Shoreline Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Active

(214 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise St Lucia:

Discover, Witness and Observe Hippo's, Nile Crocodiles and Hundreds of bird species on our Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise while in St Lucia. This 2 hour Boat Cruise Safari gets you close up to the residents of the estuary.

Travel aboard one of our exclusive 15 seater vessel's ( Shoreline 1 & Shoreline 2) with experienced and knowledgeable skipper's/ rangers. They will undoubtedly answer every question that you might have, and furnish you with some incredible facts and information on the area.

Available options

14:30 Nov - March 2026

Apr - Sept 2026

01:30pm Oct 2025

3:30pm Oct 2025

10:30 Nov - March 2026

09:00 Apr - Sept 2026

11:00 Apr - Sept 2026

Oct 2025

13:00 Apr - Sept 2026

08:30 Nov - March 2026

09:30am Oct 2025

12:30 Nov - March 2026

11:30am Oct 2025

15:00 Apr - Sept 2026

16:30 Nov - March 2026

What's included

Admission to the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park

Detailed itinerary

2 hour scenic boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

197 reviews

5★

149

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before you enter St Lucia before the bridge turn left into
Siyabonga Parking
Meet our staff and sign in your name
Boat name is Shoreline

Important notes

Please produce your ticket to the Shoreline representative/skipper.

About St Lucia

St Lucia is a charming coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal, known for its estuary, beaches, and rich biodiversity. It's a gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique blend of marine and wildlife experiences.

Top Attractions

iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems, including lakes, wetlands, and coastal forests.

Nature Full day Moderate

St Lucia Estuary

A large estuary system home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles.

Nature Half day Budget to Moderate

Cape Vidal

A beautiful beach within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known for its white sand and clear waters.

Beach Half day to full day Free to Moderate (park fees may apply)

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

South Africa's oldest game reserve, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Nature Full day Moderate to Expensive (safari fees apply)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bunny Chow

A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, originating from the Indian community.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Braai (Barbecue)

Grilled meats, often served with pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).

Dinner Can be adapted for various dietary preferences

Fish and Chips

Freshly caught fish, battered and fried, served with chips (fries).

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free options may be available

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Game drives Beach relaxation Sunset cruises Picnicking Traditional dance performances Cultural tours

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. It's peak season due to the comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Zulu, English
Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
English: Widely spoken

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

St Lucia is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious, especially at night and in isolated areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

King Shaka International Airport • 200 km

By bus

Durban

Getting around

Public transport

Minibus taxis are the primary form of public transport but are not tourist-friendly. They operate on fixed routes within the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Town Center Beachfront

Day trips

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

50 km • Full day

South Africa's oldest game reserve, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sodwana Bay

100 km • Full day

A renowned diving and snorkeling destination with pristine beaches and coral reefs.

Festivals

Siyafunda Boat Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the estuary at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife viewing opportunities
Book guided tours in advance, especially during peak season
Pack binoculars for wildlife viewing and a good camera for capturing the beautiful scenery
Respect the local culture and traditions, and engage with the community for a more authentic experience
Be cautious of wildlife, especially near the estuary and in game reserves