Knysna Houseboats in Knysna on Garden Route are well-equipped and exceed the South African Maritime Safety Authority operational requirements.

Become the captain of your boat during a memorable holiday on the Knysna Lagoon, along with the Garden Route in South Africa.

The Knysna boats offer a high specification for guests actually to enjoy a fun-filled, comfortable and enjoyable holiday on the lagoon. These self-drive houseboats provide everything travellers require during their trip.

Suitable for up to 4 adults on a boat or a family of 5 (two adults and three children), the ships contain a kitchen, dining table, beds as well as outdoor decks. Please note that no smoking is permitted inside the houseboats.

Because driving a boat is different to driving a car and for travellers to be safe and comfortable at all times during their journey, guests are required to attend a little captains course before leaving with the boat. This theoretical mini-course will take about half an hour and will be followed by a check-in on the vessel, during which time questions are asked to see the skipper has understood the course material. 

The course details will also be provided to the travellers when a booking is made allowing them to read through the material ahead of time to familiarise themselves. To pass, the test guests need to answer most of the questions correctly. After that, an official Temporary Certificate of Competence will be issued, which will be valid for the duration of the boat rental. If you have a South African skipper’s license, please bring it along as it will speed up the check-in process.

A minimum stay of two nights is required throughout the year, except for the high season period in December where a minimum of three nights is required for the rental of a houseboat. Please note that the rates exclude the costs of fuel consumed and are subject to change without prior notice.

There is only a 12-volt battery power onboard the Knysna Houseboats. Guests are therefore encouraged to please bring along their cell phone car charger. The cell phones must be charged and operational as these are the only means to contact you while you are on the water.

As this is a self-catering accommodation option, guests are welcome to bring their food. Should guests be interested in having a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, oysters and any of our delicious platters on board upon their arrival, please request at the time of booking. A catering menu for pre-bookings can be forwarded to guests before the arrival date.

Arrivals after 16:00 / 4h00pm will be able to make use of the boat and overnight at the ‘Knysna Houseboats’ jetty. Early check-in can be arranged, subject to availability. The check-out time is always at 9h30am. The charter fee of the boat excludes an R 1,200.00 refundable security deposit as well as fuel. The following items are excluded and can be brought by guests on the vessel or hired at an additional cost:

• Bathroom and beach towels
• Fishing rods
• Towable tube
• Kayak
• Fore-cabin with a double bed, storage space and bench seat which doubles as a child’s bed
• Fully fitted kitchen providing a stove, oven, electric fridge, sink and all kitchen utensils, crockery, and cutlery
• Compact bathroom with a hot shower, chemical toilet, and basin
• The comfortable inside dining area which changes into a double bed
• Bedding
• CD-player
• Captains book
• Safety equipment, including life jackets, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher

Exterior facilities:

• Open lounge deck with a bimini
• Barbecue
• Rooftop sundeck with plenty of space for all passengers to sunbathe and enjoy the panoramic views.

Please note the following check-in times if you wish to spend your first night on the Knysna lagoon:

• Weekdays between 14:00 and 16:00 / 2 – 4 pm
• Weekends between 11:00 and 12:00 / 11 – noon

Amenities

• Ensuite private bathroom
• Fridge
• Fully Furnished Kitchen
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Viewing Deck

Facilities Available at Knysna Houseboats

• Lounge
• Nearby golf course
• Nearby Gym
• Nearby Spa
• Parking

More Information on Knysna Houseboats

• Rooms at Knysna Houseboats
• Getting to Knysna Houseboats
• Accreditations
• Services & Conferencing