8 Boat Trips in Durban & KwaZulu-Natal That Repay the Early Start

1.St Lucia: Hippo and Crocodile Cruise on a 15-Seat Vessel

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $23Our pick

Spend two hours on Lake St Lucia aboard a low, roofed 15-seat vessel. Your English-speaking skipper and guide will take you near hippo groups, search the reeds for Nile crocodiles, and point out birds and plants across the estuary. Guides including Thobile have impressed with their patient explanations. Bring a jacket, binoculars, and snacks.

“We absolutely loved it!!! Ended up adding 2 more family to join us & they were equally impressed. Thank you. Our guide was very knowledgeable in all things hippo & the surrounding fauna & flora. A++”

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2.30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 665 reviews · 30 min · from $7Best value

Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf through Durban Harbor, with an English-speaking skipper explaining ships, cargo, docks, and port life. You may see container vessels, tugboats, yachts, birds, and the skyline from the water. The route can include Maydon Wharf Channel or the City and Container Terminal, depending on conditions.

“What an enjoyable experience! The music was a bit loud, but the skipper was funny, taught us so much and made the 30 minutes fantastic. I definitely recommend this ride if you want a quick adventure with the fam ❤️”

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3.1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson’s Wharf

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 496 reviews · 1 hour · from $11

Depart Wilson’s Wharf for a one-hour public cruise past Durban’s working harbor and golden beachfront. Expect music, a safety briefing, skyline views, and useful harbor commentary in English, Zulu, or Afrikaans. The boat may be a catamaran or another certified vessel, and the skipper may head into the ocean or remain inside the harbor when conditions turn rough.

“I really had fun. I will definitely come again and recommend you as well”

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4.Durban Point Waterfront: Luxury Canal Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 298 reviews · 30 min · from $9

You’ll circle Durban Point’s canals aboard a small pontoon boat with open decks, comfortable seating, a skipper, and an English-speaking guide. Expect views of uShaka Marine World, Ithala Trade Centre, the harbour, and the city skyline. Guides such as Troy, Thami, Siya, and Samuel add history, jokes, and help with family photos.

“The trip was amazing ,thanks to the driver.He made us to enjoy the ride.”

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5.Shoreline Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 187 reviews · from $23

Spend about two hours cruising the Saint Lucia Estuary in a boat limited to 15 people. Your ranger guide, often including Mdu or Mdudusi, points out hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, pelicans, flamingos, and other birdlife. The cruise begins and ends at the Siyabonga Tourism Centre and includes a mobile ticket.

“Eine kurzweilige, informativer Trip. Wurden an die bekannten Orte mit den Hippos gebracht, kleine Gruppe und gute Sicht vom Sitzplatz aus. Guide hat uns interessante Erklärungen zum Park, Natur und der Tierwelt gegeben”

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6.Pontoon Boat Harbor Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 182 reviews · 1 hour

Cruise Durban Harbor for one hour on a comfortable pontoon boat with an English-speaking skipper and plenty of seating. You will pass yachts, container ships, working port areas, and Durban’s beachfront. Music, friendly crew, and occasional photos add a social touch. Check in at Wilson’s Wharf and bring your own drinks and snacks.

“it was a really nice experience Emmanuel was so helpful with everyone ths”

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7.Luxury Canal Boat Cruise – Fun Things Durban Ushaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 125 reviews · from $8

Join Fun Things Durban at uShaka Marine World for a 30-minute canal cruise aboard the 12-seat Selfie Ship. Skippers such as Troy and Samuel share Durban stories, point out landmarks, help with photos, and may spot more than 30 fish species in the protected canals.

“Exciting experience, friendly stuff and the safest space. They take beautiful pictures, would do it again”

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8.Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise in Saint Lucia with collection

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $25

Spend two hours on the Saint Lucia Estuary with a guide such as Kian, Jabu, or Siabonga, watching hippos, crocodiles, herons, and other wildlife from a small boat. Hotel pickup, hot drinks, rusks, snacks, and groups of no more than 15 make this a relaxed choice for families and first-time visitors.

“Kian has a lot of knowledge and experience and told a lot about the surroundings and the hippo’s. The boat was a small one which gave a personal touch. We recommend to go with sunset.”

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