Lake Victoria Boat Cruise | Sunset Tours, Islands & Fishing Adventures
Lake Victoria Boat Cruise: Enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Discover the Ssese Islands, go fishing for Nile perch, watch the sunset over Entebbe, and explore scenic shores in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Book with us today!
Discover the Magic of a Lake Victoria Boat Cruise
Imagine gliding across mirror-calm waters as the equatorial sun melts into a fiery orange horizon. A Lake Victoria boat cruise is more than a tour—it’s a front-row seat to East Africa’s soul. As the world’s second-largest freshwater lake (68,800 km²) shared by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, Lake Victoria blends wildlife, culture and pure relaxation.
At Marantha Tours & Travel Ltd, we’ve guided thousands of travellers on boat trips on Lake Victoria since 2011. Whether you crave a romantic sunset cruise Lake Victoria, a record-breaking Nile perch, or island-hopping in the Ssese archipelago, we craft every Lake Victoria tour Uganda to feel personal, safe and unforgettable.
Types of Boat Cruises We Offer
1. Sunset Boat Cruise (Entebbe & Jinja)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best for: Couples, photographers, first-time visitors
- Highlights: Champagne toast, live saxophone (optional), 360° sunset views
- Departure: Imperial Resort Beach or Jinja Sailing Club
2. Fishing Boat Cruise
- Target species: Nile perch (up to 100 kg!), tilapia, catfish
- Gear: Provided rods, bait, echo-sounders
- Bonus: Our captains know secret GPS hotspots used by local legends
3. Bird-Watching Cruise
- Species spotted: 150+ including African fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, goliath herons
- Includes: Swarovski binoculars & laminated bird checklist
4. Ssese Islands Cruise (Multi-day)
- Route: Entebbe → Banda → Bugala → Ngamba → Entebbe
- Stay: Beach banda or luxury lodge upgrades
5. Private & Luxury Charters
- Fleet: 12–50 pax catamarans with rooftop jacuzzi, Bluetooth sound, chef on board
- Perfect for: Honeymoons, proposals, corporate sun-downers
Top Lake Victoria Cruise Destinations
Uganda – Our Home Waters
Entebbe Boat Cruise
Leave from the gardens of Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort. Within 10 minutes you’re drifting past papyrus islands where monitor lizards bask like dinosaurs.
Jinja Boat Tour
Where the Nile departs Lake Victoria—feel the gentle current shift as you sip a Nile Special beer.
Ssese Islands Cruise
84 islands, endless white sand. Swim in bilharzia-free bays, cycle to fishing villages, end with beach braai under the Milky Way.
Kenya – The Western Crescent
Kisumu Boat Tours
Sunrise over Hippo Point; watch pods surface like submarines. Lunch at Dunga Fishermen Co-op—fresh tilapia straight from the net.
Tanzania – Rock & Chimp Shores
Mwanza Sunset Cruise
Sail around Bismarck Rock, then dock for nyama choma and live taarab music.
Rubondo Island National Park
Spot wild chimps released by Jane Goodall’s team—only reachable by boat.
Wildlife & Nature You’ll Meet
- Mammals: Hippos (keep 50 m distance!), otters, spotted-necked otters
- Birds: 350+ species—bring a 400 mm lens for fish eagle dive-bombs
- Reptiles: Nile crocodiles (rarely seen on our routes—safety first)
- Aquatic life: 500 fish species; our guides free-dive to show you underwater forests of Vallisneria
Island Adventures
Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
45 rescued chimps, two daily feedings viewed from our boat deck. 100 % of your ticket funds conservation.
Bugala Island
- Pineapple Bay Resort: Infinity pool overlooking the lake
- Nightlife: Saturday beach parties with Kampala DJs
Banda Island
Secluded; only 8 guests at a time. Sleep in treehouses, wake to hornbills.
Best Time for Your Cruise
Peak dry seasons:
- June–September: Calm waters, zero rain
- December–February: Baby birds, migratory pelicans
Golden hour: 6:00 am or 4:30 pm departures for perfect light.
Safety First – Our Promise
- All captains hold Uganda Tourism Board licenses
- Boats inspected quarterly by Marine Police
- Life jackets for every passenger (infant sizes available)
- On-board medic & first-aid certified crew
- VHF radio + satellite tracker
Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, GoPro, power bank.
2025 Prices (per person, all-inclusive)
|
Cruise Type |
Duration |
Price (USD) |
Group Discount (6+) |
|
Sunset Cruise |
2 hrs |
$45 |
$38 |
|
Half-day Fishing |
5 hrs |
$95 |
$80 |
|
Full-day Ssese Express |
9 hrs |
$165 |
$140 |
|
2-day Ssese Overnight |
2 days |
$349 |
$299 |
|
Private Catamaran (12 pax) |
3 hrs |
$650 flat |
– |
Kids 3–12 half price; under 3 free.
How to Book with Marantha Tours
- WhatsApp: +256 772 636 412 (24/7)
- Email: info@trekrwandagorillas.com
- Walk-in: Plot 17B Impala Avenue, Entebbe
Combo Deals: Add gorilla trekking or Murchison Falls—save 15 %.
Book Now: Secure your spot with only 20 % deposit. Free rescheduling up to 48 hrs before.
Stunning Visuals Await
FAQs
Q: How much does a boat cruise on Lake Victoria cost?
A: From $45 pp for a 2-hour sunset cruise to $650 for a private catamaran.
Q: Can you swim in Lake Victoria?
A: Yes—in designated bilharzia-free bays (Ssese & Ngamba). We test water monthly.
Q: Are there hippos and crocodiles?
A: Hippos yes (we maintain safe distance); crocs extremely rare on tourist routes.
Q: Best time for a boat cruise on Lake Victoria?
A: June–Sept & Dec–Feb for calm waters and golden light.
Q: What to bring on a Lake Victoria boat trip?
A: Sunscreen, hat, camera, light jacket, sense of wonder!
Ready to Set Sail?
Your Lake Victoria boat cruise is one click away. Let Marantha Tours & Travel Ltd turn an ordinary holiday into an epic East African story.
Book today!
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