WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA

Walvis Bay is the largest commercial port in Namibia, and it’s your gateway to experiencing the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and people of Namibia.

Wildlife lovers are in luck, because you don’t have to stray too far from the ship for unique animal encounters. Right along the Walvis Bay waterfront you will see thousands of beautiful pink flamingos strutting about. Continue on to Pelican Point to hop on a boat for an excursion to look for dolphins, whales, seals, and birds. (Fun Fact: There are over 150 bird species in the Walvis Bay Lagoon area!)

Seeing the striking Namib Dessert is another “must do” when porting in Walvis Bay. It is the oldest dessert in the world, and it boasts towering sand dunes that you can climb up, surf down, ATV through, or simply admire. Dune 7 is the tallest sand dune in Namibia with a lofty altitude of 1,256 ft/383m, and it’s roughly 8mi/13km away from the port. For a more extensive dessert adventure, go on a 4x4 excursion through Sandwich Harbor. Sandwich Harbor has mountainous sand dunes that collide with the Atlantic coast line as well as important wetlands. It is 37mi/60 south of Walvis Bay, and a great option for adventure seekers.

Another popular Namibia destination that is accessible from Walvis Bay is Swakopmund. This resort town was built under German rule, and the colonial architecture still remains. You’ll  find German buildings, beer gardens, and restaurants, traditional Namibian crafts,  and plenty of boutique shopping opportunities. Be sure to head to the coast line for a glimpse of the start of the famous and foreboding Skeleton Coast. Swakopmund is 24mi/38km north of Walvis Bay, and it’s important to note that the majority of the shops and restaurants are closed on Sunday.

Lastly, if you need to pick up toiletries, clothes, or other items, the sizable Dunes Mall is 3.6mi/5.8km away from the port.

Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to enjoy your time exploring Namibia.