Highest Rated St. Lucia Hippo Tours in 2025
Do you want to quickly find the best St. Lucia hippo tour while you’re in town?
That’s what you’ll get here! I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in St. Lucia, and a St. Lucia hippo tour was one of my favourite activities there. I did my research before my tour, and I’m sharing what I found below.
Our top pick is the Hippo and Crocodile Boat Cruise because it includes everything you need, and it is the most highly rated!
Some tours start right there in St Lucia, but if you’re staying a bit further away, you can still tour the hippos. Get picked up in Durban if you like!
There is a variety of hippo tours available to choose from, and I’m here to make that choice easier for you.
Let’s go!
At a Glance: The 3 Top Rated St. Lucia Hippo Tours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔︎ Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise
☑︎ the highest rated
☑︎ transportation is provided
☑︎ we get snacks!
✔︎ St. Lucia Hippo and Crocodile Cruise
☑︎ 5 departure times to choose from
☑︎ Experts on board to share facts
✔︎ Hluhluwe & iSimangaliso Land
and Boat Tours
☑︎ A hippo tour plus a chance to see the Big 5
☑︎ Pick-up at your Durban accommodation
*Note: These tours are not wheelchair accessible
Highest Rated St. Lucia Hippo Tours
St. Lucia is a spectacular spot on KwaZulu Natal’s “Wild Coast” of South Africa. You’ll find it about a 75 km, or 47 mile drive northeast of Richards Bay.
The town is surrounded by water and is home to an estimated 800 hippos. It’s the perfect area to see hippos do what hippos do, and you don’t even have to be staying in St. Lucia to take a tour. And you can book online.
1. Hippo and Croc Boat Cruise
⭐️ RATED: 5 out of 5 stars with 32 reviews! | ⏰ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Why this tour? With its near-perfect 5-star rating, hassle-free hotel pick-up, and hot drinks and snacks while you cruise. What more could you ask for?
The Hippo and Boat Cruise includes:
⎋ Pick-up at the St. Lucia hotel of your choice
⎋ A smaller boat with a smaller group – max 15
⎋ Knowledgable guide who will entertain you with facts about the animals and the area
⎋ Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and South Africa’s favourite rusk cookies to snack on
⎋ A choice of morning or afternoon for your boat hippo tour
A rave review from a past guest:
“Kian has a lot of knowledge and experience and told a lot about the surroundings and the hippos. The boat was a small one which gave a personal touch. We recommend to go with sunset.“
– Romy (see more reviews)
⭐️ RATED: 4.5 out of 5 with 95 reviews! | TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours
Why this tour? This tour has a choice of 5 start times throughout the day, so you can pick the perfect point in your day to be out on the water with these beasts.
The St. Lucia Hippo and Crocodile Cruise includes:
⎋ Knowledgeable skippers and rangers aboard to share facts and info
⎋ Easy to find meeting point at St. Lucia jetty
⎋ Sunset cruise includes tea and coffee
Rave review from a past guest:
“A short boat trip in the company of a few people and a guide who explains everything there is in the estuary. I recommend this activity because you can really see the hippos up close and the sunset over the estuary is superb.” (translated from French)
– Get Your Guide Traveller (see more reviews)
3. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Boat Safari from Durban
⭐️ RATED: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 24 reviews | ⏰ TOUR LENGTH: 12-14 hours
Why this tour? It’s a great way to see the best of Africa’s epic land animals, as well as St. Lucia’s famous hippos.
Head out on the St. Lucia River along the estuary to watch the hippos, then take a safari through Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park to spot members of the Big 5
The Hluhluwe Imfolozi and Boat Safaris from Durban include:
⎋ Pick-up from Durban and Richard’s Bay
⎋ 3-hour afternoon safari through South Africa’s oldest game park
⎋ 2-hour tour to watch the hippos
⎋ Time for dinner overlooking the park before heading home
⎋ The option for a tour conducted in Polish or German on request
A rave review from a past guest:
“Definitely a highlight of our family visit to South Africa. Highly recommend Vusi, our guide, his knowledge, good nature and perseverance at finding the big 5 was outstanding.“
– Sheila (see more reviews)
4. Hluhluwe & iSimangaliso Land and Boat Tour
⭐️ RATED: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews! | TOUR LENGTH: ⏰ 14 hours
Why this tour? It’s a chance to see the best of African wildlife, on land and in the water. Perfect if you prefer to spend the afternoon on the water instead of the morning.
The Hluhluwe & iSimangaliso Land and Boat Tour includes:
⎋ Pick-up from any Durban hotel
⎋ 4-hour morning wildlife safari
⎋ 2-hour afternoon hippo tour
⎋ A guide who will teach you about the wildlife and the areas many eco-systems
⎋ Bottled water
A rave review from a past guest:
“I went to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park with a group of friends and it was great decision to do it! Amazing experience, it was something totally new for us. We had a great guide Zamani, he told us a lot about culture and history and showed us beautiful places. Before the trip we hesitated, but it was totally worth it!”
