Harties Boat Company
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#9
in Travel & Vacation
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Jun '25 - May '26
Harties Boat Company has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 5 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Harties Boat Company across 53 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Unfortunately, the cruise experience did not meet a reasonable standard for the price charged. The food quality was extremely poor and well below expectation — it was, quite frankly, shocking and inedible. This significantly detracted from what was meant to be a premium brunch cruise experience. In addition, it was made evident during the cruise that most other guests had been upgraded to the same vessel despite having paid substantially less. While I understand that upgrades can occur for operational reasons, this resulted in a situation where I paid a higher rate for an experience that was no longer exclusive or reflective of the value promised at booking. I paid R845 per person with the expectation of a superior product and service. What was delivered did not align with that expectation, nor with the standard advertised for the Alba Brunch Cruise.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Unfortunately, the cruise experience did not meet a reasonable standard for the price charged. The food quality was extremely poor and well below expectation — it was, quite frankly, shocking and inedible. This significantly detracted from what was meant to be a premium brunch cruise experience. In addition, it was made evident during the cruise that most other guests had been upgraded to the same vessel despite having paid substantially less. While I understand that upgrades can occur for operational reasons, this resulted in a situation where I paid a higher rate for an experience that was no longer exclusive or reflective of the value promised at booking. I paid R845 per person with the expectation of a superior product and service. What was delivered did not align with that expectation, nor with the standard advertised for the Alba Brunch Cruise.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Don’t waste your money try other boat cruise options in Harties because we received such bad experience from the staff including a bad boat ride and when I complained management defended their behaviour and ignored me. We booked the champagne boat cruise for 8 people and this was our experience: 1. Safety Was Non‑Existent • There were no railings to hold onto when boarding which is a serious hazard for children and elderly passengers. • Only one life jacket provided for three children aged 6–8. • One overwhelmed staff member trying to assist everyone, unable to manage the crowd safely. 2. We Waited 45 Minutes in the Sun and received No Apology We stood in the sun with an elderly person for 45 minutes because the captain was late. No apology on the day. No apology in their response. But if we were late, they would have left without us and kept our money. 3. Staff Were Rude and Aggressive Phineas shouted at us multiple times including when I requested an alternative to a mimosa due to a medical condition. His behaviour was completely unprovoked, and management is now protecting him instead of addressing it. 4. The Food Was Not Fresh as We Got Sick The food was stale and poorly handled. Several family members had diarrhoea afterwards. Staff hovered over the buffet, policing portions and shouting at guests. 5. The Cruise Was a **** We never reached clear waters as the dam was full of hyacinth plant which they didn’t bother telling us about before booking as we don’t stay in the area. So the boat idled near the departure point the entire time. Meanwhile, the Alba and Toro Ya Me boats sailed past us with no issues proving the conditions were navigable. The captain actually hit the platform when trying to dock and he was the only one who struggled navigating through the plants and who took forever to dock the boat. 6. Forced to Board Under Unsafe Conditions After seeing the dam was full of hyacinth we asked to postpone due to heavy hyacinth.We were told postponing would be treated as a cancellation with no refund. So we were forced to board under unsafe conditions. 7. Management **** and Then Ignored Me A staff member named Jessica requested my banking details and confirmed a refund would be issued. The next day, management reversed this decision. When I disputed their false “findings,” they ignored me completely with no response, no accountability, nothing. The dismissive attitude and lack of accountability make it feel like certain customers are treated differently based on who they are. That is deeply concerning. Harties Boat Company has shown that they do not care about safety, honesty, or customer service only about keeping your money. I hope this review helps others avoid the same experience.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Don’t waste your money try other boat cruise options in Harties because we received such bad experience from the staff including a bad boat ride and when I complained management defended their behaviour and ignored me. We booked the champagne boat cruise for 8 people and this was our experience: 1. Safety Was Non‑Existent • There were no railings to hold onto when boarding which is a serious hazard for children and elderly passengers. • Only one life jacket provided for three children aged 6–8. • One overwhelmed staff member trying to assist everyone, unable to manage the crowd safely. 2. We Waited 45 Minutes in the Sun and received No Apology We stood in the sun with an elderly person for 45 minutes because the captain was late. No apology on the day. No apology in their response. But if we were late, they would have left without us and kept our money. 3. Staff Were Rude and Aggressive Phineas shouted at us multiple times including when I requested an alternative to a mimosa due to a medical condition. His behaviour was completely unprovoked, and management is now protecting him instead of addressing it. 4. The Food Was Not Fresh as We Got Sick The food was stale and poorly handled. Several family members had diarrhoea afterwards. Staff hovered over the buffet, policing portions and shouting at guests. 