Top South Africa Water Tours

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.

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.

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.

Cruise along Cape Town's Atlantic coastline and get great views of the city and Table Mountain with this express cruise tour. You will head out from the V&A Waterfront, making your way up to the Green Point lighthouse before turning around and heading back, all in around just one hour.

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.

This cruise is a great choice for travelers who want a quick sightseeing and wildlife tour that leaves them the rest of the day for other activities. Enjoy a whistle-stop cruise that boasts wonderful views of the V&A waterfront. Not only is it a great introduction to the city, but it’s also a chance to spot seals and bird life too.

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.

Join our exclusive Robben Island tour for a guaranteed, personalized, and historically rich experience, featuring a storytelling ferry ride and rare insights from a former political prisoner.

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.

Embark on a snorkeling excursion to the Robberg Nature Reserve—a marine protected area known for its colony of fur seals. From a scenic boat ride to the snorkeling location to the chance to snorkel with seals in their natural habitat, this tour gives nature lovers the opportunity to see more of the surrounding region and its marine life.

Catch the sunset over Cape Town from the deck of a sailboat on this evening cruise. Sit back and relax with a provided glass of sparkling wine while watching the sun sink over the city landscape. You’ll get frame-worthy photos of the city and Table Mountain in sunset hues; captain and crew are on hand to answer any questions and provide commentary.

Embark on a serene kayaking adventure in Hout Bay, where the stress of equipment rental is taken care of for you. With a guide leading the way, you'll glide along a meticulously planned route, offering stunning views of Chapman's Peak and Hout Bay Harbor. As you navigate these tranquil waters, keep an eye out for the local marine life, as seals, penguins, whales, and dolphins might just make an appearance.

Relax in style on the Durban luxury Pontoon Boat Cruise. Durban Harbour is exciting & great way to see durban. See Harbour boats and yachts. Experience something great & get great pictures. The 1 Hour Harbour Boat Cruise on Pontoon is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The boat ride is on a luxury pontoon boat that is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of seating. Your boat cruise with take you around the harbour showing of many boats, yachts, container ships and port operations, it is part of the ocean and you may be fortunate to see some of the marine life, like fish and dolphins. The cruise is a great way to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Durban and take great pictures. The cruise is a great option for families, couples, and groups of friends. It is a fun and affordable way to see one of South Africa’s most beautiful cities.

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.

Discover the Garden Route's best adventure with Ocean Sailing Charters. Explore and discover the magnificent natural beauty of Knysna on the most luxurious and spacious Catamaran in Knysna. Venture out for a magical sail on the Knysna Lagoon while you laze in the sun with an ice-cold beverage, navigate the famous Knysna Heads and then head out to sea to explore the spectacular marine and bird life of the Indian Ocean. Being joined by pods of dolphins, or a friendly seal, is an experience which you’ll remember long after the journey has ended. Our impressive 55ft LaraBella is equipped with a wine cooler, a coffee machine, bar, big lounge saloon area, beautiful cabins and several fridges. Our friendly crew will make you feel right at home. Our Sunset Braai cruise include a complimentary 'Braai/BBQ' with a glass of bubbly.

This Atlantic Outlook kayak tour is perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Enjoy a carefree day gliding across the Atlantic Ocean with a guide to lead the way so you don’t get lost. You won’t have to worry about bringing kit with you, as kayaking equipment and safety gear hire are included. Along the way, access views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, and the Atlantic Sea Board coastline.

Families with small children can still enjoy an evening sail on this pre-sunset cruise in Cape Town. Watch the sun sink lower in the sky and enjoy the “golden hour”, which makes for beautiful photos, on this pre-sunset cruise. You’ll get back to shore in plenty of time for dinner reservations or the kids’ bedtime. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and commentary from the crew while on board the boat.

Popular Knysna sunset spots can get crowded, so beat the crowds on land with a peaceful alternative—a sunset cruise. Set off on an oyster boat towards Knysna Heads with plenty of scenic photo opportunities along the way. No need to worry about getting hungry, as white wine and oysters are included.

Spend time watching one of the world’s most feared fish on this thrilling diving experience. Learn about various shark species from your marine biologist guide, and then dive into the water in a cage to observe sharks in their natural habitat. It's an ideal choice for aquatic animal lovers. Breakfast, snacks, and hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for a truly seamless experience.

A Cape Town sunset is beautiful, but seeing the sun dip from a luxury catamaran with incredible coastal views is even better. Take photos of the city and mountain from the water, and watch out for local marine life such as dolphins or whales during your cruise. This is your time to take a break and relax.

On this ocean safari, enjoy an eco-friendly way to explore Cape Town’s coastline on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Much quicker than a traditional sightseeing cruise, enjoy the thrill of a fast ride to begin with, then slow down to look for local marine life such as African penguins, dolphins, seals, sharks, and sunfish.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales with this boat tour from Hermanus. Learn about the magnificent mammals from a whale specialist as you head out onto the water. Depending on the time of year keep an eye out for humpback, Bryde's, and southern right whales, as well as dolphins and seals.

With this half-day package, getting to Robben Island and back is straightforward. Pickup from your Cape Town accommodation is included, along with admission to the Robben Island Museum. Learn about the life of Nelson Mandela, see his former prison cell, and explore the island’s history—without needing to research logistics—before returning to your accommodation at the end of the trip.