– a Tripadvisor reviewer (read more reviews)
5. St Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise
⭐️ RATED: 4 out of 5 stars with 65 reviews | TOUR LENGTH: ⏰ 2 hours
Why this tour? It’s a very affordable tour and the double-decker boat is great for anyone who feels safer on a larger watercraft. And you can choose from 3 departure times.
The St. Lucia Estuary Boat Cruise includes:
⎋ A knowledgeable local guide
⎋ Snacks onboard for purchase as you cruise
⎋ A St. Lucia meeting point
⎋ Small group, max. 12
A rave review from a past guest:
“Guide had excellent knowledge of the park, as well as the behaviors of the animals. This whole experience was so magical with the beauty of the area, beauty of what they to do preserve this park, the vast area that is being preserved and the info that has been given. This whole project and experience makes me proud to be a South African.“
– Anton (read more reviews)
St. Lucia Hippo Tours: Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the hippos in St. Lucia?
St. Lucia sits between St. Lucia Estuary and Lake St. Lucia, and hippos have been known to walk through the town from one to the other. This happens most often at night, and you have to watch out for them!
What is the best time of year to go to St. Lucia?
Winter is the best time to visit St. Lucia, South Africa. Winter falls between June and September in South Africa. It’s when you’ll see the least rain, the most moderate temperatures, and the longest days.
What animal is St. Lucia known for?
Yes, it’s the hippo! This is not just because the area is home to around 800 hippos. Their notoriety in St. Lucia is also because they’re often seen walking through town from the lake to the estuary. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to have a hippo grazing in their yards.
Are there crocodiles in St. Lucia?
Yes, there are definitely crocodiles in St. Lucia. They even beat out hippos for numbers. There are an estimated 1,200 crocodiles living in the waters around St. Lucia.
How much is the boat cruise in St. Lucia?
A basic 2-hour hippo cruise in St. Lucia is less than US $100. However, if you’d like a full-day tour including a safari in nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, expect to pay closer to US $250.
Are hippos people-friendly?
No. Hippos can be very aggressive and are considered one of the most dangerous of all mammals in Africa. The hippos that pass through St. Lucia are somewhat accustomed to seeing people, but this in no way means that they are not dangerous. Steer clear and be cautious!
What You Should Know About St Lucia
St. Lucia, South Africa is an exciting destination with a variety of activities to suit everyone’s preferences. Located on the northeastern coast of KwaZulu-Natal province, it sits between the St. Lucia Estuary and Lake St. Lucia.
For nature enthusiasts, St. Lucia offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with iconic African wildlife. You could see elephants, rhinos, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and so many more.
Meanwhile, water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking and fishing, and of course, a boat tour to see the hippos and crocodiles that call these waters home.
St. Lucia at the south end of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the third-largest protected area in South Africa. iSimangaliso is also South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This town is, conveniently, only about an hour’s drive east of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
HiP, as it’s called (say each letter), is the oldest official game reserve in all of Africa. It’s known especially for its conservation work and the large population of wildlife that can be seen there.
This includes all of the Big 5 – elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and lions!
As well, for those who love to indulge in delicious food, St. Lucia is a great place with a variety of local and seafood cuisine options available.
Overall, St. Lucia, South Africa is a must-visit destination, offering a range of activities and experiences that cater to different interests. Be sure to read our guide to the best things to do in this holiday town.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest official nature reserve in Africa and covers about 960 km² of land in South Africa.
It began as two separate reserves, Hluhluwe Valley Reserve and iMfolozi Junction Reserve. It is known for its concentration and variety of wildlife and for its conservation efforts.
The park has one of the world’s largest populations of white rhinos, which were once virtually eliminated by hunters. Here you can learn about the park’s conservation efforts at the Centenary Centre, and see rhinos and antelopes at the animal holding facility.
The park is also home to the critically endangered black rhino. Conservation groups work to protect other animals like lions, cheetahs, and African Wild Dogs.
The terrain is a mixture of rolling hills, grasslands, and rough bushveld, with three separate rivers winding through it all.
In addition to the Big 5, the park is home to 84 types of mammals, 350 species of birds, and hundreds of amphibians, reptiles, and plant species.
What to Take on Your St. Lucia Hippo Tour
After you book your perfect hippo tour, you want to make sure you have everything you need to have the best time.
Here are a few items you’ll want to have with you:
📸 A Camera
There is no way you want to miss getting a few good pics of these giant hippos. Not to mention the Nile crocodiles, the birds, and the scenery.
This is a great, compact camera with a terrific zoom – 60x – to get up close for the best shots. A must anywhere you go on your trip.
