Just minutes from downtown, Durban’s Wilsons Wharf Marina launches excellent dolphin watching excursions. These 2-hour boat trips consistently deliver memorable wildlife encounters, including bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales (June-November). I’m particularly fond of these tours for their knowledgeable guides, who offer commentary in both English and Afrikaans, and their commitment to accessibility – with wheelchair-friendly vessels and convenient airport transfer options.
The best operators include all fees upfront and maintain small group sizes for intimate wildlife viewing. Let’s explore the finest dolphin watching tours Durban has to offer.
Key Points
- The 2-hour whale and dolphin watching tour from Wilsons Wharf Marina offers sightings of dolphins, turtles, orcas, manta rays, and sharks.
- Knowledgeable guides provide insights on marine life, including the behavior and characteristics of humpback whales during the best viewing months of June to November.
- The tour departs from the Isle of Capri Cruises office at Wilsons Wharf Marina, and guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes early.
- The airport transfer service from King Shaka International Airport to the Dolphin Coast is available for groups of up to 3 participants.
- The tour and transfer services are designed to accommodate all guests, including those with wheelchairs, and feature multilingual support in English and Zulu.
Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
Durban’s Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour offers an exhilarating opportunity to witness the marine life of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline. The 2-hour tour departs from the Isle of Capri Cruises office at Wilsons Wharf Marina, with guests advised to arrive 30 minutes early. Priced at $80.15 per person, the tour provides a chance to observe migratory humpback whales from June to November, with potential sightings of dolphins, turtles, orcas, manta rays, and sharks.
Knowledgeable guides, fluent in English and Afrikaans, share insights into the whales’ behaviors and characteristics, such as their impressive lengths of up to 15 meters and weights of around 30 tons. Participants can witness awe-inspiring displays like breaching and tail slapping, as well as the interactions between mothers and their calves.
While the tour route is subject to weather conditions, the experience promises an engaging and educational encounter with Durban’s remarkable marine ecosystem. Guests are advised to dress comfortably and bring essentials like sunscreen and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments.
Read our full review: Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour Review
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Durban Airport Transfer to Dolphin Coast
Departing from King Shaka International Airport, the Durban Airport Transfer to Dolphin Coast service offers a convenient and reliable way to reach your hotel, lodge, or safari destination along the picturesque Dolphin Coast.
Priced from $174.96 per group of up to 3 participants, the private transfer service takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Booking is easy, with the option to reserve now and pay later. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.
Hosts and drivers will be there to greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. If you miss your driver, you can wait near the big statue at international arrivals, as the host or driver will contact you.
The service is wheelchair accessible, and the multilingual hosts and drivers speak both English and Zulu.
Parking fees, landing, and facility fees are all included, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.
Read our full review: Durban Airport Transfer to Dolphin Coast Review
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The Sum Up
Durban offers excellent opportunities to see dolphins up close. Whether you choose a whale and dolphin watching boat tour or a transfer to the Dolphin Coast, you’re likely to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With helpful directions and a range of tour options, visitors can easily plan an unforgettable dolphin watching experience in Durban.