5. The Cruise Was a **** We never reached clear waters as the dam was full of hyacinth plant which they didn’t bother telling us about before booking as we don’t stay in the area. So the boat idled near the departure point the entire time. Meanwhile, the Alba and Toro Ya Me boats sailed past us with no issues proving the conditions were navigable. The captain actually hit the platform when trying to dock and he was the only one who struggled navigating through the plants and who took forever to dock the boat. 6. Forced to Board Under Unsafe Conditions After seeing the dam was full of hyacinth we asked to postpone due to heavy hyacinth.We were told postponing would be treated as a cancellation with no refund. So we were forced to board under unsafe conditions. 7. Management **** and Then Ignored Me A staff member named Jessica requested my banking details and confirmed a refund would be issued. The next day, management reversed this decision. When I disputed their false “findings,” they ignored me completely with no response, no accountability, nothing. The dismissive attitude and lack of accountability make it feel like certain customers are treated differently based on who they are. That is deeply concerning. Harties Boat Company has shown that they do not care about safety, honesty, or customer service only about keeping your money. I hope this review helps others avoid the same experience.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Our experience with Hardee’s Boat Company was deeply disappointing and alarming. This booking was for a group of eight people as a year-end work/Christmas function and was meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Instead, it became a stressful and traumatic ordeal. We were originally booked for 13:30, but upon arriving early, we were asked to take the 12:30 cruise due to weather concerns. We agreed in good faith. Unfortunately, after boarding, we waited 45–50 minutes without movement. The cruise only began at 13:26, and the actual enjoyment lasted no more than 30 minutes. On the return journey, the boat became immobilized, leaving us stuck in the middle of the dam for nearly an hour. During this time, there was no clear communication from the crew. Passengers were visibly anxious and fearful, especially given the presence of a pregnant woman and an elderly passenger using a crutch. Once assistance arrived and we were towed back, the situation worsened. Disembarking took another 30 minutes, during which passengers were instructed to remove their shoes and walk barefoot through water using makeshift planks. Several passengers, including the elderly man, had to be carried on employees’ backs. He later fell again after disembarking, highlighting the lack of safety measures. We were informed that the same boat had experienced problems earlier that day, yet it continued operating. No accountability was taken, no apologies were offered, and no effort was made to check on passenger wellbeing. This was my first boat cruise, and sadly it was also my worst. I would not recommend Hardee’s Boat Company to anyone. A full refund for all eight passengers is absolutely warranted. What should have been a memorable celebration turned into an unacceptable and distressing experience.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Our experience with Hardee’s Boat Company was deeply disappointing and alarming. This booking was for a group of eight people as a year-end work/Christmas function and was meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Instead, it became a stressful and traumatic ordeal. We were originally booked for 13:30, but upon arriving early, we were asked to take the 12:30 cruise due to weather concerns. We agreed in good faith. Unfortunately, after boarding, we waited 45–50 minutes without movement. The cruise only began at 13:26, and the actual enjoyment lasted no more than 30 minutes. On the return journey, the boat became immobilized, leaving us stuck in the middle of the dam for nearly an hour. During this time, there was no clear communication from the crew. Passengers were visibly anxious and fearful, especially given the presence of a pregnant woman and an elderly passenger using a crutch. Once assistance arrived and we were towed back, the situation worsened. Disembarking took another 30 minutes, during which passengers were instructed to remove their shoes and walk barefoot through water using makeshift planks. Several passengers, including the elderly man, had to be carried on employees’ backs. He later fell again after disembarking, highlighting the lack of safety measures. We were informed that the same boat had experienced problems earlier that day, yet it continued operating. No accountability was taken, no apologies were offered, and no effort was made to check on passenger wellbeing. This was my first boat cruise, and sadly it was also my worst. I would not recommend Hardee’s Boat Company to anyone. A full refund for all eight passengers is absolutely warranted. What should have been a memorable celebration turned into an unacceptable and distressing experience.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Bad service We where early they told us that we will board the boat at 11H45 am but ended up putting other people first than us and gave us another time which was 2pm and we where coming from johannesburg and had to wait so long while hungry and the drinks are expensive. DIRTY BOAT Boat was dirty The table cloths where not changed after the other group left ,so we found the table cloths dirty and the chairs are dirty and have rust... MUSIC They played old out dated Playlist, a list of songs that used to play on weddings during Mafikizolo era. FOOD The food came late Like they were preparing a nice meal yet it was just starters that didn't even have something to drink with ...you had to pay extra for drinks and everything is expensive The food was horrible 😫 very horrible Some of the food tasted rotten and there's no taste Buns where old buns that busked in the sun for long hours and we had to take food from downstairs no waters to serve and no s****s to serve food u use hands nd no wipes ,we had to ask for them .
