South Africa · BOAT TOURS IN DURBAN & KWAZULU-NATAL
Good boat tours in Durban & KwaZulu-Natal fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
A 2-hour hippo and crocodile cruise on Lake St Lucia with a small 15-seat boat, estuary birding, and close wildlife viewing near iSimangaliso.
“Amazing !!! We got to see hippos against a beautiful African Sunset. Even saw a mummy and baby hippo on the banks of the river . It was an amazing experience!”
A quick, narrated boat cruise in Durban Harbor, watching giant ships maneuver, birds soar, and the skyline glide by for $7.
“I was 2min late but they phoned to check how far I was and I came running with my family the ladies at the counter called out to the guide they are here wow they were able to stop the boat which was about to move and we went in.The guides were good with taking us pictures and playing good music too.Loved everything about the cruise”
A one-hour Durban harbor cruise from Wilson’s Wharf for about $11, with ship spotting, onboard music, and Durban skyline views.
“The crews and Captain where so polite and respectful and considerate. Loved every minute of it wished it could go on for longer. My 1st time in a boat and on top of the water.”
Durban Point Waterfront canal cruise on a luxury pontoon boat. 30 minutes of skyline views, photo stops, and local stories for $9.
“It was a lifetime experience, got to see the beautiful parts of Durban, waterfront is such a beautiful place. Really enjoyed, Siya our driver was great as well.”
2-hour Lake St Lucia hippo and croc cruise from Siyabonga Tourism Centre. Small boat, ranger commentary, close wildlife views for $23.
“De tour op zich zou leuk zijn, maar onze gids had weinig belangstelling voor zijn gasten en de hippo’s. Zijn telefoon was belangrijker! We hebben wel redelijk wat hippo’s gezien, maar we bleven maar kort op die plaatsen liggen met de boot. Andere boten bleven veel langer liRead more”
Pontoon boat cruise around Durban Harbor. See container ships up close, bring your own snacks, then dine at Wilson's Wharf.
“Best experience ever. Manqoba and our driver were such amazing hosts, not forgetting the booking lady... absolutely amazing. My friends and I are definitely coming back.”
A small-group luxury pontoon canal cruise from Ushaka, Durban. Hear stories, spot 30+ fish species, and enjoy a calm, scenic ride.
“It was fun, refreshing and thrilling exactly what I was looking for on a nice hot Saturday.. I would definitely do it again.”
2-hour St Lucia hippo and croc boat cruise in iSimangaliso with hotel pickup, hot drinks, snacks, and a small group up to 15.
“What an amazing, educational tour this was! Our guide was extremely friendly and answered all questions that was asked! Will definitely recommend them to anyone visiting the area!”
Two-hour Durban whale watching on the Indian Ocean for humpbacks, dolphins, and more, with expert guides from Wilson’s Wharf.
“Lovely boat, saw nothing closer to shorw but as soon as our guide went further out to shore we saw at least six whales...mother and baby humpback and male and female pairs. Guide very respectful od not getting too close to the whales but still allowing us the best view and giving us plenty of photo opportunities. He also shared his videos with us at the end of the tour. No dolphins but the whales were amazing.”
Glide through Durban Point Waterfront in a Venetian-style gondola at night. 30 minutes, $11.50, mobile tickets, and photo-friendly lighting.
“The view around the tunnel really stood out for me It was breathtaking. The staff were very friendly made the tour enjoyable.”
Durban’s Wild Coast safari mashup pairs a St Lucia boat cruise with a Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game drive, aiming for Big Five sightings.
“What a beautiful country! We had an enjoyable boat trip on the river but it was difficult to hear what was being said. Perhaps changing our seating would have helped. We also feel that more could have been pointed out by the guide on thRead more”
Relax on an African gondola cruise along Durban Point Waterfront Canal. Calm 30 min ride, photo bridges, possible fish. From $11.54.
“The whole experience was wonderful but only took 10 minutes or less..not 30 minutes as advertised. Only disappointing part was that otherwise the ride itself was enjoyable.”
Durban Harbour luxury pontoon cruise from Wilson's Wharf. See yachts, ships and port work on a comfy 1-hour ride.
“It was a nice cruise,I liked the music and that our drivers were friendly, They updated us with everything, and waited few min for us to arrive, we were late🥰”
Glide along Durban’s Point Waterfront Canal by gondola with a included picnic lunch in a Society for the Blind wicker basket, about 40 minutes.
“What a beautiful memory for my kids we really enjoyed the ride too the fullest. We will definetly come back again.”
Day trip from Durban to iSimangaliso Wetlands, with a guided 2-hour estuary boat safari, St Lucia lunch, and wildlife viewing.
“After we were on a 4X4 Land Safari we thought iy would be interesting to do a Boat Safari. This was an GREAT IDEA because we saw a lot of crocs, all different kinds of birds and Water Buffalos. The Guide made this a wonderful experience. He also gave us a lot of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
