Overview

The coastal city of Walvis Bay, Namibia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning beaches, sand dunes, and lagoons. The city is surrounded by the Namib Desert, which adds to its unique geography. It is also one of Namibia’s major port cities, serving as a crucial hub for shipping and fishing industries. The port plays a significant role in the country’s economy and international trade.

Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its birdwatching, including flamingos, pelicans, and various other species. Visitors also come to enjoy the various outdoor activities Walvis Bay has to offer including fishing, sailing, kayaking, and sandboarding. The nearby Namib-Naukluft National Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the desert environment.

Things to See and Do

Located on the southern edge of the city, explore the Walvis Bay Promenade. It runs along the Flamingo Lagoon, a small area of the Walvis Bay Lagoon. This area is home to three main species, the Cuban flamingo, Greater flamingo, and Lesser flamingo. Depending on the time of year and the water level, you can enjoy watching the large colonies of flamingos in the shallow, near-shore waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Next, head to Pelican Point, a paradise for waterbirds, as well as seals. Pelican Point forms the bay with the mainland, enclosing a wetland. It is the most important mudflat area in southern Africa and at the same time a bird sanctuary. A colony of African fur Seals is native here. This is the perfect area to witness exciting wildlife. The eco-sensitive Pelican Point peninsula is all sea sand and is accessible by land only by 4-wheel drive, either on a guided tour or as part of an escorted self-drive. You can also paddle here by kayak.

Pelican Point Lighthouse is about 20 miles by road from Walvis Bay. A trip well worth it! The lodge there is also worth a visit with a suite that offers a 360° panoramic view. At night you can hear the call of jackals and the bawling of tens of thousands of seals communicating with each other.

Head to the Walvis Bay Waterfront to stroll the shops and restaurants. Here you can take a boat tour out into the bay to enjoy the sealife and learn from the guides about the bay.

Sandwich Harbor is a great area to enjoy beautiful dunes along the coast and into a lagoon, as well as take in the great birdwatching here. The best way to visit Sandwich Bay is through a tour, many offer an afternoon tour and even a sunset photography tour. The sunset tour offers great lighting and circumstances to make stunning photos.

Outdoor Activities

Walvis Bay offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Dolphin and Seal Cruises: Get out on the water and enjoy watching the dolphins play in the waves and seals baking in the sun on the shores of Pelican Point. These cruises also provide a great viewpoint of the coastline and opportunities for birdwatching as well.

Kayaking and Canoeing: Walvis Bay Lagoon is a great area to paddle through the waters to get up close to the birdlife that inhabits the area, including flamingos, pelicans and various species of waders.

Sandboarding and Quad Biking: In the nearby Namib dunes visitors can embark on a quad bike or sandboard adventure across the sandy terrain.

Fishing: Walvis Bay is known for is excellent fishing. Whether you enjoy deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, or fly fishing, there is plenty of options available for anglers of all skill levels.

Hiking and Nature Walks: There are several hiking trails in the area that lead through desert landscapes, along coastal cliffs, and into the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Kite Surfing: Walvis Bay is a popular destination for kit surfing enthusiasts. There are several rental shops and schools available for those looking to try it out for the first time.

Scenic Drives: Enjoy a leisurely drive exploring the coastal areas or venture into the desert for amazing views and photo opportunities. Popular routes include the drive to Sandwich Harbor or along the Kueseb River.