Tour operator
Tim Brown Tours
Owner-run Tim Brown Tours collects guests from Durban hotels for day and overnight safaris to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, the Drakensberg, the battlefields and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Isle of Capri Cruises
Isle of Capri Cruises runs harbour cruises, sea cruises, whale watching trips and private charters from Durban's harbour, with daily sailings and seasonal whale trips.
At a glance
- Type
- Boat cruises and whale watching
- Area
- Durban Harbour, Durban, South Africa
- Official site
- isleofcapri.co.za
Good to know
- Harbour cruises
- Sea cruises
- Whale watching May to October
- Sea safaris
- Private charters
- School groups
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
Isle of Capri Cruises runs pleasure boats out of the harbour and along the coast. The company operates from Boatman's Road in the harbour area near the city centre and holds a permit for boat-based whale and dolphin watching, which is regulated in South Africa. Its fleet includes Da Boss, a party catamaran that takes up to 47 passengers, smaller ferry boats called African Princess and African Princess B, and dedicated whale-watching boats named Bafana and African Queen B.
The standard options are harbour cruises and sea cruises. A harbour cruise takes you past the working port, with views of the city skyline, container ships and tugs from the water; trips can be guided or run with music. Sea cruises head out beyond the harbour mouth for a view back along the beachfront and the Golden Mile, departing at 12:30 and 14:00. Between May and October, whale-watching trips go out in small guided boats of about 11 seats during the whale season off the KwaZulu-Natal coast. From January to May the company also runs sea safaris in 12-seat boats.
The cruises suit most visitors. Harbour and sea cruises are an easy, relatively inexpensive outing for families with children, older travellers and anyone with a few spare hours, while the whale-watching and sea safari trips are aimed at people who want a closer look at marine life and do not mind a bumpier ride in a smaller boat. Groups can book school trips or private charters, including a luxury yacht and small boats by the hour, which work well for celebrations and corporate outings.
Boats run daily between 10:00 and 16:00, but most trips have a minimum number of passengers, so it is sensible to book ahead online or by phone, especially out of season, and to confirm the exact departure point when you book. Sea conditions decide whether ocean trips can go out, so keep your plans flexible on windy days. Take a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket, and if you are prone to seasickness, consider the calmer harbour cruise rather than a trip out to sea.
The harbour lies at the southern end of the city centre, a short drive from the beachfront hotels and uShaka Marine World. Combine a cruise with lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants or a walk along the promenade at the Point.
Isle of Capri Cruises FAQs
What cruises are offered?
Harbour cruises, sea cruises, seasonal whale-watching trips, sea safaris, school bookings and private charters.
When is whale-watching season?
Whale-watching trips run from May to October.
What are the operating times?
Cruises run daily between 10:00 and 16:00, with sea cruises departing at 12:30 and 14:00.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended, as most cruises need a minimum number of passengers. Bookings can be made online or by phone.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Harbour and sea cruises suit families, and the company also takes school groups.
Can I hire a private boat?
Yes. Private charters are available on a luxury yacht or on smaller boats for up to 11 people.
Is the company licensed for whale watching?
Yes. It holds a whale and dolphin watching permit.
Where do the boats leave from?
The company is based on Boatman's Road in Durban's harbour area. Confirm the departure point when booking.