Port Natal Maritime Museum
Explore Durban's seafaring past by climbing aboard historic ships and discovering maritime exhibits at this affordable waterfront museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Port Natal Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Durban's seafaring past by climbing aboard historic ships and discovering maritime exhibits at this affordable waterfront museum.
"It's an old-school museum where you actually get to walk through historical ships—but that's part of its appeal."
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry fees are incredibly low (around R10 for adults, R5 for kids), making it a great value!
🚢 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to explore the decks of the historic tugboat and naval minesweeper.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore Historic Ships
Museum grounds
Climb aboard a tugboat and a naval minesweeper for an immersive historical experience.
Durban Harbour Views
Museum waterfront
Enjoy scenic views of Durban's bustling port and maritime activity.
Maritime Exhibits
Indoor galleries
Discover artifacts, navigational tools, and stories of Durban's seafaring heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Maritime Adventure
Hands-On History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry fees are incredibly low (around R10 for adults, R5 for kids), making it a great value!
🚢 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to explore the decks of the historic tugboat and naval minesweeper.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ships, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views of the harbour and the ships. 
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Entry fees are incredibly low (around R10 for adults, R5 for kids), making it a great value!
🚢 Climb Aboard!
Don't miss the chance to explore the decks of the historic tugboat and naval minesweeper.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ships, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning views of the harbour and the ships.
⏳ Quick Visit
Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough exploration of the museum and ships.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Port Natal Maritime Museum is a charming, budget-friendly gem offering a unique hands-on experience with historic ships. While its facilities are basic and dated, visitors praise the affordability, the opportunity to explore vessels like a tugboat and minesweeper, and the scenic harbour views. It's particularly recommended for families and those interested in maritime history looking for an unusual and engaging activity.
"The Port Natal Maritime Museum is a charming and somewhat hidden gem nestled along Durban's busy harbourfront. It's not your typical slick, high-tech museum—but that's part of its appeal.
It's an old-school museum where you actually get to walk through historical ships—including a tugboat and a naval minesweeper.
Entry is super affordable (about R10 for adults), and it’s surprisingly fun, especially if you're with kids or enjoy naval history. The exhibits show their age, and the facilities are basic (portable toilets, no café), but the hands-on experience makes up for it.
Overall, it's a great way to spend an hour or two, right on the harbour.
👍 Pros:
You can climb aboard actual ships!
Great for kids
Budget-friendly
Harbour views
Would definitely recommend if you’re into ships, history, or just looking for something unusual to do in Durban."
Rabia Imamdin
"Impressive collection of maritime themed items about Durban Harbour and ships. You can explore two of the ships. There are indoor and outdoor door exhibits. Reasonable entry fee with parking and great views of the port."
P O London
"This is a hidden gem - 10 bucks adult & 5 bucks kids entrance fee is next to nothing for the opportunity to get some history on ships & sailing. My kid loved exploring the tug on stilts, as well as boarding the tug moored at the museum... Fun day out."
Ivan Naidoo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located along Durban's harbourfront, near Wilson Wharf. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. Parking is available nearby.
While specific bus routes might vary, taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available in Durban and can easily take you to the museum's location.
Navigate towards the Durban harbour area, specifically near Wilson Wharf. The museum is a prominent landmark along the waterfront.
Yes, it's a relatively short drive or taxi ride from Durban's city center, making it a convenient stop.
The museum is situated near the waterfront, offering opportunities to explore other nearby attractions and enjoy harbour views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is very affordable, typically around R10 for adults and R5 for children, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While specific discount information isn't widely publicized, the already low entry fees make it accessible for most visitors.
Information on tourism passes is not readily available, but the low individual entry fee makes it a worthwhile visit regardless.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Durban's maritime history, climb aboard historic ships like a tugboat and a minesweeper, and enjoy views of the harbour.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to climb aboard and explore the decks of the tugboat and naval minesweeper.
Absolutely! Kids often love exploring the ships and interactive exhibits, making it a fun family outing.
The museum is described as having an 'old-school' charm and basic facilities. While some exhibits may show their age, the hands-on experience is a major draw.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. The self-guided exploration of the ships and exhibits is the primary way to experience the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the historic ships and harbour views.
The decks of the ships, the waterfront overlooking the harbour, and the various maritime artifacts offer excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in port areas and around maritime facilities. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
For commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to contact the museum management in advance to inquire about permits and regulations.
Natural light is abundant on the ship decks and waterfront. Indoor exhibits may have artificial lighting, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum's exhibits are a bit dated, the hands-on nature of exploring the vessels more than makes up for it. It’s a great way to spark curiosity about maritime history and naval life. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s plenty of climbing and exploring to do on the ships.
💰 Budget Travelers
This museum offers a unique experience of exploring historic ships without a hefty price tag. It's a perfect option for those who want to immerse themselves in local history and enjoy scenic harbour views without overspending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Durban's Maritime Heritage
Visitors can gain a tangible understanding of this heritage by stepping aboard two significant vessels: a tugboat and a naval minesweeper. These ships offer a unique, hands-on perspective, allowing you to imagine life at sea and the crucial role these vessels played. The experience is often described as stepping back in time, offering a stark contrast to modern maritime operations.
While the museum's facilities are described as basic and showing their age, the affordability and the interactive nature of exploring the ships are consistently highlighted as major draws. It's a place where history comes alive, providing a memorable and educational experience for all ages.
Exploring the Ships: A Unique Experience
Travelers often remark on how much children, in particular, enjoy this aspect of the museum. The ability to touch, climb, and discover makes history feel real and exciting for younger visitors. It’s a chance for them to engage with maritime artifacts in a way that textbooks or static displays simply cannot replicate.
Be prepared for a more rustic experience. The lower decks of the ships can feel a bit eerie or like a scene from a horror movie, as one visitor humorously noted, adding to the adventurous feel of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit