Port Elizabeth’s boat excursions provide excellent value and memorable experiences along South Africa’s stunning coastline. Every cruise focuses on what matters most – wildlife viewing and scenic beauty.
The standout choice is the Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise, offering reliable wildlife spotting in their natural habitat. For budget-conscious travelers, the SEA CRUISE delivers good coastal views at a lower price point. The Shore Excursion combining Addo Elephant Park is worth the splurge, pairing land and sea adventures perfectly.
Quick tip: The 30-minute Harbour Cruise is a smart pick for time-pressed visitors wanting local insights.
Let’s explore our favorite Port Elizabeth boat tours.
Key Points
- The Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise offers a highly-rated 5-star tour showcasing diverse marine wildlife and a focus on conservation.
- The SEA CRUISE provides an affordable 1-hour cruise with scenic views of the coastline and Nelson Mandela Stadium, including educational commentary and amenities.
- The Shore Excursion Cruise Ships Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park offers a 10-hour shore excursion to see elephants, lions, and zebras in Addo Elephant Park.
- The Harbour Cruise (Educational) is a 30-minute educational cruise with a live tour guide available in multiple languages and a wheelchair-accessible option.
- The Addo Elephant National Park and Sunset River Cruise – FD04 is a private tour that includes a guided safari, air-conditioned transportation, and a tranquil sunset river cruise.
Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise
What better way to learn about the marine wonders of Port Elizabeth than the Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise?
This highly-rated 5-star tour takes you on a captivating journey to spot dolphins, seals, whales, penguins, and more.
With knowledgeable crew, snacks, and a focus on conservation, it’s a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
The cruise departs from the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club, with clear directions for easy access.
While not wheelchair accessible, the trip accommodates infants and those with assistance needs.
Reviewers rave about the incredible wildlife sightings and the cruise’s commitment to sustainability, making this a truly memorable Port Elizabeth experience.
Read our full review: Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise Review
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SEA CRUISE
The SEA CRUISE invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey along the picturesque coastline of Port Elizabeth. Priced affordably from €26.26 per person, the cruise offers a flexible booking process with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The 1-hour cruise provides scenic views of the city and Nelson Mandela Stadium, complemented by educational commentary and friendly service. Amenities include a variety of drinks, lunch, and Wi-Fi.
However, the cruise has certain restrictions, so it’s not suitable for individuals with specific medical conditions or mobility issues. Guests should arrive at the Port Elizabeth Harbour Gate and bring recommended items like comfortable clothing and motion sickness prevention.
Read our full review: SEA CRUISE Review
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Shore Excursion Cruise Ships Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park
For those looking to explore the stunning Addo Elephant Park during their cruise stop in Port Elizabeth, the Shore Excursion Cruise Ships tour is an excellent option.
Operated by Alan Tours, this 10-hour shore excursion offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and zebras. Priced from $152.48 per person, the tour includes bottled water, lunch, and all fees.
With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the experience is praised for its knowledgeable guides and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Pickup and drop-off are tailored to the ship’s docking schedule, ensuring a seamless experience.
The tour is recommended by 94% of travelers and has an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 17 reviews.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Cruise Ships Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park Review
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HARBOUR CRUISE (EDUCATIONAL)
Departing from the Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club, the Harbour Cruise (Educational) offers a 30-minute exploration of Port Elizabeth’s vibrant harbor.
Priced at $16.54 per person, this cruise provides an educational experience with a live tour guide available in Afrikaans, French, and English.
The small group size of up to 10 participants ensures an engaging and personalized journey, where you’ll learn about the ships, cargo, voyages, and operational processes of the port.
Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most passengers, the cruise operates year-round from Monday to Friday, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: HARBOUR CRUISE (EDUCATIONAL) Review
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Addo Elephant National Park and Sunset River Cruise – FD04
Embarking on an unforgettable day, this private tour takes visitors to the Addo Elephant National Park, followed by a captivating sunset river cruise.
Priced from $166.60 per person, the tour includes a professional guided safari, air-conditioned transportation, entry fees, light refreshments, and the sunset cruise.
Pickup is available from accommodations in Port Elizabeth at 7:30 AM.
While the tour is non-refundable, it’s highly recommended, with a 5-star rating based on 6 reviews.
Highlights include seeing the park’s famous elephants and enjoying the tranquility of the river cruise at sunset.
This comprehensive experience provides an excellent way to explore the natural wonders around Port Elizabeth.
Read our full review: Addo Elephant National Park and Sunset River Cruise – FD04 Review
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Port Elizabeth: River Cruise on the Sundays River
Visitors can experience a relaxing cruise along the Sundays River in Port Elizabeth. The 1.5- to 2.5-hour tour departs from A Taste of Africa in Colchester, showcasing the Alexandria Coastal Dune field, local birdlife, and the region’s highest sand dunes.
Priced from $27.57 per person, the cruise includes a guided tour and scenic views. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The activity is suitable for small or large groups, families, friends, and special events. Recommended items to bring include snacks, drinks, and camera equipment.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 83 reviews, the river cruise offers an enjoyable experience for visitors.
Read our full review: Port Elizabeth: River Cruise on the Sundays River Review
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Port Elizabeth: Sandboarding With Short Boat Trip
For adventure-seekers in Port Elizabeth, the sandboarding experience with a short boat trip to the Alexandria Dune field offers an exhilarating way to explore the region’s natural beauty.
This 2-3 hour activity, priced from $35.84 per person, caters to beginners and experienced boarders alike. The guided tour includes all necessary equipment, lessons from experts, and a scenic boat cruise across the Sundays River to reach the vast sand dunes.
Though not suitable for those with mobility issues or other medical concerns, the sandboarding adventure promises an enjoyable outing, with overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting friendly guides and a great value for money.
Read our full review: Port Elizabeth: Sandboarding With Short Boat Trip Review
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Recap
Port Elizabeth offers a range of captivating cruises and boat tours. Visitors can spot whales, dolphins, and penguins on island cruises. Guided harbor tours provide educational insights. Plus, guests can combine cruises with exciting activities like Addo Elephant Park safaris and sandboarding. Whether seeking wildlife encounters or scenic river journeys, Port Elizabeth’s diverse water-based experiences cater to various interests and preferences.