Wilsons Wharf
Durban's vibrant waterfront hub offering scenic harbour views, diverse dining, and exciting boat rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Wilsons Wharf
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Durban's vibrant waterfront hub offering scenic harbour views, diverse dining, and exciting boat rides.
"A charming spot offering a delightful mix of relaxation, entertainment, and scenic beauty."
🎯 Book Boat Rides in Advance
Popular boat tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Book ahead to secure your spot!
💰 Look for Daily Specials
Many restaurants offer fantastic deals on seafood and drinks. Check menus for R99 specials!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Durban Harbour Boat Cruises
Various operators at the wharf
Experience the city from the water with scenic harbour cruises or thrilling speedboat rides.
Seafood Delights
Julio's on the Bay, John Dory's, Mozambik
Savor fresh seafood platters and Portuguese-inspired dishes with stunning harbor views.
Live Music & Cocktails
Café Cuba, Mozambik On The Deck
Enjoy world-class cocktails and live music performances with magical sunset views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Boat Rides & Dining Deals
+1 Many restaurants, like Julio's on the Bay and Mozambik, frequently offer specials,+3 making it a budget-friendly destination.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Rides in Advance
Popular boat tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Book ahead to secure your spot!
💰 Look for Daily Specials
Many restaurants offer fantastic deals on seafood and drinks. Check menus for R99 specials! +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the wharf and potentially on boat decks. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Sunset
The harbor views at sunset are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Rides in Advance
Popular boat tours can fill up, especially on weekends. Book ahead to secure your spot!
💰 Look for Daily Specials
Many restaurants offer fantastic deals on seafood and drinks. Check menus for R99 specials! +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking along the wharf and potentially on boat decks. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Sunset
The harbor views at sunset are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
🎶 Check Live Music Schedules
Café Cuba and Mozambik often have live performances. Check their schedules for a great evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wilsons Wharf is a beloved Durban waterfront destination praised for its scenic harbour views, diverse dining options, and fun boat rides. While some areas could benefit from refurbishment, the lively atmosphere, affordable specials, and family-friendly activities make it a consistently enjoyable spot for locals and tourists alike.
"Was a fantastic outing. We had breakfast at Spur and then went on a harbour cruise and thankfully weather was good and went out the harbour. Wow, loved every minute."
LINDA SCOTT
"Wilson's Wharf is a charming spot in Durban, on the KwaZulu-Natal east coast, offering a delightful mix of relaxation, entertainment, and scenic beauty. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this waterfront destination has something for everyone.
Visitors can expect scenic views, boat rides, restaurants and cafes, shopping and other fun activities. The wharf offers stunning views of the Durban harbour, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing meal.
One of the highlights is the boat rides available at the wharf. Whether you're looking for a short harbour cruise or a more adventurous speed boat ride, there's an option for every thrill-seeker.
Wilson's Wharf is home to several eateries, including great seafood restaurants, known for its delicious seafood and pizza. The ambiance is perfect for a family meal or a romantic dinner.
The wharf also features various activities, especially the boat rides, picnics, and cultural tours. It's a great place to spend a day with family or friends. There are a few shops and boutiques where you can find souvenirs, local crafts, and more.
Its family-friendly, with activities for all ages. It offers a variety of options, from dining to entertainment, there's something for everyone. Most of all, it offers a beautiful setting and the waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and relaxation.
The downside is that during peak times, the wharf can get quite crowded, which might affect the overall experience and certain areas could benefit from better upkeep, especially in terms of cleanliness and maintenance."
Delaine Cools
"A nice place to hang out for at any time to watch what is going on in the harbor. I stayed at the Mozambique at the far end of the complex close to the water. Waiters are helpful.. Food is tasty and the chili sauce spicy"
Frank Bruno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wilsons Wharf is located at 18 Boatman's Rd, Durban Central. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available. Public transport options like taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in Durban. +1
Yes, there is parking available at Wilsons Wharf, though it can get busy during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early if you're driving.
Generally, the main areas of Wilsons Wharf are accessible, but some older structures or specific boat boarding areas might have limitations. It's best to inquire with specific venues or boat operators if accessibility is a concern.
For convenience, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are popular and reliable in Durban. Taxis are also readily available. If you're exploring other parts of Durban, consider the local bus services or renting a car.
Yes, Wilsons Wharf is within walking distance of uShaka Marine World, making it easy to combine visits to both attractions. It's a pleasant stroll along the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general entrance fee to access Wilsons Wharf itself. You only pay for specific activities like boat rides or for food and drinks at the restaurants.
