After a long day, mark the start of a memorable evening with a stunning view from the water. Fortunately, you can take your pick from the various sunset cruises along Durban’s coastline.
If you’re looking for an idyllic setting to watch the dusk settle, a sunset cruise in Durban is top-notch. The city’s near-perfect weather and gorgeous views make a boat ride one of the best things to do in Durban.
Whether you’re a sailor at heart or simply want to make your trip memorable, it’s safe to say you can’t go wrong with a Durban sunset cruise.
Highlights:
- Admire the setting sun as it paints Durban Harbor in a range of colors
- Spot the famous landmarks along the coast of Durban
- Some tours include whale and dolphin watching
Know before you book:
- Most tours don’t include hotel pickup or dropoff
- Parking at uShaka Marine World is best for safety purposes
- Keep your valuables safe and dry inside the boat
We found several sensational cruises on offer that range from in-harbor boat rides to more adventurous trips out to sea. Some of the cruises are even within the calming canals of uShaka Marine World.
Whatever cruise you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a captivating adventure packed with stunning views of the city’s top landmarks. From the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium to the picturesque Golden Mile, the views won’t disappoint.
Some Durban harbor cruises also pass the quiet conservation area of the Beachwood Mangrove Swamps and sail along the Maydon Channel. Pair all these breathtaking sights with a golden sunset, and you’re in for one epic afternoon.
So, if you’re looking for the ideal tour, keep reading for all the juicy details we found.
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Sunset Boat Cruise in Durban Prices 2024
Boat cruise Durban prices range between R100 ($5.27) and R3,370 ($179), depending on the package included. Some boat rides are only half an hour, while others are full-day excursions.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Boat Cruise Durban Times
Boat cruise operators generally start offering tours between 8 am and 8 pm. However, as you want to catch a sunset tour, here’s a breakdown of the sunset times for each season in Durban:
Summer Sunset Times: 6:30 pm – 7 pm (December to February)
Autumn/Fall Sunset Times: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (March to May)
Winter Sunset Times: 5 pm – 5:30 pm (June to August)
Spring Sunset Times: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (September to November)
Best Time to Go on Boat Rides in Durban
With its balmy temperate weather, there’s no wrong time to visit Durban for a boat ride. That said, summer can get too hot and crowded with tourists. So, if you want that perfect balance of lovely weather and fewer crowds, aim to visit in spring or fall. This is the best time to visit South Africa for Durban’s balmy temperatures, after all.
Our Top Picks for Cruises From Durban
A cruise in Durban Harbor checks all the boxes. You can comfortably sit on a cool deck with the sun hanging low in the sky and the water breaking at the bow. With that in mind, here are our top recommendations for an epic Durban boat cruise.
Short Durban Harbor Boat Cruise
If you’re looking for a short but sweet sunset cruise, this half-an-hour trip is just for you. Enjoy the ride as your skipper maneuvers through the largest harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, passing massive ships and tug boats.
Your tour guide will explain all the happenings in this huge harbor, from what goes down at the container terminal to the curated procedures for large ships at the Maydon Wharf Channel.
What we liked: Great for a short, affordable boat trip in Durban.
- 30-minute boat cruise
- Live tour guide
- Life jackets
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
It’s advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and sunscreen, as the sun can be particularly brutal during the day and towards late afternoon. You can also bring along your own cooler box with drinks and eats.
Check Price & Book
Dolphin and Whale Watching Durban Cruise
For those who want a bit more adventure, this whale-watching cruise is sure to tick all the boxes. Departing from the Wilson’s Wharf Marina, you’ll embark on a two-hour journey along the open ocean.
The Indian Ocean is renowned for its whale life, and you may just get the chance to see Humpback whales breaching. Other marine life also inhabits these waters, though, with dolphins being seen throughout the year.
What we liked: Great if you want to enjoy some whale and dolphin watching.
- Open ocean sailing
- Live tour guide’s speaking English and Zulu
- Whale watching opportunities
- Food and drinks
- Tips
Although the only tour times to choose from are 7 am and 9 am, this doesn’t mean you have to miss the Durban sunset. There are loads of beachside restaurants near the tour meeting point, all offering magical coastal views come sunset.
Now that you know the area quite well after your tour, you can always circle back for a sunset-kissed dinner at one of the area’s top restaurants.
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Sunset Gondola Ride in Durban
If you already plan to visit uShaka Marine World, why not add one of their lovely gondola rides to the mix? These half-hour trips are a fantastic way to defrag after a busy day exploring all this Durban attraction offers.
You’ll wade through the calming canals, passing some of the marine park’s most popular attractions. The tour guide will also make some very interesting remarks about each attraction, giving you the inside scoop that not everyone knows about.
What we liked: Great for a unique way to experience Durban.
- Live tour guide
- 30-minute gondola ride
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Tips
- Food and drinks
FAQs About Durban Sunset Cruises
You may still have some questions about joining a Durban sunset cruise. So, to put your mind at ease, here are all the short answers you need.
What Are the uShaka Marine Boat Cruise Prices?
The only boat cruises you can join in uShaka Marine World are with Zulumoon Gondolas. Prices start at R130 ($7). However, their most expensive package is a deluxe gondola ride with live music, starting at R2,450 ($130).
Where Do Durban Boat Trips Leave From?
All, if not most, Durban boat trips depart from Wilson’s Wharf Marina. Be sure to check the tour details to ensure you go to the correct departure point.
Are There Boat Cruises in Durban With Lunch Included?
While finding a Durban boat cruise with lunch isn’t impossible, these options are fairly pricey. The best tour providers for these options are Zulumoon and the Durban Boat Company.
Top Tip: If you want a boat trip with an exhilarating encounter that usually includes lunch, check out these Durban shark cage diving tours.
Specification: Sunset Cruise Durban Prices | Top Boat Ride Specials
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BaldwinEfe_K –
Super cool, beautiful and romantic. Made our even on our wedding anniversary night. The ride was awesome and the operator did well, helpful and educative.
Clinton_L –
First time experience we was impressed and a lovely weather for a romantic night out. We will be doing it again.
Teboho_M –
The engagement from the driver and explanation of the surrounding, the water the weather and places to go to.
Elena Y –
Really boring. Besides,there was only one gondola ready for us and the other people at the appointed time.So we had to share it.