Knysna Houseboats is a family-owned business run by people who’ve loved the Knysna Lagoon for generations. Our family has been visiting Knysna from Cape Town since the 1970s — and what began as holidays by the water grew into a lifelong passion for boating and the lagoon lifestyle. In 2018, we opened Magic Lagoon Charters, offering cruises aboard beautifully restored vintage wooden boats. The business has grown steadily since, and we’re proud to have added Knysna Houseboats and our new eco-friendly electric tenderboats to the Magic Lagoon family — all operated from The Magic Quay in Thesen Harbour Town. Having owned our own houseboat for over 15 years, we’ve explored every corner of the lagoon — from collecting bait & catching fish to anchoring under the stars in hidden coves. That love and experience inspire everything we do. Our goal is simple: to share Knysna’s beauty, peace, and magic with every guest who joins us on the water.

Book a room on the Knysna Lagoon and wake up on the water. Knysna Houseboats offers a truly unique experience aboard luxury self-drive houseboats moored in the heart of Thesen Islands. Each boat is a private floating suite — perfect for couples, honeymooners, small families, and fishing getaways. Be the captain of your holiday as we train you to skipper your own boat and issue a temporary certificate, upgradeable to a full license. Cruise and explore the sheltered Knysna Lagoon at your own pace, dropping anchor for a braai, a swim, or to sleep beneath the stars in tranquil spots near Belvidere or Brenton-on-Lake. Each houseboat includes a kitchen, bathroom, comfortable beds, and a rooftop sundeck for sunbathing or stargazing. Enjoy sunset braais, swimming off the back of your boat, or relaxing with drinks from the Sandbar. Visit our Barrel Bar at the Clubhouse or hire an electric tenderboat for quiet, eco-friendly exploring through the canals. Lagoon deliveries, frozen dinners, and clubhouse amenities make your stay effortless and unforgettable.

Knysna Houseboats is located in the heart of Thesen Harbour Town on Thesen Islands, one of South Africa’s most beautiful waterfront destinations. A stay here means you’re surrounded by boutique shops, art galleries, and some of Knysna’s best restaurants — all just a short stroll from your mooring. Enjoy fresh oysters and lagoon views at Ile de Pain, sip cocktails at Tapas & Oysters, or enjoy dinner by the water at Sirocco or 34° South. Beyond the boardwalks, Thesen Islands offers safe, scenic walking and cycling routes, charming bridges and canals, and a friendly village atmosphere. The residential section of the islands is peaceful and picturesque, with pastel homes and private jetties that make every turn feel like a postcard. From your houseboat, you can easily explore the Knysna Lagoon — cruise past The Waterfront, the Knysna Quays, and toward Belvidere or Brenton-on-Lake for breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by hotels, boutique lodges, and Airbnbs, Thesen Islands is the beating heart of Knysna — vibrant, walkable, and unforgettable.