Knysna Houseboats offers
a fully equipped self-drive houseboat to spend your holiday
gently cruising along in Knysna's (South Africa) beautiful and scenic tidal estuary.
Sunbathing on the deck, diving in the water or finding all the great local fishing spots is just a few of the many great activities our clients enjoy.
Our newly refurbished Houseboats exceed all South African Maritime Safety Authority operational and safety requirements
and we have outfitted them to a high specification, so it is truly a comfortable experience.
All you need is an adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors and we’ll make you captain of your own holiday!
Morning Star is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Evening Star is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon, living the good life.
Royal Dawn is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Dreamer is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Southern Cross is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Barley Awake is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 4-Stroke outboard engine with no trim and tilt and will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease. Just be careful of the sandbanks.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
- Step on the side of the boat therefore more space at the back.
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Misty Dawn is fitted with a 40hp Yamaha 2-Stroke outboard engine that will comfortably let you cruise along the Knysna lagoon with ease.
The inside of the boats is fully equipped with:
- Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space, and bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed
- Fully fitted galley (kitchen) with stove, oven, electric fridge, sink, and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
- Compact heads (bathroom) with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
- Comfortable inside dining area that simply converts into a double bed
- All necessary bedding
- CD-player
- Captains book
- Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit and fire extinguisher
The outside exists of:
- Open lounge deck with a bimini
- Barbeque for the one that didn’t get away
- Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbath and enjoy the panoramic views
A perfect choice for family, friends, or spending some time with loved ones and enjoying the beautiful views along the Knysna Lagoon.
Knysna is an artistic town that has been chosen as the country's "town of the year" for a few years in a row and has even been recognized as one of the top 100 destinations in the world.
Your main activities exist of gently cruising along or finding a secluded spot on the lagoon, sunbathing on the deck or a beach, diving into the water, dozing in the afternoon sun with the sound of water lapping beneath you, bird watching, and perhaps even fishing for your own dinner.
But you might also want to explore everything else Knysna and its surroundings have to offer:
- Beautiful beaches
- The Beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve
- World-class golf courses, such as Pezula and Simola
- The Knysna Elephant Park
- Hiking or mountain bike trails/forest walks with incredible sea views
- Ocean Safaris
- Horse riding
- Elephant walk
- Friday Market
- Harkerville Saturday market
- Cultural experiences, such as a township tour
- The Oyster Festival in July
Fear not: Even on a rainy day, the comfort of your Houseboat will make your holiday an unforgettable one. The inside dining area is ideal for some good old board games and reading in a peaceful setting away from urban distractions – not to mention rain drops.
Or you could join the rest of us onshore and go:
- Shopping in the interesting shopping venues of Knysna and nearby coastal town Plettenberg Bay
- Explore the 7 passes scenic drive to George
- Visit one of the award-winning health spas
- Visit galleries and museums
- To the cinema
- To the gym
The kids will love the whole experience on the water! They can jump into the lagoon, catch some fish and enjoy the outdoors. On the shallow parts of the lagoon, the hermit crabs and inquisitive sea gulls will also keep the little ones interested for hours.
Onshore you could take the N2 towards Plettenberg Bay and find an entertaining waterpark for kids called “Adventure land Plett”. A few kilometres after you’ve passed Plett, you could also visit the Plett Puzzle Park, with a 3D maze and forest puzzle walk.
Trained, professional, and friendly staff are here to make your time on the Knysna Houseboats easy and convenient.
Our new charter base is located in sophisticated Thesen Islands Harbour Town, where our staff will be 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;
- Bathroom & shower
- Renting of fishing rods, tackle
- Houseboat services are carried out at a designated jetty and include the following:
- Fill up with fresh water
- Re-fuelling (if required)
- Cleaning of bathroom
- Check motor cooling system and oil level
- Rubbish removal
- Re-supply LP Gas (if required)
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!
Be Captain for a day or let our pilot drive and moor you anywhere on the Knysna Lagoon and enjoy the experience of (self-)driving a fully equipped Knysna Houseboat from 10h00 till 16h30
Thesen Islands is a multi-award winning marina development located in the scenic Knysna estuary. It is within walking distance of the Waterfront, yacht harbour and town centre of Knysna, one of South Africa’s most picturesque and popular coastal towns.
We are located, just off the main street of Thesen Harbour Town, which is a popular meeting place for relaxed shopping or enjoying a meal in any of the several restaurants.
Let's make it even more special with our latest breakaway offers.
We also offer coprate deals on request.
Sunset to Sunrise
1 Night Lagoon Experience
Arrive in the late afternoon, step aboard, and watch the lagoon change as the sun sets.
As night falls, everything slows down.
The water moves beneath you.
The sounds of the lagoon take over.
The boat gently shifts with the tide.
You don’t just stay here, you feel it.
Ever slept on the water?
This is your chance.
Wake up to a completely different view as the tide turns overnight. Your room repositioned by nature.
No Skipper No Problem
Short on time or just passing through?
For one night stays, there is no need to do the skipper course.
We will set up your houseboat, take you out, and fetch you the next morning.
Most guests choose this option so they can simply relax and enjoy.
Simple. Easy. No stress.
Or take one of our small eco friendly electric tenders.
No license required
Takes a few minutes to learn
Quiet, easy, and part of the experience
Braai on the Water
Light up your gas braai and cook dinner right on the lagoon.
Steaks. Boerewors. Fresh fish.
