Allen Gardiner

The Allen Gardiner, named after Captain Allen F Gardiner RN who, in 1835, called the first public meeting in Natal, at which the planned new township was named D'Urban, after the then Governor of the Cape, is an exciting cruise with a difference. The twenty metre wooden-build world war II historic vessel, was build for the South African Air Force as an air-sea rescue boat.

The vessel cruises the calm waters of Durban Harbour, from Wilson's Wharf, along the Maydon Channel, to view the raw sugar terminal, the grain terminal, the Prince Edward dry dock, floating docks, at the same time one can see the busiest port in Africa and the Southern hemisphere in action, with over 20 ocean-going ship movements each day. From there to move along the silt Canal, past the mangrove swamps and pelican island, with abundant wildlife in a protected conservation habitat, at Bayhead Heritage Park, turning at the end of the silt canal at the Bluff, to cruise to the harbour entrance of the point to return past the largest container terminal in South Africa for close-up views of the working harbour and onto a visit at the yacht marina before returning to Wilson's Wharf.

The first cruise starts from 9 o'clock in the morning with a choice of a 3-course American style brunch, Champagne brunch or a Private Charter Continental Breakfast for up to 45 persons.

Lunch is from 12 midday for 3 hours offering an a la carte lunch, Champagne Sunset cruise is from 4pm till 6pm and then the romantic Candlelit Dinner cruise is from 7pm till 10pm.

Choose your meal from an a la carte menu when you embark, it is then freshly prepared to order on board. There is a choice of up to ten items per course. A main course, at least, must be purchased. There is a additional 10% service charge on the prices. A fully-stocked bar is available throughout the cruise.

Fork Lunch & Dinner

A three hour cruise catering for between 21 and 45 persons, during which a two course meal is served, with choices from the a la carte menu suitable for eating with just a fork. The Fork menu is from R125, max 45 passengers.

The Allen Gardiner cruises are ideally suited for birthdays, anniversaries, yachtsmen and boating enthusiasts, visitors to Durban, ornithologists, photographers, family or club outings, office parties (with Christmas a speciality). The cruise operates all year round, including Christmas Day.

On can also book the charter for private whole boat charters for longer (or shorter) cruises, corporate hospitality and entertainment, company incentives, business, training or board meetings.

The Allen Gardiner is available for private charters or individuals may book independently, sharing with other passengers.