Top KwaZulu-Natal Water Tours

Learn about Durban’s history and get great city views at the same time with this luxury boat trip on the Durban Point Waterfront Canals. The tour reveals views of top attractions, and interesting facts about Durban and its famous residents—yet without the hassle of being stuck in crowds. Conveniently, the trip is capped at 12 travelers—which means ample space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views.

Lake St Lucia is the highlight of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is renowned for its large numbers of crocodiles, hippos, pelicans, and flamingos. With this cruise, set sail across the vast lake for a wildlife-watching excursion and admire the views from the water. Listen to the on-board commentary from the park rangers and keep your camera ready as you get the chance to admire the wild animals in their natural habitat.

Saint Lucia Estuary is renowned for its wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and birds. Set sail on a 2-hour cruise around the lake and maximize your chances of wildlife sightings as you sail around the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Relax onboard with hot drinks and snacks, admire the views, and look out for herons, crakes, and hippopotamus along the way.

Soak up the magic of Durban’s waterfront by night as you glide down the canals in a Venetian-style gondola. Let the glittering lights of Durban Point Waterfront, one of South Africa’s most celebrated new developments, slip by as you slide below bridges and down elegant waterways. Escape the bustle of the city for half an hour, with plenty to do once you return.

Cruise the Durban Point waterfront on an African gondola. One of South Africa’s most dynamic property development and investment projects, the waterfront is home to  A-list residents, upscale shops and boutiques, and scenic views. Look for marine life in the canal and the many bridges along the route, which make for great photos.

Lake Jozini lies in a dramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are several exquisite gorges which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might see elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile.

Fishing on Lake Jozini (Jozini Dam) offers over 13 varieties of fish that include tilapia, catfish, mud fish, carp and the much sought after tiger fish. In addition to fishing, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lebombo mountains and viewing wildlife on the shores that includes, elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile.

Drift down the Durban waterfront canal aboard a gondola boat on this tour. Relax while the experienced gondolier navigates the waterfront canals; your only job is to relax and take in the scenery. Eat a picnic lunch, consisting of local cheeses, juice, biscuits, and chocolates, out of a wicker basket made by the local Society for the Blind.

Exclusive Richards Bay Departure: Few tours cater to travelers starting from Richards Bay. Small Group Experience: Personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere. Scenic Park Drive: Enjoy wildlife sightings and panoramic stops en route to the estuary. Expert Local Guides: Insightful commentary on iSimangaliso’s wildlife, history, and conservation efforts. Flexible Itinerary: Optional add-ons like nature walks or a Crocodile Centre visit for added adventure. Eco-Friendly Focus: A responsible and sustainable approach to exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience one of South Africa’s most wildlife-rich estuaries from the comfort of a spacious double-deck cruise boat. This guided boat safari takes you deep into the breathtaking waters of the St Lucia. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the cruise offers fascinating insights into the estuary’s unique ecosystem while bringing you up close to some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife. Watch pods of hippos surface just meters from the boat, spot Nile crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and keep your camera ready for the incredible birdlife that calls this wetland home. The relaxed pace of the cruise allows plenty of time for photography and wildlife viewing, while the elevated deck ensures unobstructed panoramic views of the estuary’s lush surroundings. With experienced skippers who know the waterways intimately, every trip offers excellent opportunities for sightings.

Explore two countries in one day, without the hassle of planning logistics, on this 4x4 day trip into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Set out from Durban and pass through the exquisitely preserved Victorian city of Pietermaritzburg en route to the World Heritage Sani Pass, a steep pass rising 9,429 feet (2,870meters) above sea level. Once crossing the border (bring your passport), visit a traditional Sotho village filled with huts built around a central area filled with livestock.

This tour is suitable for solo travelers, for families as well as for groups. It provides great fun as your boat drifts close to the hippos and crocodiles. You also encounter other wildlife such as birds and other animals on the banks of the Estuary. You have great opportunities for good photos. You will have a great time here and memorable moments. This is definitely a must do tour as you will have memories to cherish a lifetime.

Discover the best that Durban, South Africa has to offer on this sightseeing tour through the city. In just a few hours, visit the city’s top sights including the Victoria Street Market, Moses Mabhida Stadium, the botanical gardens, and city hall. You also get free time to purchase a meal or walk around the uShaka Village Walk shopping mall.

Explore the Isimangaliso World Heritage park, from the deck of a boat cruising up Lake St Lucia. The word isimangaliso is a Zulu word meaning “a miracle” or “something wondrous”. St Lucia is a small town on the East coast of South Africa. It is surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This town is at the heart of magnificent natural coastal forests, wild animals, majestic bird life, breath-taking beaches and hospitable people. Isimangaliso Wetland Park was proclaimed a world heritage site in 1999. We will cruise past snorting hippos, fish eagles fishing and crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of Lake St. Lucia. Isimangaliso Wetland Park is bird lovers paradise. 450 bird species can also be found in this area, making it a birders paradise. Isimangaliso Wetland Park is home to South Africa’s largest hippo population.

This day safari takes you to KwaZulu-Natal, a coastal province known for its beauty and diverse array of wildlife. The tour has two stops: the African Raptor Center, with over 100 birds of prey, and the Tala Private Game Reserve, home to kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, eland, and other big game animals. Cover both sites in just half a day, a difficult feat to do on your own.

Snorkeling with sharks is a Durban signature experience. Get up close and personal with oceanic blacktips from the safety of a cage and then in the water proper on this small-group adventure with an experienced skipper and guide. Your package includes all the essential equipment—wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins—a hot shower (towel provided), and a light snack. You'll also get the chance to watch an edited video of your experience.

We depart Richards Bay harbour and drive North to the Village of St Lucia. We embark on a visit to Cape Vidal. Cape Vidal falls within the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park (Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park) and is situated north-east of St Lucia. It has the best of both worlds with access to the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia where there is a variety of game including reedbuck, other antelope, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo, spectacular water, forest and grassland birds and the wonderful Indian Ocean shore line with its startling array of marine animals. After a light picnic lunch, we exit the park and enjoy a 2 hour cruise on Lake St Lucia, one of South Africa’s 10 World Heritage sites. Here we will have the opportunity to view crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat. We return to the harbour in the late afternoon Please note that subject to boat cruise availability, the sequence of events may be changed around

Start your day with a convenient early morning hotel pickup and enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Umkomaas, the gateway to the world-famous Aliwal Shoal. Meet your expert dive team for a personalized safety briefing and professional gear fitting before heading out on an exhilarating inflatable boat ride. Dive into the warm, crystal-clear waters for an unforgettable encounter with ragged-tooth sharks (seasonal), and possibly tiger or blacktip sharks, in their natural habitat—no cage required. Explore vibrant coral reefs, ancient fossil formations, and a rich variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and tropical fish. This thrilling yet controlled experience offers the perfect blend of adrenaline and natural beauty, making it a must-do adventure for ocean lovers.

This excursion offers the opportunity to spend the full day in the Hluhluwe & Imfolozi National Park, the oldest Game Reserve in South Africa, and situated in the heart of Zululand. After departing the harbour, spend the morning on a game drive in search of the wildlife. This reserve is host to the Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino – as well as many other exciting wildlife species. The area is also renowned for its exceptional birding. After a light picnic lunch we depart for the village of St Lucia, where we and enjoy a 2 hour cruise on Lake St Lucia, one of South Africa’s 10 World Heritage sites. Here we will have the opportunity to view crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat. After the boat trip we returning to Richards Bay port.

This tour is suitable for solo travelers, families, groups, etc. The close and personal encounters as you watch from your boat gives a unique experience in one of Africa's most biodiverse environments. As you navigate the serene waters, you’ll witness hippos surfacing just meters from the boat and crocodiles stealthily gliding through the water or sunning themselves on the banks. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the behavior and ecology of these animals, making the experience both thrilling and educational. A great tour for all.

Equipped with top-quality gear, take on powerful tuna and, if luck is on your side, the legendary swordfish—one of the ocean’s most prized catches. This is sport fishing at its most thrilling, where patience, skill, and excitement come together on the open sea. Along the way, soak in the beauty of the coastline and keep an eye out for passing dolphins, seabirds, and other marine life. Whether you're a seasoned angler or first-timer, this unforgettable experience delivers the perfect blend of action, challenge, and ocean adventure.

Journey into South Africa's Golden Mile on this magnificent adventure that highlights history, architecture and nature. Visit the City Centre, Botanical Gardens and wander stalls of the famous Victoria Street Indian Market. You'll sample bunny chow--a local delicacy--before check out the Moses Mabhida Football Stadium and the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Learn about the cultures and traditions of the Zulu Nation on a visit to PheZulu and take in all the wonder this African nation has to offer.

Experience the wonders of KwaZulu-Natal with this immersive full-day tour! Tour Highlights: Explore the Majestic iSimangaliso Wetlands Park: Discover South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage Site, home to hippos, crocodiles, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles. Spot the Big Five in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve: Enjoy thrilling game drives in search of lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo. Witness Abundant Biodiversity: Experience a diverse array of wildlife and plant life in both the wetlands and game reserve. Lunch at Hilltop Camp: Savor a delicious meal with breathtaking views over the reserve.