Port Natal Maritime Museum — Attraction in eThekwini Ward 32

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...

Port Natal is a small yet interesting maritime museum and well worth the R10 entrance fee charged. Just beware however that the steam tug on tressles has deteriorated to the point of being unsafe to the general public.The deck is badly corroded in places with lots of rusty edges and huge holes in the deck big enough for a child to fall through. They have tried to cover these up with plywood sheets but as they are not secured to the deck they are easily moved. This vessel needs to be cordened off and restored to its former glory before somebody gets hurt. Thankfully the other two floating vessels on display are in much better condition.

The corrugated iron building contains some beautifully detailed models of marine vessels from the past right up to modern tankers as well as other items on display.

Go for a visit . Just watch...

One of the few places that is home to true relics, a raft of history and amazing stories. The Maritime Museum is quaint and fulfilling. Wear proper shoes or sneakers as the "self tour" can take you from the top of the ship to the the very base of the narrow engine rooms with tiny entrances and gullies. A definite must for all. Kids will love exploring the ships. Interesting fact is that there is a bronze statute of a lady that played a pivotal part in WW2 and the sailors morale as they sailed through the narrow port back then. You should visit to get the full story. Epic and...