R50 (payable by cash or EFT) is charged per kayak. This fee is donated to the NSRI. Boat launch permits for those using vessels from the jetty are obtained separately from Goukamma Nature Reserve at Buffels Bay Main Road, available during office hours Monday to Friday between 07h30 and 16h00. Only electrically driven boats are permitted on the lake; petrol engines are not allowed.

Day visitors to Lake Pleasant Resort pay R120, which provides access to braai facilities and other amenities on site. Accommodation can be booked directly through Lake Pleasant Resort. Organized social paddle groups have used the lake for two-hour outings, suggesting it is well-suited to relaxed recreational paddling rather than long-distance routes.

While bird species diversity on the water itself is not considered high, the surrounding forest and fynbos habitat is regarded as exceptional for birding, making binoculars a worthwhile addition to paddling kit. The lake's protected status within Goukamma Nature Reserve means paddlers are operating within a conservation area, and the associated regulations — including the restriction on petrol-powered engines — reflect this.

The combination of freshwater conditions, reed-fringed shores, and forest surroundings gives Groenvlei a quiet, enclosed character suited to wildlife observation and relaxed paddling. Its protected status and the requirement to obtain permits or pay put-in fees through established channels means some advance planning is advisable before visiting.