Knysna Houseboats
Knysna Houseboats
4.5
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About
Our newly refurbished Houseboats, previously operated by Lightleys Holiday Houseboats, exceed all South African Maritime Safety Authority operational and safety requirements. They are your floating home away from home. We have outfitted them to a high specification, so it is truly a comfortable experience.Our luxurious self-drive boats have everything you might need and are suitable for up to 4 adults or a family of 5.In order for you to effortlessly enjoy going onshore, our staff will be available between sunrise and sunset to park your boat at one of our moorings. You just approach the jetty and we’ll take it from there!For the true on-board holiday experience we provide our customers with an assorted catering menu, containing old time favourites such as delicious fresh oysters and champagne, beverages, picnic baskets, cold dishes and braai packs. We even offer room service on the lagoon, so there is no need for you to leave your boat!Being amidst some of the best restaurants the Garden Route has to offer, you can of course also cruise towards Thesen Harbour Town and go for breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the area’s vibey eateries. Please enquire with our staff for more information and special offers. Our new charter base is located in sophisticated Thesen Islands Harbour Town, where our staff is available for you between 8:30 am and 5 pm.We offer all captains a short navigational course. Once you are fully informed and have a good understanding, we will provide you with a temporary skippers license. So don’t worry if you have never piloted a boat before, most of our customers haven’t either!From our charter base, we offer the following additional services and facilities: Pilots that help you feel at ease and park your boat; Bathrooms with shower cabins and vanity (Hair dryers are also provided in the showers for women); Covered terrace overlooking the estuary where you can relax and have a drink; Renting of fishing rods and towable tubes; Houseboat services that are carried out at a designated jetty and include the following: Fill up with fresh water Re-fuelling (if required) Cleaning and pumping of toilets Check motor cooling system and oil level Rubbish removal Re-supply LP Gas (if required).
Knysna, South Africa
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
341 reviews
Excellent
243
Very good
80
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
1
linettemvr
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
This was our first time (myself and my son) and it was a great experience. Mario was professional with the introduction and my son got his skipper license. It was a bit windy which we did struggle a bit with the mooring but with the help from Claudio we moored and stayed where we were. We unfortunately did not catch much fish but we did have a relaxing time. We thank the staff they were great, helpful friendly and went out their way to make it enjoyable for us. We will surely consider to come again and hope we will catch more fish the next time.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deidre L
Pretoria, South Africa4 contributions
Oct 2023
We stayed on three Knysna Houseboats with two other couples recently, and had a most wonderful time. The boats are well maintained and have everything you need so you only have to bring towels. Exploring the Knysna lagoon at your leisure, witnessing stunning sunrises and sun sets, fishing, just chilling - what a lovely, peaceful experience. The staff were so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble for them. If you want to get away from it all for a few days and be rocked to sleep while listening to the sound of fish eagles calling, this is the trip for you.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartinPrinsloo69
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
It was an amazing experience, being in charge of our own boat on the magnificent Knysna Lagoon.
Thanks for Brenton and your grew for making it a great experience.
Thanks for Brenton and your grew for making it a great experience.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Newman36
High Wycombe, UK56 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We had 2 nights on a houseboat in April and had a fantastic time . Boat was well equipped with everything we needed for a few nights.
My husband and son fished most days and we did bbqs in the evening !
Very relaxing being the captain of our own boat.
I would suggest that any first timers leave plenty of time to find a buoy and anchor up overnight. We struggled to find the right buoys despite having the maps and a plan, but finally we managed it but it did take a couple of attempts - so something to bare in mind! The tides make the shoreline look very different for a novice !
It was great being able to leave luggage as it meant we took just one bag onboard with the things we needed .
My husband and son fished most days and we did bbqs in the evening !
Very relaxing being the captain of our own boat.
I would suggest that any first timers leave plenty of time to find a buoy and anchor up overnight. We struggled to find the right buoys despite having the maps and a plan, but finally we managed it but it did take a couple of attempts - so something to bare in mind! The tides make the shoreline look very different for a novice !
It was great being able to leave luggage as it meant we took just one bag onboard with the things we needed .
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sampsonreihana
1 contribution
Sep 2023
Paid R6000 for weekend Fri 3pm to Sunday 8am and another R560 for fuel and gas which I did not get use of as the gas braai did not work nicely. My opinion the boat can be upgraded as it is old but I enjoyed the experience. I would not do it in hurry again. Taught me to get all the t and c before booking. Caught no fish either which was dissapointing.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sherrilynguess2020
15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Are you looking for a true Knysna experience? Well why not be the captain of your own holiday on a Houseboat!
