Swartvlei is a large, deep coastal lake and estuary located near Sedgefield on South Africa's Garden Route, separated from the Indian Ocean by a narrow strip of dunes. It is part of a continuous water plateau of lakes within the Wilderness National Park. The lake itself is substantial, reaching depths of up to 16 meters, and is connected to the sea via an estuary channel. Paddling here requires a SANParks permit, which can be obtained from offices in Knysna or Wilderness, with annual or monthly options available. Key public launch points for canoes, kayaks, and SUPs include the boat launch at the bottom of Kingfisher Drive, Sedgefield Ski-Beach, and the Sedgefield Island Conservancy near Fish Eagle Green. Pine Lake Marina is another launch option and a place where kayaks and SUPs can be rented. It is critical to note that wind is a major hazard on the open lake, as conditions can change rapidly from calm to a "howling gale," creating choppy water and making return difficult; a personal flotation device is strongly recommended for all paddlers. At low tide, water levels at Sedgefield Ski-Beach and the Island Conservancy can be quite low, potentially requiring a longer carry for kayaks and making boat launching impossible. The estuary mouth forms a safe bathing area. The area is rich in birdlife, with a variety of marine, estuarine, and forest bird species observable along the shores and channels. Facilities at launch points vary, with ablution blocks present at Kingfisher Drive and sometimes at Sedgefield Ski-Beach, though they may be locked outside of peak hours. The Sedgefield Island Conservancy has a picnic site with temporary ablutions.