Boat ride prices vary depending on the duration and type of cruise. A 1-hour cruise can cost around R160 per person, but deals are often available.
It's highly recommended to book boat rides in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, to avoid disappointment.
Wilsons Wharf venues and attractions generally operate during daylight hours and into the evening. Specific restaurant and boat ride hours may vary, so it's best to check with individual establishments.
Simply strolling along the wharf, enjoying the harbor views, and soaking in the atmosphere are free activities. Some venues may offer free entry before a certain time for live music events.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Wilsons Wharf boasts a variety of dining options, with a strong emphasis on seafood. Popular choices include Julio's on the Bay (Portuguese), John Dory's (seafood), Mozambik On The Deck (Afro-Porto), and Spur (family-friendly grill).
Yes, many restaurants offer great value. Julio's on the Bay is known for its R99 specials on prawns and hake, and seafood platters are often available at competitive prices. +3
While seafood is a specialty, most restaurants offer a range of dishes. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff about vegetarian and vegan options, as they may vary.
Restaurants like Mozambik On The Deck and Café Cuba are renowned for their stunning harbor views, especially during sunset, making them ideal for a romantic or scenic dining experience. +1
Absolutely! Restaurants like Spur are very family-friendly, and the boat rides offer fun for all ages. The open space and harbor activity keep children entertained. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The entire waterfront offers picturesque views of the Durban harbor, boats, and the city skyline. The piers and restaurant decks provide excellent vantage points.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Sunrise can also be stunning, with fewer crowds.
Yes, absolutely! Boat rides offer unique perspectives of the harbor and city. Just be mindful of keeping your camera secure, especially on faster rides.
The iconic Durban harbor entrance, the various boats docked, and the city skyline provide excellent photo opportunities. The colorful buildings along the wharf also add to the visual appeal.
Wilsons Wharf is ideal for landscape, seascape, and lifestyle photography. It's also a great spot for capturing candid moments of people enjoying the waterfront.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Many of the seafood restaurants also offer kid-friendly options and a relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy a meal together. The open waterfront provides space for kids to move around, and the general buzz of activity keeps them entertained.💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
+1 A harbour cruise at dusk is also a lovely way to spend time together. Many of the seafood restaurants provide an intimate setting for a special dinner with picturesque views.✈️ Day-Trippers
+1 Its proximity to other attractions like uShaka Marine World makes it easy to incorporate into a broader Durban itinerary. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Durban Harbour by Boat
+2 These excursions provide a unique perspective of the city skyline, the active port, and marine life. Many visitors highlight the affordability and fun factor of these rides, making them a must-do activity.When choosing a boat trip, consider what you're looking for. Shorter cruises are perfect for a relaxed overview of the harbour, while speed boat rides offer a more adrenaline-pumping experience. Some tours might even venture out towards the open sea, depending on weather conditions. It's always a good idea to check the duration, route, and any specific inclusions like refreshments before booking. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for sea spray on faster rides.
Pro-tip: Many TikTok and Instagram creators showcase these boat rides, often highlighting special deals or the best times to go for sunset views.
+1 Keep an eye on these for inspiration and potential savings. The experience is often described as a highlight of a visit to Wilsons Wharf, offering both relaxation and excitement.A Culinary Journey at Wilsons Wharf
For a more casual family meal, Spur is a reliable choice, while John Dory's also serves up popular seafood options.The waterfront setting enhances the dining experience, with many establishments offering picturesque views of the Durban harbour. This makes Wilsons Wharf an ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a family outing, or a relaxed lunch with friends. The ambiance, combined with delicious food and attentive service, creates a memorable culinary journey. Many reviews praise the quality of the food and the value for money, especially when taking advantage of daily specials.
Beyond the main restaurants, keep an eye out for smaller stalls or cafes that might offer unique snacks or beverages. The variety ensures that there's something to satisfy every palate, from hearty grills to lighter seafood fare. The lively atmosphere, often complemented by live music, adds another layer to the dining experience at Wilsons Wharf.
+1Capturing the Magic: Photography at Wilsons Wharf
Beyond the scenic views, Wilsons Wharf is also excellent for lifestyle photography. Capture candid moments of people enjoying boat rides, dining at the waterfront restaurants, or simply strolling along the promenade.
The lively atmosphere provides ample opportunities for authentic and engaging shots. Don't forget to look for unique architectural details and the interplay of light and shadow on the structures.When on a boat ride, you get a unique perspective of the harbour and the city. Be sure to have your camera ready, but also ensure it's secured, especially on faster rides. The combination of natural beauty, urban elements, and human activity makes Wilsons Wharf a versatile and rewarding location for photographers of all levels.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit