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 10 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.”
A 7-hour Richards Bay day trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park for a 2-hour St Lucia Estuary boat cruise and wildlife spotting.
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
