Seals and pelicans in Walvis Bay

Amazing excursion where animals board your boat

Walvis Bay, or rather Pelican Point, is a special place in the west of Namibia. The ocean and beaches are home to countless Cape Fur Seals, as well as jackals, pelicans, dolphins and more.

The Cape fur seals in the region of Swakopmund are world famous. There is a boat tour where they will even climb aboard the boat to eat a fish or two. So do the pelicans. And there’s a chance to see the rare Heaviside's dolphin, and even whales. A safari is the ultimate encounter with the wildlife of the African coast.

A pelican at Walvis Bay. ©Corno van den Berg

Dolphin tour on a boat

It’s officially a dolphin safari, but you can see lots of animals when you take this boat tour out of Walvis Bay. For example, thousands of brown fur seals that live on the beaches, and there are flamingos everywhere. And clumsy, hungry pelicans that come aboard your boat.

A Cape Fur Seal enters the boat. ©Corno van den Berg

If you’re lucky you’ll spot several kinds of dolphins (possibly even the rare Heaviside’s dolphin) and potentially a whale or two. Excitingly, the brown fur seals come aboard for a fishy snack, so you can take great pictures of them close up.

Flamingos at Walvis Bay and Pelican Point. ©Corno van den Berg

Kayakking in Walvis Bay

Kayaking in Walvis Bay. ©Corno van den Berg

One of the best ways to meet the wildlife of Walvis Bay is by kayak. The seals are very curious and will automatically come to your kayak. They jump around you from some water and you hardly know where to look. This is a special trip that is really amazing.

Best time

The best time to go is early in the morning, that’s when you’ll see most animals. The best time of year is in November and December when the brown fur seals have their young. In spring and summer time (October to March) it can get very hot here, above 40 degrees Celsius. 

Boat tours leave from Swakopmund, ask around for the different options. It is best to make a booking in advance, so you won't be disappointed.


My Tips

Show all Bucket List Tips on Namibia

Read My Tips

all 16 articles on Namibia

Show all articles