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Bad service We where early they told us that we will board the boat at 11H45 am but ended up putting other people first than us and gave us another time which was 2pm and we where coming from johannesburg and had to wait so long while hungry and the drinks are expensive. DIRTY BOAT Boat was dirty The table cloths where not changed after the other group left ,so we found the table cloths dirty and the chairs are dirty and have rust... MUSIC They played old out dated Playlist, a list of songs that used to play on weddings during Mafikizolo era. FOOD The food came late Like they were preparing a nice meal yet it was just starters that didn't even have something to drink with ...you had to pay extra for drinks and everything is expensive The food was horrible 😫 very horrible Some of the food tasted rotten and there's no taste Buns where old buns that busked in the sun for long hours and we had to take food from downstairs no waters to serve and no s****s to serve food u use hands nd no wipes ,we had to ask for them .
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
We booked R690 per couple and we traveled all the way from joburg arrived 10 mins late cause the place is hidden, we tried calling no one answered when we arrived we were told we need to pay 50% per person in order to get into the next boat since we are 10 mins late or we forfet our money, tell you what they took our money where else when you book they don’t mention that once you are late you lose your money. This is sad the manager was rude and ******. I would never recommend this place to anyone however if you decide to go don’t book you will pay at the venue do not fall for the booking part. But as far as I’m concerned I am never going back there and I hope the company grows with our money. You *****sters!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
We booked R690 per couple and we traveled all the way from joburg arrived 10 mins late cause the place is hidden, we tried calling no one answered when we arrived we were told we need to pay 50% per person in order to get into the next boat since we are 10 mins late or we forfet our money, tell you what they took our money where else when you book they don’t mention that once you are late you lose your money. This is sad the manager was rude and ******. I would never recommend this place to anyone however if you decide to go don’t book you will pay at the venue do not fall for the booking part. But as far as I’m concerned I am never going back there and I hope the company grows with our money. You *****sters!!!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
********** experience. I booked a champagne sunset cruise for my fiance's birthday as a surprise. We surely did get a huge surprise. Not a good one! Firstly, I would like to point out that the form requires that we mention dietary requirements. I specifically stated that I am vegan AND emailed to remind them. Upon arrival, we were offered half a glass of warm champagne and a canapé that contained both fish and dairy products, neither of which are vegan. On the boat, we were given a plate of entirely meat and cheese containing items. After some time I politely asked the staff where my food was, and was instructed that I need to share with him. I informed them that this wouldn’t be possible as I was vegan. The said there was nothing that could be done. I would like to say that this was the least of the problems... What is of much greater concern to me was the extreme noise on the boat. Approximately 30minutes into the 2h journey kwaito-style music of extreme, beyond club level commenced. It was so loud that we could not hear one another talking at all (sitting right next to each other). People got up and started to dance as though it was a club. As it was clear that others were enjoying it, the staff refused to turn it down, even though I asked 4 times. My fiancé had to put serviettes in his ears. It was beyond torturous to me. I loathed every second of it and was extremely embarrassed for having put my fiancé in such a horrific situation on his birthday. He is in his 50s. He is not an 18 year old Zulu student. I was under the impression that we would be going on a peaceful boat trip where we would enjoy pleasant conversation and have a few nice snacks. What I was forced into could not have been further from this. This was a huge amount of money for me and was a huge decision. I really wanted it to be special. When I emailed the company to complain and request a refund so that I could use the R1200 that I had spent to try to mitigate some of the damages done by taking my fiance out for a nice quiet dinner, I was told that "the caterer is new, but vegetarian options are available" (vegan and vegetarian are NOT the same) and that "the public cruises cater to the majority of guests (NOT TRUE!) and for a more personalised experience book a private cruise where music and possibly dietary requirements can be tailored to your requests" In future, be transparent about the fact that your alleged 'champagne cruise' is in fact a hip-hop party boat and that there are no meal options.