Luxury Canal Boat Cruise – Fun Things Durban Ushaka

Durban’s Point Waterfront canals offer a calmer view of the city than the busy streets around uShaka Marine World. On this 30-minute cruise, a skipper guides a small pontoon through the protected waterways, pointing out landmarks, local history, famous residents, and new developments.

I like the 12-person limit, which keeps the boat from feeling crowded, and I like the friendly, hands-on guiding from skippers such as Troy and Samuel. The main drawback is simple: this is a short canal ride, not an open-ocean cruise, and some people find the route too brief or expect more sights.

Key points at a glance

• The route stays inside Durban Point Waterfront canals: You get a sheltered city cruise rather than an ocean trip.
• The Selfie Ship carries only 12 people: The small group leaves room for photos and a more personal ride.
• Troy and Samuel are praised for their hosting: Expect help with pictures, friendly conversation, and stories about the area.
• The canals contain more than 30 types of sea fish: Spotting them depends on conditions, but children may enjoy looking into the water.
• The ride lasts about 30 minutes: It fits neatly before or after uShaka Marine World.
• The fare is about $8.91 per person: That makes it a low-cost add-on, though not a full half-day sightseeing tour.

A Canal Cruise, Not an Ocean Excursion

The first thing to understand is the setting. This experience takes place on the Durban Point Waterfront canals, not along the open edge of the Indian Ocean. The boat moves through protected waterways near uShaka Marine World, giving you views of the waterfront from a quiet, low vantage point.

That distinction matters. If you are hoping for waves, sea spray, or a long coastal boat trip, this is not the right choice. If you want an easy ride with a little sightseeing, some local commentary, and a chance to sit down while exploring the Point area, it makes more sense.

The boat is a luxury pontoon called the Selfie Ship, with room for a maximum of 12 people. The small capacity is one of the better features here. You are not packed into a large sightseeing vessel, and there is more chance to hear the skipper and get a clear angle for photographs.

The route is designed for all ages. Families can bring children, and the ride is also an uncomplicated choice for friends or couples looking for a short break from walking around Durban.

Thirty Minutes Around Durban Point

The cruise lasts about 30 minutes, beginning and ending at Fun Things Durban, located at uShakaShop G01 inside uShaka Marine World at 1 Bell Street in the Point area. The boat does not make a series of separate stops. Instead, the entire experience is one continuous guided ride through the canal system.

You board the pontoon, settle in, and follow the skipper as the boat moves along the waterfront canals. The guide points out attractions and talks about the area’s past, famous people connected with Durban, and what is new or enjoyable around the Point.

This is a relaxed format. You are not rushing from one sight to another, and you do not need to keep checking a map. The boat ride gives you a quick sense of how the waterfront fits together, which can be useful at the start of a visit to uShaka and the surrounding area.

The short length is both a strength and a weakness. Thirty minutes is easy to fit into a family day, especially when children have limited patience for long tours. It also keeps the price low. But if you expect a substantial city tour, the ride may feel over quickly. Two separate ratings of three stars specifically point to the short duration and the limited amount to see.

What You See From the Selfie Ship

The canals provide a different angle on Durban Point. Instead of viewing the waterfront from a pavement or attraction entrance, you see it from the water, with the boat moving at a gentle pace. The experience is less about a long list of major sights and more about getting a fresh view of the district.

The skipper points out attractions along the route and shares facts about Durban. The commentary also covers famous residents and changes in the area, so the ride is not silent transport. The quality of the experience depends heavily on the person at the wheel, since the guide is responsible for both the ride and the storytelling.

The protected canals also hold more than 30 types of sea fish. You may be able to spot fish in the water, though the operator does not promise a particular species or guaranteed sightings. Children who have never been on a boat may get a lot from this simple activity. One family described a child being allowed to take the captain’s position briefly, an especially memorable touch, though you should not assume this happens on every departure.

The canal setting can surprise people who picture a cruise at the edge of the ocean. The route is enclosed within the waterfront development. That gives you a calmer ride, but it also means the scenery is limited compared with a longer coastal excursion.

The Skipper Matters More Than the Boat

The pontoon is comfortable and in good condition according to the information available, but the guide is the real centre of the experience. Troy receives repeated praise for being friendly, engaging, helpful, and willing to take photographs. Samuel is also named as a host who helped make a family ride enjoyable and shared stories about the area.

A good skipper adds small touches that matter on a short tour. He may point out a better photo angle, explain a landmark, answer questions, or make sure everyone is comfortable. Several comments describe the guides as warm and professional, with Troy singled out for taking memorable pictures.

That personal service is useful if you are travelling with children or want group photos without asking another passenger. You may also find the guide’s local stories more useful than a formal script because the commentary covers both older parts of Durban and changes taking place around the waterfront.

