If the idea of being gradually rocked to sleep appeals to you, then spending a night on a luxury yacht or houseboat may be just up your alley. Both the Western Cape and Gauteng provinces offer overnight accommodation on the water so you can drift off to sleep listening to the water gently lapping against the side of the boat.

Kiara Luxury Yacht, V&A Waterfront

If the sound of a night spent in one of the most spectacular marinas in the country appeals to you, consider booking a stay on Kiara Luxury Yacht. The classic 34 metre super yacht is a superb, privately owned retreat moored in the V&A Waterfront marina, one of the most exclusive and scenic locations in the world. Wake up to views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head and take your pick of a variety of restaurants for an early breakfast.

The yacht features 4 luxurious cabins, two with king-sized beds and two with twin beds. Each cabin is independently air-conditioned and features a television and DVD player with surround sound, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, vanity, and toilet. Other facilities on board the yacht include a cocktail bar area, saloon, galley and scullery, deck areas, and a dining room that doubles as a boardroom with a 42 inch LCD monitor, wireless internet, printer, copier, and scanner. Dry cleaning services are available on request. Find out more.

Knysna Houseboats, Knysna

Knysna is one of the most beautiful and sought after holiday destinations in the Western Cape. Escape the crowds by booking a holiday with Knysna Houseboats; a unique way to spend a week or a weekend in Knysna. There are 6 newly refurbished self-drive boats on offer, ensuring you can enjoy a private holiday with your family.  Captains are offered a short navigational course and no experience or license is required.

The interior of the boat is fitted with a cosy fore cabin with a double bed and a bench seat that doubles as a child’s bed. A second bed is converted out of the dining table in the main saloon. The galley is fully equipped with a stove, oven, fridge, sink, and cutlery and crockery. The boat also has a bathroom, all necessary bedding, a CD player, Captain’s book, and safety equipment such as life jackets, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. The outside area of the boat is just as luxurious, offering a lounge deck, braai, and rooftop sundeck. Services offered by the marina include an assorted catering menu (room service), rentals of fishing rods and towable tubes, and various facilities. Find out more.

Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters, Sasolburg

Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters offers a chance to spend a self-chartered holiday on the Vaal River, South Africa’s most dynamic navigable inland waterway. There are 9 marine architect designed boats available, equipped with everything you need. Each houseboat can sleep up to 5 people.

The boat boasts a fore cabin with a double bed, a fully appointed galley with gas stove, oven, fridge, and sink, a bathroom, and an inside dining area that converts into a second double bed. The outside deck has a sitting area with a retractable awning, a charcoal braai facility, and deck chairs. Explore the vibrant shorefront attractions, dock at restaurants, spas, golf courses, light up a fire on board, or float leisurely behind on a tube. No special license required and assistance is provided 24 hours. Day charters are available. Meal hampers can be arranged. Find out more.

What would your dream water vacation entail?