A cold drink in hand. Stars above.
Ever had a braai on the water?
Your Lagoon Welcome
Choose your experience.
Oysters and bubbly
Braai pack with steaks, boerewors and sides
Vegetarian platter
Ready and waiting when you arrive
Perfect for
Couples
Travellers passing through Knysna
A one night bucket list experience
First time houseboat guests
From R3,950 per night
Based on 2 people
Limited one night bookings available each week
Slow down and settle into life on the lagoon
You are no longer just visiting, you start to live it.
Wake up to still water and birds calling across the lagoon.
Spend your day exploring, fishing, swimming, or doing absolutely nothing.
As the sun sets, light your braai, pour a drink, and let the rhythm of the water take over.
By the second night, something shifts.
You have fully disconnected from the world on land.
Be Your Own Captain
This is the full houseboat experience.
After a short skipper introduction, you take control of your own floating getaway.
Cruise the lagoon at your own pace.
Anchor where you like.
Move with the tides.
No pressure. No rush. Just freedom.
Braai. Relax. Repeat.
Cook your meals on the gas braai, surrounded by water.
Swim off the boat.
Fish from your deck.
Sit back and watch the stars with nothing but the sounds of the lagoon around you.
Make It Your Own
Optional extras available:
Oysters and bubbly
Braai packs
Vegetarian platters
Add these to make your stay even more memorable
Perfect for
Couples wanting a proper escape
Nature lovers
Fishing trips
Anyone looking to slow down and reset
From R2,730 per night
Based on 2 people
Weekday special only
This is where the real magic happens
By your second day, you have completely slowed down.
By your third night, you do not want to leave.
There is no rush. No schedule.
Just you, the water, and time to properly switch off.
Swim. Fish. Explore. Drift.
Or do absolutely nothing at all.
Total Freedom
Take full control of your houseboat after a short skipper introduction.
Cruise the lagoon.
Find your perfect anchoring spot.
Move with the tides and make the space your own.
This is your floating cabin on the water.
Live the Lagoon Life
Braai as the sun goes down.
Wake up slowly with coffee and uninterrupted views.
Watch the lagoon change throughout the day
and settle into a rhythm you do not get on land.
Make It Your Own
Optional extras available:
Oysters and bubbly
Braai packs
Vegetarian platters
Add these to elevate your stay
Perfect for
Couples wanting a proper break
Nature lovers
Fishing getaways
Anyone needing a full reset
From R2,500 per night
Based on 2 people
Best value stay
Check availability
Most popular length of stay
Take your time and settle in
Five nights on the lagoon changes everything.
You arrive, you slow down… and then you stay long enough to really feel it.
Mornings start quietly.
Coffee with still water in front of you.
Days stretch out with no real plan.
Swim. Fish. Explore. Drift.
Or just sit back and let the day pass.
By the time you leave, the outside world feels far away.
Total Freedom
This is a full self drive experience.
After a skipper introduction, you take control of your own houseboat.
Cruise the lagoon at your own pace.
Find your spot.
Stay as long as you like or move with the tide.
No schedules. No pressure. Just your own space on the water.
Live the Lagoon Life
Braai as the sun goes down each evening.
Wake up slowly and ease into the day.
The longer you stay, the more you settle into the rhythm.
Something simple, but hard to find anywhere else.
Make It Your Own
Optional extras available:
Oysters and bubbly
Braai packs
Vegetarian platters
Have everything ready for you when you arrive
Perfect for
Couples wanting a longer escape
Nature lovers
Fishing trips
Anyone looking to fully switch off
The views are so magnificent , especially the mesmerizing sunsets and the beautiful morning sunrises.
“Be calm like a calm lake, then you will look beautiful like a beautiful calm lake!” – Mehmet Murat ildan
"Pictures tell a story, but words just tell it better!"
Our guests always leave us with a few kind words.
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First Floor, TH34
Thesen Islands, 6570
Knysna, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 2802
info@knysnahouseboats.com
Office hours: Mon-Fri 08h30-17h00
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 08h30 -13h00
On exiting George, continue along the N2 towards Knysna, passing through Wilderness and Sedgefield. After entering Knysna along the lagoon, turn right at the 3rd set of traffic lights into Waterfront Drive. Proceed along Waterfront Drive (railway line on your right), and pass through a set of traffic lights (passing the Waterfront on your right). Turn right at the next set of traffic lights into Long Street (note ‘Builders Trade’ on your left).
Proceed over the railway line, along the causeway, across the bridge onto THESEN ISLANDS. Continue to the end of the road until the roundabout. Take the first exit left. Over the stop street, past the playground, until you reach Flo&Co Restaurant on your right. We are upstairs on the 1st Floor of the building behind them, where we look forward to welcoming you.
Take the N2 towards Knysna, passing through Plettenberg Bay and Harkerville. After entering Knysna, turn left at the third set of traffic lights into Waterfront Drive. Proceed along Waterfront Drive and turn left at the first set of traffic lights into Long Street (note ‘Builders Trade’ on your right).
Proceed over the railway line, along the causeway, across the bridge onto THESEN ISLANDS. Continue to the end of the road until the roundabout. Take the first exit left. Over the stop street, past the playground until you reach Flo&Co Restaurant on your right. We are upstairs on the 1st Floor of the building behind them, where we look forward to welcoming you.
Lat: -34,048974659246845
Long: 23,048744296958937