There is one important caution. Not every departure has received the same response. One person described the instructor as unprofessional, while another found the ride average because the route felt short and offered little to see. The operator responded directly to the complaint and said it was not in keeping with its family values. That response is encouraging, but it does not erase the fact that the skipper can shape the experience from one departure to the next.

Sun, Photos, and Comfort on the Water

Durban’s sun can be strong, and one person found the heat uncomfortable during the ride. Bring sun protection and dress for a warm day. The supplied information does not specify whether the boat has shade, so do not count on a fully sheltered ride.

Photography is a major part of the appeal. The experience is sometimes called the Selfie Ship, and guides have helped passengers take pictures at attractive points along the canals. If you want photos of your whole group, ask the skipper early rather than waiting until the final minutes.

The boat is intended for a maximum of 12 people, which should make it easier to move through the experience without the crowding common on larger sightseeing boats. You still share the boat with other people, but the cap gives the ride a more personal feel.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, and the ride is described as suitable for all ages. No special fitness level is given, so this is best treated as a gentle sightseeing activity rather than an active water sport.

Is $8.91 Good Value?

At about $8.91 per person, this is priced as a modest add-on rather than a major excursion. I think the fare works well if you are already visiting uShaka Marine World or spending time around Durban Point. For the cost of a casual snack in many tourist areas, you get a guided boat ride, waterfront views, local commentary, and a chance to see fish in the canals.

The value is strongest for families. Children often enjoy the novelty of boarding a boat, watching the water, and looking for fish. The short duration also reduces the risk of a child becoming restless halfway through a longer tour.

It is also good value for anyone who wants a quick introduction to the Point Waterfront. You can use the ride to get your bearings, then continue exploring on foot. The boat does not replace a full Durban sightseeing tour, but it adds a different perspective without taking much time.

The value is weaker if you are booking it as your main Durban activity. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and there is no claim that the route reaches the open ocean or covers a wide stretch of the city. If your priority is dramatic coastal scenery or a long cruise, save your money for a larger or longer boat trip.

Fitting It Into a Day at uShaka

The meeting point is Fun Things Durban at uShakaShop G01, inside uShaka Marine World at 1 Bell Street, Point, Durban. The cruise returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from another part of town.

That makes the activity easy to combine with a visit to uShaka Marine World. You can take the canal ride before or after other plans, provided the departure time fits your schedule. Since the ride is short and returns to its starting point, it does not create the transport complications of a one-way boat trip.

The experience is also useful during a hot day. The water offers a change of pace from walking through an attraction or along the waterfront, although the sun can still be strong on the boat. Plan your timing with the weather in mind.

The tour is often booked around 13 days ahead. That does not guarantee that every departure sells out, but advance booking is sensible if you have a fixed uShaka schedule or are visiting during a busy period.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would choose this cruise for families, first-time visitors to Durban Point, couples who want a simple photo opportunity, and anyone looking for a short activity between larger plans. It is especially suitable if you enjoy local commentary but do not want a long formal tour.

Children may enjoy the boat itself, the fish spotting, and the possibility of taking pictures from the water. The ride is also a gentle introduction for anyone who has not spent much time on boats.

I would hesitate if you are expecting open-water scenery, a long route, or a packed sightseeing program. The canal is protected, the ride lasts about half an hour, and the number of sights is limited. The guide’s personality can add a great deal, but the basic route remains compact.

You also need to allow for weather. The cruise requires good conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of people is not reached, the same options apply.

For changes to your own booking, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

My Take: A Pleasant Add-On With Clear Limits

I like the canal cruise because it does not ask much of your day or your budget. The small boat, friendly guides, photo help, and fish spotting give it more character than a simple ride around a marina.

The strongest reason to book is the combination of a low price and a personal guide. Troy and Samuel are associated with the kind of warm hosting that makes a short outing feel special. The weakest point is the fixed limit of the route: you are on protected canals for roughly 30 minutes, and some people will want more.

Book it if you are already at uShaka Marine World, want a family-friendly water activity, and value a relaxed ride with local stories. Skip it if you want a full coastal cruise or a major sightseeing tour. At $8.91, it is an easy choice for the right expectations.

FAQ

Where does the canal cruise begin?

It begins at Fun Things Durban, uShakaShop G01, uShaka Marine World, 1 Bell Street, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the boat ride last?

The cruise lasts approximately 30 minutes.

How many people can ride on the boat?

The Selfie Ship has a maximum capacity of 12 people.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The activity is described as suitable for all ages and family-friendly.

Can I see fish during the cruise?

The protected canals contain more than 30 types of sea fish. Fish spotting is possible, but specific sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You receive the same choice if the minimum number of participants is not met.