Did you know that the closest living relative to a hippo is a whale? Or, that hippos actually walk the streets of St. Lucia on cooler afternoons? Well, we didn’t before taking a hippo and croc cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary, offered by Heritage Tours. Heritage Tours charters one of the smallest boats available on the Estuary, the Shoreline, which instantly made for a more personable experience. Dennis, our skipper, not only pointed out hippo families, but crocs and numerous bird species as well. While they do not guarantee crocs, they sure work hard to find them for you. In fact, we spotted three (with one of them being the second largest croc species in the world)!

Aside from the crocs, we so enjoyed sitting and watching the groups of hippos relax while virtually submerged underwater. It’s quite interesting – they look so calm and peaceful while laying in the water, yet they’re quite dangerous. For what it’s worth, the hippo is actually responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large mammal. We learned that hippos feed underwater, breathe underwater, and even give birth underwater.

The tour is suitable for all ages and the perfect amount of time. Dennis provided endless facts and stories throughout our route, all with much humor and enthusiasm. It’s definitely worth spending your morning in St. Lucia with Dennis along the Estuary! After our second day with Heritage Tours, it was clear that they are passionate about what they do and try to give their clients the best experience possible. Highly recommended.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA3yh4m9OXA]