Lake St. Lucia is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal coast, commonly referred to as the Elephant Coast. The estuary and its surrounding waters are home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including hippopotamuses, Nile crocodiles, and bull sharks, making wildlife awareness an essential part of any paddling trip here. Hippos in particular are known to be aggressive — a large male was observed charging a tour boat carrying over 20 passengers — and paddlers should treat any encounter with extreme caution.

Guided kayak safaris operate out of the town of St. Lucia, with at least one operator based at 67 Flamingo Street. Tours can be arranged to depart at any time between 6 am and 3 pm, with booking considered essential. The paddle is described as a fairly non-strenuous flat-water experience suitable for both novice and experienced paddlers, though participants are expected to have a reasonable level of fitness. The minimum age for participation is 12 years.

The paddling takes place around mangrove-covered islands and tidal waterways, where crocodiles are commonly spotted basking and hippos can be seen resting in the water or grazing on grassy sandbanks. Birdlife is abundant and varied; species observed on the water include the African Fish Eagle, Yellow-Billed Stork, and African Golden Weaver, the latter identifiable by its bright red eyes and distinctive upside-down nests. The broader area also supports other wildlife, including venomous snakes such as the Forest Cobra.

Paddlers are advised to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. A raincoat or suitable jacket for cold and wet conditions is also recommended. Given the presence of large and potentially dangerous animals, paddling independently without a guide is not advisable, and all available accounts describe the experience in the context of guided tours. The guided format appears to be the standard and expected way to access the water here.