🔎 Binoculars
Like a camera, you’ll want these everywhere you go in South Africa. There’s so much to see, and sometimes you want to look a little closer.
I recommend an all-purpose 10×42 pair like these ones. Nikon makes some great binoculars.
🧥 A Jacket
Even if it’s a warm sunny day, it can be cool out on the water! Take a jacket along to make sure you’re comfortable.
This one is perfect for your hippo tour and everything else you’ll be doing on your trip. It’s water and windproof, lightweight, with lots of pockets.
🎒 A Day Pack
Especially if you decide on one of the full-day hippo tours and land safaris, a day pack is a no-brainer. You’ll need something to corral your camera, binocs, snacks, and water bottle.
This one is just big enough, it’s lightweight, and it’s water resistant. It even folds up so you can tuck it into your bigger bag when you’re not using it.
☀️ Sunscreen
Even if it’s cool out there on the boat, the sun is strong! Nothing puts a damper on a trip faster than a nasty sunburn.
Here’s one of my favourites:
🤢 Sea-sickness Meds
If you get seasick, don’t forget to take something to prevent that. And make sure it’s non-drowsy, you don’t want to nap through your tour!
🏨 Where to Stay in St. Lucia
There are a lot of choices if you’ll be staying in St. Lucia, and that includes many very affordable options. Here’s a favourite:
✔️ St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House is a:
✤ family-friendly option
✤ in a great, central location
✤ with its own bar and restaurant
✤ onsite pool
And for less than US $100 a night.
⭐️ Here’s what a past guest has to say about this 9.8/10 “Exceptional” Property:
“The Wetlands Guest House is superb from on arrival to departure Colin & Natalie are exceptional host’s providing the ultimate hospitality there is nothing they will not do for you, their breakfast is beyond excellent. The property is beautifully kept the gardens are a feast for the eyes it’s just amazing we’d recommend everyone visiting St Lucia Wetlands to stay there will be nowhere better than this.“
– Mrs. A E Locker (see more reviews)
✔️ First Group Lake View Cabanas has:
✤ a restaurant
✤ a grill for guests’ use
✤ a pool, and nearby beach
✤ a playground
✤ your own kitchen
Prices start below US $55 a night
⭐️ Here’s what a past guest has to say about this 9.2/10 “Wonderful” Property:
“It was amazing, we enjoyed and we’ll definitely come back.”
– Nomusa (see more reviews)
✔️ Luxury Tented Village at Urban Glamping offers:
✤ a pool
✤ laundry facilities
✤ a pool and garden
✤ horseback riding and rentals
Prices start below US $65 a night.
⭐️ Here’s what a past guest has to say about this 9.2/10 “Wonderful” Property:
“Amazing Glamping!!! Super relaxed atmosphere. Luxury tents all around the pool and huge communal kitchen outside. In the middle of the busy street, yet the sleeping area is very quiet. Great pools and a very relaxed chilling area towards the front where backpackers and glampers mix. Here one can enjoy one’s own drinks, making it also very budget friendly. We booked a safari from the desk at the facility and that was also amazing. And personnel was extremely friendly.”
– Jeroen (see more reviews)
St Lucia Planning Guide FAQ
🚙 How do I get to St. Lucia and get around?
The nearest airport to St. Lucia is in Richard’s Bay, about an hour away. From here you can take a taxi, or rent a car from Discovery Cars. They’ll sift through all available vehicles, including those from local suppliers, to find what just you’re looking for at the best rate.
💦 Can I drink the water in St Lucia?
Absolutely! The town water supply is chlorinated and completely safe to drink. If you still feel uneasy, take along a Grayl water purifier bottle to filter your drinking water. Read more on purifying drinking water here.
⛑️ Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes! Travel insurance is too affordable, and too useful, to skip. With basic rates starting at less than US $1.50 a day with SafetyWing, one of the best travel insurance companies out there.
🛩️ Where is the best place to book my flights?
I prefer to book my flights through WayAway. Use this Promo Code to save 10%.
🧳 What should I pack for my trip?
That’s a big question! For everything you need to know about packing, read this article devoted to the subject.
Summing It Up – The Best St. Lucia Hippo Tours!
Don’t even think of going to St. Lucia without taking a hippo tour! And if you have time, you can’t go wrong with spending time in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
There are a few places you’ll find where you can cruise through the water and see hippos swimming with their families. If you’re as lucky as I was, you might even see moms and calves having some fun!
And if you’re on the fence about making a trip to St. Lucia while you’re in South Africa – do it! You’ll have the time of your life.
Happy travels!
Read more about South Africa:
✤ A Look at the Safest Cities in South Africa and Its Competitors
✤ How Many Cities are in Beautiful South Africa
✤ The Best Dive Sites in South Africa
✤ Explore the Spectacular Ancient Cango Caves of South Africa
✤ Find Your Dream Destination in Africa
