From Durban: St. Lucia Wetlands Boat Ride

Umhlabuyalingana Municipality, Durban



Visit the Isimangaliso (Greater ST Lucia) Wetlands Park, a UNESCO Site, where you will take part in a boat ride activity and have the opportunity to see the Crocodile along with the Hippo, while watching the Fish Eagle.

iSimangaliso Wetlands Park Boat Cruise from Durban

This 2-hour guided boat cruise departs Durban and explores the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park estuary near St Lucia, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a 2-hour guided river boat cruise
  • Spot hippopotamus, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife
  • Relax while watching crocodiles swim alongside the boat
  • Observe the Fish Eagle and many other bird species

Description

The tour departs from Durban, heading north along the coast towards northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia, located within the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Here you board a river boat for a 2-hour guided tour of the estuary, with a local guide sharing information about the park’s history and wildlife.

iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, formerly known as Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, was South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site. It is the country’s third largest park, covering 328,000 hectares and featuring 280 km of near-pristine coastline. The park hosts one of the largest populations of hippopotamus in South Africa, approximately 1,000 crocodiles, and abundant plant, animal, and bird species.

The park’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems also support animals such as lion, African elephant, leopard, black and southern white rhino, and buffalo. Marine life includes whales, dolphins, and endangered turtles like leatherback and loggerhead species.

Includes

  • Transport
  • Professional tour guide
  • Entrance fee to iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

Excludes

  • Lunch

Important Information

  • Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes, and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera
  • Contact the local partner for pick-ups outside designated areas
  • German and Polish guides available on request
  • If using a wheelchair, contact the local partner regarding the type of disability and wheelchair size

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To ensure availability, book in advance and check weather conditions before your trip. Morning departures are recommended for better wildlife viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species like the Fish Eagle in the St Lucia estuary.
The tour departs from Durban and travels north to the town of St Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park.
The guided boat cruise lasts approximately 2 hours through the St Lucia estuary.
Yes, the boat ride is family-friendly and suitable for children interested in wildlife and nature.
Yes, crocodiles are often seen swimming alongside the boat during the tour.
No prior experience is needed; the tour is guided and suitable for all levels of wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but mornings and late afternoons often offer more active animal sightings.
Yes, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide who provides information about the wildlife and ecosystem.
It is recommended to book in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Check the official tour website or local Durban travel resources for the most up-to-date hours and availability.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again