My family & I had the best weekend aboard the “Dreamer” recently…
After a detailed info briefing, mini skippers’ course, and a test run on the boat, we were given the green light and set sail on the lagoon! The sun was shining & the water was crystal clear – so we decided to head to a spot where we could swim, then laze on the roof of the boat to dry off, chat, play games & read.
It was wonderful to explore the lagoon, visit little beaches & watch the seals play – no electronics, no deadlines, no demands – just reconnecting with loved ones, relaxing & fun under the Knysna sun!
We hired a gas braai along with the boat, so in true South African style – we had a braai for dinner! The Houseboat comes fully equipped with all the comforts of home; cutlery, crockery, glasses, gas oven, bedding (sleeps up to 5 people), shower & toilet - just bring your own towels, food & drink. You can also hire fishing rods & nets – fish braai anyone?
That evening we sat on the roof of the Houseboat admiring the view of Knysna from the water, watched as the day turned to night, and all the stars came out to play – magical!
Whether it’s a family vacay,
Or a romantic getaway…
Book your Houseboat adventure today…
Go make those memories!
My family & I had the best weekend aboard the “Dreamer” recently…
After a detailed info briefing, mini skippers’ course, and a test run on the boat, we were given the green light and set sail on the lagoon! The sun was shining & the water was crystal clear – so we decided to head to a spot where we could swim, then laze on the roof of the boat to dry off, chat, play games & read.
It was wonderful to explore the lagoon, visit little beaches & watch the seals play – no electronics, no deadlines, no demands – just reconnecting with loved ones, relaxing & fun under the Knysna sun!
We hired a gas braai along with the boat, so in true South African style – we had a braai for dinner! The Houseboat comes fully equipped with all the comforts of home; cutlery, crockery, glasses, gas oven, bedding (sleeps up to 5 people), shower & toilet - just bring your own towels, food & drink. You can also hire fishing rods & nets – fish braai anyone?
That evening we sat on the roof of the Houseboat admiring the view of Knysna from the water, watched as the day turned to night, and all the stars came out to play – magical!
Whether it’s a family vacay,
Or a romantic getaway…
Book your Houseboat adventure today…
Go make those memories!
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frans S
Cape Town, South Africa3 contributions
Aug 2023
This was great experience to be the captain of your own Houseboat. The boat was fairly comfortable, however quite dated as to the internal lay-out and quality of the cupboards, bedding etc, as it has seen better days. I would recommend a decent internal refurbishment to be done. A bit overpriced for the outdated decor and style. The service and assistance of the Knysna Houseboat Agents were professional, friendly and helpful all the way. Well done, team.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeithSteyn
1 contribution
Aug 2023
This was not our first trip with Knysna Houseboats. This was a spur of the moment decision to take out a boat for the day, and their team went out of their way to make the trip as memorable as it was. Amazing service with clean and well equipped boats. We can definitely recommend them, and will certainly use their services again
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PortElizabeth007
Port Elizabeth, South Africa2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
It was an amazing experience… besides the following two things that made our stay less enjoyable:
The gas braaier wasn’t working at all, so we couldn’t braai (especially on our first night) and had to braai our Wagyu steak in a pan. The top griller of the oven was also not working so we had to finish the King prawns & mussels in a pan on our 2nd evening. This changed our whole dining experience as we specifically had to plan our meals for 3 nights without wanting to go to the grocery store.
Other than that, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, everything was clean and we would definitely want to do it again.
The gas braaier wasn’t working at all, so we couldn’t braai (especially on our first night) and had to braai our Wagyu steak in a pan. The top griller of the oven was also not working so we had to finish the King prawns & mussels in a pan on our 2nd evening. This changed our whole dining experience as we specifically had to plan our meals for 3 nights without wanting to go to the grocery store.
Other than that, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful, everything was clean and we would definitely want to do it again.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lemkus
Cape Town, South Africa11 contributions
Mar 2023
Really a unique, adventurous relaxing and exciting experience; from the thorough briefing by the extremely welcoming and competent team to the navigating up the river, rafting up with friends on their boat, barbecuing off the back from a gas weber braai and swimming in the river, we loved every minute of it and would love to go back. Thanks Andre, Brenton, Steve and the rest of the crew.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana van Aswegen
Potchefstroom, South Africa63 contributions
How do I make a booking and do I have to book for two nights?
Knysna Houseboats
Knysna, South Africa
Hi Mariana V
You can make a booking by sending us an email. We have a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Warm regards
Knysna Houseboats
lennisvs
Mossel Bay, South Africa3 contributions
Hi , We would like to book for 13 April to 15 April 2018 ? What is available and at what cost ? )( 2 people only)
Knysna Houseboats
Knysna, South Africa
Hi Lennis
We are able to assist with availability for 2 nights from the 13th of April. The rate is R2385 per couple per night.
Warm regards
Knysna Houseboats