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
********** experience. I booked a champagne sunset cruise for my fiance's birthday as a surprise. We surely did get a huge surprise. Not a good one! Firstly, I would like to point out that the form requires that we mention dietary requirements. I specifically stated that I am vegan AND emailed to remind them. Upon arrival, we were offered half a glass of warm champagne and a canapé that contained both fish and dairy products, neither of which are vegan. On the boat, we were given a plate of entirely meat and cheese containing items. After some time I politely asked the staff where my food was, and was instructed that I need to share with him. I informed them that this wouldn’t be possible as I was vegan. The said there was nothing that could be done. I would like to say that this was the least of the problems... What is of much greater concern to me was the extreme noise on the boat. Approximately 30minutes into the 2h journey kwaito-style music of extreme, beyond club level commenced. It was so loud that we could not hear one another talking at all (sitting right next to each other). People got up and started to dance as though it was a club. As it was clear that others were enjoying it, the staff refused to turn it down, even though I asked 4 times. My fiancé had to put serviettes in his ears. It was beyond torturous to me. I loathed every second of it and was extremely embarrassed for having put my fiancé in such a horrific situation on his birthday. He is in his 50s. He is not an 18 year old Zulu student. I was under the impression that we would be going on a peaceful boat trip where we would enjoy pleasant conversation and have a few nice snacks. What I was forced into could not have been further from this. This was a huge amount of money for me and was a huge decision. I really wanted it to be special. When I emailed the company to complain and request a refund so that I could use the R1200 that I had spent to try to mitigate some of the damages done by taking my fiance out for a nice quiet dinner, I was told that "the caterer is new, but vegetarian options are available" (vegan and vegetarian are NOT the same) and that "the public cruises cater to the majority of guests (NOT TRUE!) and for a more personalised experience book a private cruise where music and possibly dietary requirements can be tailored to your requests" In future, be transparent about the fact that your alleged 'champagne cruise' is in fact a hip-hop party boat and that there are no meal options.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Really underwhelming experience. Was definitely a rip-off. The water hyacinth could be seen for KILOMETERS! Spent half the trip trying to get in and out of it. Can't believe they still charge premium prices in that condition. They gave very little champagne. The table and chairs were vey cheap. I requested a cake for a birthday and they took AGES to bring it out after I requested it several times. They cake didn't have a name as requested. They didn't bring a knife after I requested several times. They quality of the experience was just very low for the premium prices!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Really underwhelming experience. Was definitely a rip-off. The water hyacinth could be seen for KILOMETERS! Spent half the trip trying to get in and out of it. Can't believe they still charge premium prices in that condition. They gave very little champagne. The table and chairs were vey cheap. I requested a cake for a birthday and they took AGES to bring it out after I requested it several times. They cake didn't have a name as requested. They didn't bring a knife after I requested several times. They quality of the experience was just very low for the premium prices!
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Harties Boat Company is the epitome of bad service. They put us in danger by allowing the cruise to go ahead during a storm. The chairs were wet, loose, and dangerously unstable, sliding all over the place when it started raining. There was lightning, and we were completely soaked. After just 10 miserable minutes, we turned back, but the company refused to give us a refund despite promising a one-hour cruise. The "manager" blatantly **** about speaking to the owner, only to later admit he was the owner himself. His comment to staff – "just take their numbers, and it’s over" – was the final straw. They clearly don't care about their customers or their safety. Avoid this place like the plague.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Harties Boat Company is the epitome of bad service. They put us in danger by allowing the cruise to go ahead during a storm. The chairs were wet, loose, and dangerously unstable, sliding all over the place when it started raining. There was lightning, and we were completely soaked. After just 10 miserable minutes, we turned back, but the company refused to give us a refund despite promising a one-hour cruise. The "manager" blatantly **** about speaking to the owner, only to later admit he was the owner himself. His comment to staff – "just take their numbers, and it’s over" – was the final straw. They clearly don't care about their customers or their safety. Avoid this place like the plague.
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