A key feature of The Islands Estate is a system of canals meandering between exquisitely designed waterfront homes. The six kilometres of navigable water at various points in the estate also feature several islands and jetties to accommodate boats. The water in the canals functions independently of the adjacent Hartbeespoort Dam as the canals have been constructed above the Dam's water level.

The water in the canal is continuously circulated through an artificial wetland system consisting of a series of interconnecting dams covered with water-loving plants and reeds to ensure water quality of a high standard.

Access from the canals to the Hartbeespoort Dam is made possible by means of bi-directional water locks, with a similar system connecting the lower and upper canals. The bi-directional water lock allows for lowering or rising of six boats at a time (three up and three down) at the two water locks. The transfer time of boats in the water lock is kept to less than ten minutes. Freeboard between the canal water level and lower arch of the bridges is three metres or more, thus catering for most sized power boats used on the Hartbeespoort Dam.

The Grand Opening of the Water Locks,  hosted by The Islands Estate, I'Bali Village and Baybridge Canal, was celebrated in style during the weekend of 21 and 22 March 2009.

The celebration of this auspicious event started with a Boat Show and Home Improvement Expo. Numerous exhibitors had their products on display allowing one and all the opportunity to browse at their leisure.  The highlight of the celebration on Sunday 22 March was the opportunity for swimmers of all ages, both professional and amateurs to participate in South Africa's first ever Extra Mile Canal swimming event. Four swimming events took place. Beautiful medals, commemorating the occasion, were up for grabs.

The Extra Mile Canal event has been included in the South African swimming calendar and forms part of the elite swimming events held annually by Swimming South Africa.