The Keurbooms River flows through the Garden Route near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, South Africa, emptying into the Indian Ocean. The river passes through the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, a protected area managed by CapeNature, and is characterized by indigenous riparian forest, a forested gorge, and occasional sandy river beaches along its banks. On misty mornings the gorge takes on a particularly atmospheric quality. Wildlife along the river includes Fish Eagles, Knysna Loeries, and various other bird species; leopards have reportedly been spotted on the sandy banks as well.

The primary Ferries launch spot alongside the Keurbooms River Bridge is the launch point for paddlers entering the nature reserve. A CapeNature launch fee applies (R85 per day or R460 per year as listed), and paddlers launching here enter a protected area. Guided kayak tours are also available through commercial operators such as Bitou Kayaks, with trips of two to four hours on offer. Double canoes and kayaks can be hired per day at the entrance gate on a first-come, first-served basis — advance booking is not available for day hire. Lifejackets and paddles are included with rentals.

The signature overnight route is the Whiskey Creek Canoe Trail, a roughly 7 km paddle upriver to the Whiskey Creek Cabin, which sleeps up to 10 people in bunk beds and is equipped with a gas hob, gas freezer box, crockery, and cutlery. CapeNature supplies canoes, hard hats, lifejackets, paddles, and two 30-litre dry bags per canoe. Water shoes are compulsory. Paddlers are advised to depart no later than 14:00 in summer and 13:00 in winter to reach the cabin before dark; the paddle takes approximately one and a half to three hours depending on fitness. During low tide, canoes may need to be pulled across shallow rapids by hand, and extreme care is required on slippery rocks. Children must be accompanied by adults.

The river is tidal in its lower reaches, so timing the paddle according to tides is advisable — paddling upriver on an incoming tide and returning on the outgoing tide reduces effort considerably. The lower section of the river also permits motorized boats and water skiing, so paddlers should be aware of powerboat traffic in that zone. Above the powerboat zone the river becomes quieter and the gorge more pronounced. The cabin is bookable through CapeNature (0861 227 362) or the Keurbooms River Nature Resort (044-533 2125), and demand is high throughout the year.