Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) From a Cruise Ship: AWESOME Shore Excursion on the Sundays River

Blog post: https://www.nowgoseeit.com/blog/cruise-port-gqeberha-port-elizabeth Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4Hr8kE0shYlS3TRG3wyi0dSBjYJv_-k0 Planning a port day in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) on a cruise? This video shows a full Sundays River canoe trip with Crisscross Adventures from ship to bus to river to meal, with real timing, what it costs, and who it suits. About this video I get off the ship in Gqeberha and take a full-day shore excursion to the Sundays River run by Crisscross Adventures. If your itinerary touches South Africa and you want something simple, outdoorsy, and not staged, this is a clear look at how the day plays out. Fast logistics Disembarkation to bus: under 20 minutes. Drive to Sundays River: about 1 hour with no detours. On the water: roughly 2 hours, all downstream, wide and calm. The van meets you at the take-out point, so there’s no paddling back. Return to port: standard Eastern Cape drive through small towns and low scrub. Operator details Crisscross Adventures has operated since 2004, founded by local guide Chris Pickels and run with his wife Terri and a team of certified, first-aid trained guides. They cover Addo-area experiences including game drives, birding, sandboarding, and canoe trips across a malaria-free region with multiple vegetation biomes. This isn’t a pop-up operator. What you’ll see and do Guides point out local wildlife and birds; on my day we saw kingfishers, herons, and a monitor lizard (leguaan). Midway, the group paused for a quick beer break; I tried Flying Fish Cider. After the paddle, we ate a communal meal at Crisscross’s base—roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and fresh bread sourced from next door. It was the best meal I had on that cruise. Context and naming The city’s name officially changed from Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha in 2021 as part of restoring indigenous place names. You’ll still see both names in cruise materials and signage, so I use both here for clarity. Who this is for Beginners and casual paddlers who want an easy river day with light interpretation and no pressure. You don’t need to be an athlete, and the route is suitable for most cruise passengers who are comfortable sitting in a canoe and paddling steadily. What to bring Quick-dry clothing, sun protection, water, and a small dry bag for phone/camera. Expect wind exposure; check the forecast and bring a light layer even on bright days. Alternatives from this port Addo Elephant National Park game drive Donkin Reserve and city highlights Sandboarding at nearby dunes If your group splits interests, one party can paddle while the other goes on a drive; compare pickup times before you book. Notes on price and booking Prices and inclusions can change; verify current rates, start times, and transport with the operator or your cruise line before you sail. If your ship time in port is tight, confirm exact pickup and drop timing at the pier. If this helped you plan your South Africa cruise stop, tell me what you’d pick here—canoe, game drive, dunes, or city—and why. Like and subscribe for more real port-day walk-throughs, transport steps, and cost breakdowns you can actually use. Now Go See… Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa.