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
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
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 AfricaBefore 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
RÂ 395,00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
- St Lucia, South AfricaBefore you enter St Lucia before the bridge turn left into Siyabonga Parking Meet our staff and sign in your name Boat name is Shoreline
- 12 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:
- V7226LWyvettes0 contributionsSuperb CruiseOnce again we're blown away with the amazing boat cruise :) An experience that everyone should try :)Written 30 August 2023
- sim0np0 contributionsWonderful tourThis 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 B0 contributionsAmazing shoreline boat tourI 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_rgenm0 contributionstopGreat tour and guide. Our booked trip was canceled and the phone us and moved Our reservation to the next dayWritten 20 March 2023
- ulrich s0 contributionsA great dissapointmentHad 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 profesionalWritten 25 October 2022
- Khanyile3970 contributionsMrI 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
- 607krisztianb0 contributionsBest to see the hipposGreat 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 G0 contributionsEnjoyable trip on St Lucia lakeThe 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 F0 contributionsBest hippo spottingThis 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
- colotravet0 contributionsGreat hippo viewingWas 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
- fromindiatoworld0 contributionsTownies :)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
- AlanSL0 contributionsHippo Hunting FunTravelling 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
- AndreasHanns0 contributionsWell organized, impressive, close to the animalsSo 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 M0 contributionsHippo'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 L0 contributionsA great experienceThe 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
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.
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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.
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4.5
166 reviews
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Pyctus Media
Spain263 contributions
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!
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, Switzerland19Â 826 contributions
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
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.

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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.

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
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
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!
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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