Durban

Gondola Tours

Our most recommended Durban Cruises & Boat Tours

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  1. Durban: 30-Minute Harbor Boat Cruise

  This tour will take you on an unforgettable trip around Durban. Durban Harbor is the biggest and busiest harbor in the southern hemisphere. The harbor tours are especially educational for kids, as the boat takes them to points of interest in Africa’s largest harbor and shows them the route through which ships enter the harbor, discharge cargo, and exit. The skipper will teach the passengers about the port and its operation. If the weather conditions are favourable, the boat may go further out from the shore. The skipper is in close contact with the passengers and will give you a comprehensive guided tour. The trip will either take you down the Maydon Wharf Channel or to the City and Cor Container terminal.

  The skipper was so friendly and we found him easy to interact with, we even took a picture with him

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 9/28/2021
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  2. Durban: Canal Cruise

  Marvel at the iconic Durban skyline from a unique perspective on a 30 minutes circular journey around Durban point canals. Relax aboard a luxury pontoon boat, which features comfortable luxury seating and a professional tour guide. Pass by Durban’s historic and impressive attractions from the comfort of your boat. Cruise and sail through the canals and take in a unique atmosphere. See historic, impressive, like uShaka and Ithala Trade Centre. Enjoy a relaxing way to do sightseeing in Durban and escape the traffic noise and congestion. Explore the open decks that allow you to feel the cooling river breeze and see the city from many points that offer perfect photo opportunities.

  The experience was amazing. The tour guide explained the history of the canal and answered all our questions to satisfaction. My family enjoyed the experience very much. When we go back to visit Durban we will definitely book this ride again

  Reviewed by Bulelwa, 9/28/2021
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  3. Durban: Gondola Ride

  Board an African gondola at the uShaka Marine World and go on a magical ride during the day or at night.  Sit back while enjoying your trip down the scenic canal and back. Relax on the gondola and marvel at the striking surroundings.  Enjoy the picturesque canal and take in the stunning views. Pass by beautiful bridges and admire the unique atmosphere of this activity.

  It was a beautiful experience. My partner and I booked the 7:00pm time slot. It was a windy day but the ride was smooth, our tour guide was very friendly and took beautiful pictures of our ride! Would definitely recommend this to couples it's really romantic.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 4/19/2021
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  4. Durban: Waterfront Canals Pedal Boat Rental

  Rent a pedal boat and discover the Durban Point Waterfront Canals, a protected marine reserve with over 30 species of fish.

   

  Sit back and relax as you make your way through the calm waters of the canals, keeping an eye out for the marine life below. With 11 pedal boats available, you can also enjoy this activity as a group. Come with family or friends and enjoy a fun outdoor activity in Durban.

  The pedal boats are easy to operate, and each boat can accommodate two adults and two children, so bring your kids along for a fun family outing. 

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  5. Durban: Boat-Based Whale Watching Experience

  Take an exhilarating 2-hour cruise into the Indian Ocean and encounter one of the world's most magnificent mammals, the humpback whale, at close range. Admire the inquisitive whales in their natural habitat, and learn about them and other local marine life with a fully qualified whale tour guide. After greeting your guide at the meeting point, board your 11-passenger semi-rigid inflatable boat, registered with SAMSA as a suitable Whale and Dolphin Watching boat since 2012 and holder of one of the limited whale watching permits in Durban. Head out onto the deep blue ocean toward the Mozambican current, and enjoy the views from your front-facing seats with the skipper/crew behind you. From June to November every year, look out for the spectacular breaches of the whales above the water as they travel on their migratory route from the Southern Oceans to warmer tropical waters for mating an...

  Friendly & knowledgeable Skipper / Owner. Multiple whales doing full breaches, tail slapping & find extensions!

  Reviewed by Kevin, 9/12/2020
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  6. Durban: 1-Hour Boat Cruise from Wilson's Wharf

  Spend a day touring Durban from a vantage point on the Indian Ocean. Check out the sights and look out for pods of dolphins along the route. Pass by enormous container and cruise ships at the port. See the beautiful beachfront from a new perspective out on the water, and Wilson's Wharf; a lovely hidden gem filled with restaurants and entertainment. Enjoy protection from the sun with a semi-covered boat so you can see the sights comfortably.

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  7. From Durban: Shark Cage Diving Experience

  Your shark cage diving adventure starts at 6:30 AM. All equipment will be provided for you, so only bring yourself, a sense of adventure, and a swimsuit. After a wake-up coffee, your guide will brief you on the diving adventure. This will include biological information on the sharks and the procedures that will be followed to ensure that you have a safe, educational, and enjoyable shark adventure. You will then move to the changing rooms to be fitted with a suitably sized wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. Once you have changed into your wetsuit and safely stored any valuables and keys, you will hop onto a vehicle for a two-minute drive down to the launch site. At the beach, you will give an excited wave to your videographer, who will film and edit an expedition video for you, and arrive at the 26-foot semi-rigid vessel. The guide will give you a quick boat safety briefing and hand out life ...

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  8. From Durban: St. Lucia Wetlands Private Boat Ride

  The tour departs from Durban heading northward along the coast to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The first stop is the town of St Lucia and the estuary inside the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. There you will board a river boat for a 2 hours guided tour of the estuary. The local guide will inform you of the reserves history and its incredible wildlife. Previously known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site and is considered South Africa's third largest park with 280km of near pristine coastline and 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery. The protected area is home to one of the largest population of hippopotami in SA, an estimated 1000 crocodiles as well as a wealth of plant, bird and animal life. The park was proclaimed a world heritage site because of the rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems and natural be...

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  9. 3-Day Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve & St. Lucia Safari

  Be on the lookout for the Big 5 at the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. Enjoy closed-vehicle guided game drives and a boat trip on Lake St. Lucia on this 3-day, 2-night African safari. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 You’ll be picked up at your Durban area accommodation at 07:00 and begin the 3-hour drive to Hluhluwe Umfolozi, where your guide will provide information on the history of the area. Enter the site and enjoy a slow game drive to the camp, as you learn about wildlife in the area. You’ll arrive at the camp at approximately 13:00, in time for lunch. Your guide will assist you with check-in and show you your room. You’ll have the choice of taking the optional night drive from 17:00-20:00 (additional fee). If not, you’ll head out with your guide for a 2-3 hour closed-vehicle game drive. Dinner will be served after the game drive. Day 2

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  10. St. Lucia Wetlands & Estuary: Day Tour & Boat Safari

  Travel from Durban to St. Lucia on a 3-hour drive in the comfort of a Ford Tourneo 8 seater mini van or Ford Everest 6/7 seater (subject to availability). When you arrive in St. Lucia your guide will tell you about the history of the Durban and St. Lucia areas. South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, in St. Lucia, is known as ISimangeliso Wetland Park. Your guide will lead you along the Board Walk from the estuary to the Indian Ocean, as you spot crocodiles and hippos. Later you’ll visit a crocodile farm to learn more about these amazing creatures. Head out on a 2-hour Lake St. Lucia boat safari to see the amazing varieties of habitats, including mangrove swamps, savannas, grasslands, and riverine forest.