Shoreline Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
4.5

Shoreline Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

By Shoreline Hippo and Croc Cruises
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-100, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Admission to the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park
  • Entry/Admission - Saint Lucia Estuary


Start:
  • Siyabonga Tourism Centre, St Lucia, South Africa
    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
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 164091P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 164091P1

    From
    R 395,00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • St Lucia, South Africa
      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
    • 1
      2 hour scenic boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Shoreline Hippo and Croc Cruises
      318
      St Lucia, South Africa
      Joined in April 2012
    • V7226LWyvettes
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Superb Cruise
      Once again we're blown away with the amazing boat cruise :) An experience that everyone should try :)
      Written 30 August 2023
    • sim0np
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful tour
      This is a wonderful tour, the guide, Heini (?- like the beer) was really informative but also very witty and his enthusiasm for the area very much came through. We saw lots of hippos and fabulous creatures they are too. Only one baby croc and a mature one that was barely visible through the reeds but that didn’t matter. Heini also pointed out to us a variety of birds from sea eagle to kingfishers and cormorants. Fabulous scenery as well. Only 15 people on boat so all got an excellent view.
      Written 25 April 2023
    • Gino B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing shoreline boat tour
      I had the safari tour booked and it was really good so while I was there I booked the shoreline boat. I really recommend this aswell as it was good fun and informative.
      Written 20 April 2023
    • C3658EWj_rgenm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      top
      Great tour and guide. Our booked trip was canceled and the phone us and moved Our reservation to the next day
      Written 20 March 2023
    • ulrich s
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great dissapointment
      Had booked this well in advance but they simply messed it up An hour later we left after the captain arrived. A waste of a morning.maybevthe othe companies are more profesional
      Written 25 October 2022
    • Khanyile397
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mr
      I experienced many things I never saw it close to me, only a crocodile I didn't saw it but the trip was 100%
      Written 31 March 2021
    • 607krisztianb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best to see the hippos
      Great tour on the lake. Our guide - Brown - was very helpful and informative. We have seen hippos, crocodile, many birds and we learned about mangrove as well. The tour is about 2-2.5 hours, and the boat stops by the hippo families. Very interactive trip, and our guide explaned everything - not just hippos but birds, trees, ecosystem, etc.. Very good afternoon fun, highly recommended!
      Written 28 January 2020
    • Klaus G
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable trip on St Lucia lake
      The small boat, limited to 15 passengers, of shoreline, whether I or II, is a joy as the hippo, croc and bird viewing can be enjoyed in peace and quiet. Maintenance of the boats are however somewhat neglected, eg the carpets.
      Written 16 September 2019
    • Jordi F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best hippo spotting
      This is surely the best way to explore the river and find hippo and Crocs. The boat is smaller than the rest with a personal guide that explains everything. Because it's so small you get really close. Our guide was determined to show us the yawns and we have seen a lot!
      Written 7 September 2019
    • colotravet
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great hippo viewing
      Was happy with the tour. It was a chilly day so the hippos only showed us their heads. This wasn’t in their control. The guide was knowledgeable about the hippos. The restrooms waiting for the boat were not maintained well.
      Written 24 August 2019
    • fromindiatoworld
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Townies :)
      We booked the hippo and crocodile tour for an after noon tour at around 1:15 through Heritage Tours & Safaris(Its right on the Mckenzie Street with a fat hippo and an elephant head on the outside, can't be missed). We reached on time and waited only to realize the three of us were the only people for that slot, so the tour actually became a private tour for us :). About the tour, we saw a whole lot of Hippos everywhere, just floating lazily in the river - we saw 3 pods, with around 20-25 hippos in each. The crocodiles were scarce and we could see only two. I must appreciate our guide-cum-skipper who gave us a very informative and entertaining tour and didn't try to cut corners considering we were just 3. We really enjoyed our boat trip in the estuary and the 2 hours tour just passed away quickly. Fun trivia - there is a pod named Townies, who decide to come into the town in the night for grazing and the leader has blue eyes.
      Written 28 May 2019
    • AlanSL
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hippo Hunting Fun
      Travelling from Richards Bay we passed through well organised Eucalyptus estates until, close to St.Lucia, more natural vegetation was allowed to protect its Heritage status. We boarded a boat and managed a top deck seat. It was very warm so we were pleased there was a breeze, though winds do not encourage the Hippos to “perform”. The lake was a turgid brown, sand colouring the water. The vista was largely of marsh plants. We sighted a lone crocodile followed by Pod 1 Hippos. They were there, I think, but only viewed an occasional snout. Pod 2 followed and the animals were more evident and with Pod 3 wallowing amongst some slender trees they revealed themselves more fully. Not a lot happened but the movement of the boat through the lake, the sun, and most of all the sight of animals and birds in their natural environment was simple but most pleasurable. Other tourists caught sight of significant bird life and the occasional elephant well into the distance, but the water and the Hippos was enough for me. What a simple pleasure.
      Written 2 May 2019
    • AndreasHanns
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Well organized, impressive, close to the animals
      So close to crocodiles, birds, hippos! Stories about their life and the dangers they face. Background information on the estuary, on the situation of wildlife in the region and a good chat with guide Brown who made an effort to relate his personal views. Thanks a lot!
      Written 2 May 2019
    • Patricia M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hippo's everywhere!
      Our guide Denis was an absolute mine of information and fun facts all rolled into one person. He made a lovely river trip into an exciting adventure. Wonderful.
      Written 29 April 2019
    • Penny L
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great experience
      The hippo and crocodile tour was a great experience, we were able to get quite close to lots of hippos and a couple of crocodiles. Our skipper Dennis was a mine of information about everything along the way. An added bonus was a beautiful sea eagle. I thoroughly recommend this tour, it is a unique experience.
      Written 23 April 2019
    See all 318 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles166 reviews
    Excellent
    120
    Very good
    37
    Average
    5
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    2

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Pyctus Media
    Spain263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Couples
    Estuary cruise in search of the deadliest animals in Africa, the Hippos!!!
    We left on a low and wide barge, with enough capacity for more people, and we did not go to full occupancy, so we could move at will (with the boat stationary) and enjoy different points of view. The journey is back and forth, to where the hippos are resting, between the water and the shore, but along the way you see several species of animals such as monitor lizard, fishermen martins, snake birds... a very pleasant walk enjoying the sunset. In addition the guides were explaining everything about the species, their behavior and particularities, and we could see a hunt for catfish, which chased small shrimp, a show!
    Automatically translated
    Written 15 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    RĂ©gis1972
    Lancy, Switzerland19 826 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Couples
    A well organized and fun tour to discover hippos in their natural environment in the waters of the river. Everything went well and we had a pleasant time during which we could see a number of hippos even if often it boiled down to their eyes and/or part of their head. Unfortunately, not much more but that's the risk. On the other hand, in the city of Santa-Lucia we were able to meet 4 hippos walking in the street in the evening and it is worth the visit! Do not hesitate to eat on site and walk around.
    Automatically translated
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Linn M
    Paris, France41 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fresh boat and knowledgeable staff. We were taken on a tour where information started the tour. There are just over 1,000 hippos in the area and also quite a few crocodiles - all completely free and not dependent on humans. Amazing experience to see LOTS of hippos. Unfortunately we only saw one crocodile which left me a little disappointed but that's the charm of educated animals - they're not there just because people want to see them.
    Google
    Written 28 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Bronwyn A
    Penzance, UK8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2024 • Family
    Dennis was an amazing and informative guide who interacted and answered all our questions eloquently and in a manner that all could understand. 100/10 would have been so happy to just sit on the boat all day, cruising up and down the lake. Hippos were entertaining and the crocs and Birdlife was am added bonus. My family would be more than happy to do this tour again. Many thanks.
    Written 26 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Debbie M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Family
    As a major fan of hippos this was the perfect experience.
    Boat was good, plenty of hippo sightings, 5 -6 groups of hippos over the lake, and a sighting of a baby croc. Bonus two fish eagles.
    @Mdu was a friendly, happy, knowledgable guide.. all round perfect introduction to Heritage Tours and St Lucia.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Andy F
    Farnborough, UK7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    We really enjoyed this trip. Mdu was an excellent guide and told us a lot about the hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife that we saw along the way. He is clearly very passionate about KZN’s natural environment and its history and culture. He helped make sure we got some amazing photos of the spectacular sunset with hippos in the foreground that will ensure we remember this trip forever. My daughters (18 & 22) absolutely loved it.
    Written 29 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Maxine
    Durban, South Africa115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an amazing boat ride on the St Lucia Estuary with our guide and skipper, Heinie. He was excellent—extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and attentive to everyone on board. Heinie went out of his way to point out various bird species for those keen on photography and ensured we had incredible sightings of hippos and even a crocodile! It was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. Thank you, Heinie, for making the trip so memorable!
    Written 25 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Sofia
    Cologne, Germany49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2023 • Couples
    Beautiful boat trip. Not too long, not too short. The guide told us extensively about the nature and animals there. Unfortunately we didn't see any crocodiles, but that's because of the current "breeding season". We recommend the 4:30 p.m. trip.
    Google
    Written 14 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Sonette J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2022 • Family
    We went as a family on this estuary cruise. Young and old were fascinated. Our guide Heynie was humorous and very knowledgeable about the area and animals. He made sure we got the best sightings. The boat was extremely comfortable. The hippos all delivered a spectacular show, saw amazing birds and the massive crocodile at the end of the trip was the cherry on top. Highly recommend this unique tour 10/10
    Written 3 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Travelling_Tweeter
    London46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing to be able to get so close. The animals are used to the boats and the boat design means they don’t feel threatened.

    We saw hippos in the water, crocodiles on the bank and a swimming snake, as well as lots of birds. The guide was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of hippo facts.

    Boat is a rectangle shape which means you are well protected from anything on the water.

    Take your own drinks and snacks (spirits not allowed).

    A must-do if in St Lucia!
    Written 14 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    Shoreline Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruises, iSimangaliso Wetland Park provided by Shoreline Hippo and Croc Cruises

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