Things To Do In St Lucia and surrounding areas

African elephant in the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St Lucia on the road to Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal.

Explore the many things to do in St. Lucia and the surrounding areas, where world-class wildlife, beaches, and wetlands await.

Your Pelican Collection host is happy to assist with any activity bookings and providing local advice to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience.

St. Lucia is a unique eco-destination in KwaZulu-Natal, offering an unforgettable mix of wildlife, nature, adventure, and relaxation. Situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Lucia is one of the few places in the world where you can experience bush, beach, and wetlands all in one destination.
Visitors can enjoy boat cruises on the St. Lucia Estuary to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, explore the Eastern and Western Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, or take a scenic drive to Cape Vidal for swimming, snorkelling, and beach picnics. Game drives offer the chance to encounter elephants, rhino, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, while guided walks and cultural tours provide deeper insight into the area’s rich ecosystems and heritage. Venture further to Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park for Big Five game viewing
For the more adventurous, St. Lucia also offers deep-sea fishing, hiking trails, cycling routes, and whale watching (seasonal). Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, or a peaceful nature escape, St. Lucia has something for everyone.
Your Pelican Collection host is always happy to assist with recommendations and to help arrange or book any excursions, tours, or activities during your stay, ensuring you make the most of your time in St. Lucia

Activities

Birding

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to some of South Africa’s best birding species. These areas host a range of endemics such as Neergard’s Sunbird, Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s Batis and Lemon-breasted Canary.

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Where in the world can you do a Game Safari, swim in the sea, do some snorkelling and sunbathe on the beach, all in one day?

This magnificent park is renowned for it's untouched beaches and wildlife. It holds the distinction of allowing visitors access to both the Africa Wildlife, such as the white rhino, as well as the Marine life of the Indian Ocean Coast.

In 1999 UNESCO declared iSimangaliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), a Natural World Heritage Site. The park, surrounding five major ecosystems, is affectionately referred to as a ecological paradise and is home to a diversity of wildlife, birds, plants, insects, fish, reptiles and scenic beauty.

A herd of Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), including males, females, and calves, grazing and moving together in the Shashloui Mfolozi Big Five Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal. These iconic African antelopes are commonly seen on safari drives, providing visitors with an authentic Big Five wildlife experience in one of South Africa’s premier conservation areas.

Big 5 Safari

The distance to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is around 55km, which is ± 55 minutes drive from St Lucia and 30 minutes from Mtubatuba. The Big 5 Safari includes - lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard which can all be seen in the park, as well as a variety of other species, including cheetah, wild dog and giraffe. Do a self drive, or book a Full day or Half day Safari Tour.
BOOK NOW with your Pelican Collection Host.

Deep Sea Fishing

St. Lucia is a premier destination for deep sea fishing, offering rich coastal waters teeming with game fish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, you can target species such as king mackerel, sailfish, marlin, tuna, and dorado. Charter boats equipped with modern tackle and local guides make it easy to enjoy a full day on the water, surrounded by the natural beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Your Pelican Collection host is happy to assist with booking fishing charters, and providing local advice to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Deep sea fishing in St. Lucia is not only about the catch—it’s also about the adventure, the ocean views, and the chance to connect with South Africa’s remarkable marine life.

Snorkelling in Cape Vidal

On average you can see about 5 different species of nudibranchs and flatworms and between 55 and 65 different species of fish including juvenile angelfish, butterfly fish, moorish idol, lionfish, hawkfish, goatfish, kingfish, needlefish, tropical halfbeaks, diamond and marbled rays and several species of the wrasse family. Other lucky sightings include octopus, crayfish, cuttlefish and turtles.

Zulu Cultural Tour

A tour of the Khula Zulu Village will give you an summary of current Zulu life with visits to schools, churches, Zulu dancing and a taste of Zulu beer. This combined with a visit to the traditional Sangoma, which is also known as a witch doctor.

Turtle Tours

During the turtle season you have the unique opportunity to view the gigantic Leatherback and smaller Loggerhead Turtles beach, at their ancestral nesting ground - bringing forth a new generation.

Whale Whatching

Boat based whale watching tour. From July to November, the Humpback and Southern Wright whale dwell in the St Lucia waters, during their annual migration to mate and calf. Whale sightings guaranteed or your money back.

Fat Bike Fishing Tours

Book a Guided Fat Bike Fishing Tour. The use of a Fat Bikes also helps us get you to more productive fishing areas.