Things to do in Walvis Bay

About Walvis Bay

The must-see attractions in Walvis Bay include the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon, known for its birdlife, especially flamingos; Pelican Point and its iconic lighthouse; and Dune 7, offering awe-inspiring views. A visit to the waterfront, with its array of shops and restaurants, is also essential. These locales are top things to see in Walvis Bay for any visitor.
The best things to do in Walvis Bay with kids feature a visit to the Walvis Bay Lagoon for bird watching, spending time at the playgrounds along the Esplanade, and enjoying the sand dunes with activities like sledding at Dune 7. These family-friendly Walvis Bay activities make for an enjoyable and educational experience for children.
The best outdoor activities in Walvis Bay include bird watching at the lagoon, kayaking alongside seals, and dune boarding or quad biking at Dune 7. The city's outdoor tours in Walvis Bay are perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, who are keen on exploring the diverse landscapes.
Indoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Walvis Bay Museum to learn about local history, visit the Indoor Sports Complex for various recreational activities, or enjoy the local cuisine at the numerous eateriles offering fresh seafood and international dishes.
The best Walvis Bay tours incorporate wildlife encounters at the Lagoon by kayak, scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast, and guided 4x4 excursions to Sandwich Harbour. These tours in Walvis Bay offer unparalleled glimpses into the area's natural beauty and are essential experiences for visitors.
Among the most popular museums in Walvis Bay is the Walvis Bay Museum, noted for its exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the region. Another significant cultural spot is the Swakopmund Museum, just a short journey from Walvis Bay, providing broader historical insights into Namibia's past.
For rainy days, visitors can take advantage of informative audio tours at culturally significant spots or relish in the local gastronomic tours sampling the coastal cuisine. These excursions provide engaging, weather-proof experiences, making them some of the best Walvis Bay activities for any day.
Short tours in Walvis Bay that can be enjoyed in an hour or less commonly include bird-watching tours at the Lagoon, guided tours through historic areas of the city, or express harbor cruises, allowing visitors to soak in the sights in a limited timeframe.

Best Things to Do In Walvis Bay

Explore Walvis Bay's top attractions with our immersive audio tours, perfect for cultural enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Walvis Bay: The Raft Restaurant

What is it?
A floating restaurant offering a unique dining experience on the water.
Why you should go?
For an unrivaled culinary adventure, The Raft Restaurant is one of the places to visit in Walvis Bay that combines delectable cuisine with an exceptional setting. Anchored in the lagoon, diners can savor fresh, local seafood and other gastronomic delights while surrounded by the tranquil waters of the bay. It's an enchanting spot to witness the sunset and spot marine life. Guests looking for the best things to do in Walvis Bay will find The Raft Restaurant's combination of taste and ambience an unmissable experience.

Walvis Bay: Nautilus Square

What is it?
A bustling central plaza known for its community events and local commerce.
Why you should go?
Nautilus Square stands at the heart of Walvis Bay as a social and commercial focal point, offering an authentic slice of city life. Regular markets, festive celebrations, and community gatherings take place here, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to mingle with locals and experience the culture firsthand. Whether it's for shopping, enjoying street food, or simply people-watching, Nautilus Square is a lively spot recommended for those deciding on what to do in Walvis Bay.

Walvis Bay: Rossmund Desert Golf Course

What is it?
One of the few all-grass desert golf courses in the world, offering an exceptional golfing experience.
Why you should go?
Golf enthusiasts will be enticed by the unique challenge posed by Rossmund Desert Golf Course. The course, beautifully juxtaposed against the arid surroundings, provides a refreshing oasis and an opportunity to play a round of golf in an unusual setting. The beautifully manicured greens and fairways make it a standout choice for Walvis Bay activities, particularly for those looking to enjoy a leisurely game while taking in the stunning desert landscape.

Walvis Bay: Swakopmund Skydiving Club

What is it?
An adrenaline-fueled activity offering tandem skydives with breathtaking aerial views of the coast.
Why you should go?
For thrill-seekers searching for sky-high adventure, Swakopmund Skydiving Club near Walvis Bay is a top attraction. The club welcomes both novices and experienced jumpers to take the plunge from thousands of feet above the Namib Desert. This skydiving experience ranks highly among the fun things to do in Walvis Bay, promising an unforgettable rush as well as some of the most majestic vistas of the coastline and the sprawling desert below.

Walvis Bay: Long Beach Leisure Park

What is it?
A coastal recreation area offering activities for family fun and relaxation.
Why you should go? Long Beach Leisure Park bridges the gap between relaxation and adventure for families and solo travelers alike. With serene beach stretches for sunbathing alongside opportunities for horseback riding and quad biking, there's something for everyone. Kids can enjoy playgrounds while adults might prefer a peaceful stroll along the beach. It's among the best Walvis Bay tours for those seeking a combination of leisure and excitement in scenic surroundings.

Walvis Bay: Walvis Bay Waterfront

What is it?
A lively promenade with shops, restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Why you should go?
The Walvis Bay Waterfront is a vibrant hub of activity offering a picturesque setting for an evening stroll or a leisurely lunch. With views of the Atlantic Ocean, the promenade is a delightful place for sighting dolphins and seals. Visitors can shop for souvenirs, dine on fresh seafood at local eateries, and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. The Waterfront encapsulates the coastal charm of Walvis Bay, making it one of the fun things to do in Walvis Bay for travelers seeking to soak in the local atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Walvis Bay: Sandwich Harbour

What is it?
A dramatic natural enclave where towering dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Why you should go?
Sandwich Harbour is where the magnificence of Namibia's dunes spills into the sea, creating a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. This area, part of the Namib-Naukluft Park, provides visitors with a glimpse into a starkly beautiful ecosystem. Walvis Bay excursions often include 4x4 tours to navigate the challenging terrain, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience and the opportunity to witness the dynamic interplay between desert and ocean. It is a must for list-makers seeking the best Walvis Bay tours and for anyone looking to experience the surreal landscapes Namibia is famous for.

Walvis Bay: Pelican Point Lighthouse

What is it?
An iconic landmark situated on a sandy peninsula offering panoramic views.
Why you should go?
The Pelican Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the end of a skinny peninsula, a beacon for the ships and a point of interest for visitors. The drive to the lighthouse is an adventure, often accompanied by sightings of flamingos and pelicans in the surrounding waters. Although the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the journey and the destination provide an unforgettable experience. Visitors can capture incredible photographs of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the ocean, making it one of the noteworthy things to see in Walvis Bay.

Walvis Bay: Dune 7 Adventures

What is it?
An outdoor adventure destination focusing on fun atop a massive sand dune.
Why you should go?
Offering more than just a picturesque view, Dune 7 Adventures allows visitors to actively engage with the tallest sand dune in the area. Tourists can partake in sandboarding, quad biking, or simply climb to the dune's peak for stunning desert vistas. This site invites active travelers to experience the thrill of the Namib Desert up-close. It's one of the most fun things to do in Walvis Bay for those wanting a blend of excitement and natural beauty during their journey. Moreover, it serves as a gateway to understanding the vastness and allure of the desert environment.

Walvis Bay: The Kuiseb Delta Adventures

What is it?
An adventurous excursion into the ancient river delta, rich in biodiversity and history.
Why you should go?
The Kuiseb Delta presents an exceptional opportunity to discover the desert's heart through a variety of adventures. This ancient riverbed, vital to the region's ecology, supports a rich array of wildlife and vegetation. Visitors can traverse the delta by 4x4 vehicles, take guided walks to unearth its geological and human histories, or spot rare desert-adapted species. The ecologically significant area stands high on the list of what to do in Walvis Bay for eco-tourists and anyone interested in the intersection of life, culture, and the environment in desert landscapes.

TOP-5 Tours in Walvis Bay for First-Time Visitors

  • Embark on a journey through the bustling harbor area, learning about the rich maritime history that lists among the best things to do in Walvis Bay.
  • Discover the vibrant avian life at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a must-see destination for nature lovers pondering what to see in Walvis Bay.
  • Indulge in a cultural exploration of the local markets and crafts, a truly authentic Walvis Bay activity that reflects the spirit of the city.
  • Take the path less traveled with an excursion to Dune 7, experiencing the grandeur of the Namib Desert, a pinnacle of things to do in Walvis Bay.
  • Uncover the history and architecture during a walk through historic neighborhoods, highlighting places to visit in Walvis Bay that are rich in charm.

Fun things to prepare in Walvis Bay with kids

For families venturing to Namibia's jewel by the sea, Walvis Bay is replete with engaging and fun attractions suitable for children. A standout experience is surely a visit to the Dolphin Park, where interactive learning is sprinkled with splashing excitement as kids can witness playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Another must-do is exploring the majestic dunes with a family-friendly camel ride at the Walvis Bay Camel Park. This gentle activity provides an excellent perspective of the desert, making it not only enjoyable but also educational for younger adventurers. Lastly, the Walvis Bay Birdlife Observation Deck, with its accessible viewing platforms, offers kids a captivating window into the mesmerizing world of hundreds of flamingos that call the coastal wetland home. These experiences forge not just moments of delight but also lasting memories for any family exploring the best places to visit in Walvis Bay.

Things to do in Walvis Bay with family

Embarking on a family vacation in Walvis Bay opens up a treasure chest of activities that cater to all ages, guaranteeing an unforgettable group experience. Eco-friendly Walvis Bay excursions tempt the curious-minded to the thrilling Eco Marine Kayak Tours where paddling alongside seals and dolphins makes for an exhilarating aquatic adventure. For those intrigued by wildlife, the Walvis Bay Bird Watching tour stands out. Families can cozy up in bird hides and gaze in wonder at the flocks of flamingos and pelicans that frequent the rich lagoon. Land-loving thrill-sekers will revel in a family outing to Dune 7, where the tallest dune in the area promises panoramic views to those who climb it — a must-do for a comprehensive list of things to do in Walvis Bay. Each attraction complements the other, weaving a rich tapestry of experiential learning and unforgettable enjoyment, ideal for families seeking to bond over shared discoveries.

Free things to do in Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay, a coastal city teeming with natural beauty and charm, offers an array of free activities perfect for the budget-conscious traveler. An absolute must-visit is the Walvis Bay Salt Works, where visitors can take in the extraordinary sight of vast salt pans that paint a picturesque landscape, especially during sunset. The flamingos frequently spotted here add a dash of vibrant pink to the saline vista, making it one of the memorable things to see in Walvis Bay. For those seeking tranquility, a walk along the esplanade's lengthy jetty provides close encounters with the rolling ocean waves and opportunities for meditative reflection or casual fishing. Lastly, the Dune 7 viewpoint allows visitors to marvel at the soaring sand dunes without any cost. As a hotspot for photo enthusiasts and nature lovers, it is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Walvis Bay, offering panoramic views of the desert meeting the sky.

Cheap things to do in Walvis Bay

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean missing out on the best Walvis Bay has to offer. Immersing oneself in the natural spectacle at Walvis Bay Lagoon costs nothing and is indeed one of the top free things to do. Renowned for its bird-watching, visitors can observe a bustling avian habitat, including the elegant flamingos, making it a perfect learning opportunity for families and enthusiasts. For a small fee, you can also embark on a self-guided cultural walk through the city, exploring historical sites and getting acquainted with its colonial architecture - this is what to do in Walvis Bay for history buffs. Lastly, if looking for low-cost Walvis Bay activities, the local markets are an enticing choice. They provide a colorful scene to explore, offering a taste of local arts, crafts, and flavors without straining your wallet. These marketplaces are pivotal in experiencing the city's vibrant heart while supporting the local economy.

Things to do in Walvis Bay for couples

Walvis Bay is a treasure trove of romantic experiences for couples. Beginning with a serene kayak tour around the Pelican Point peninsula, partners can paddle through calm waters, often accompanied by friendly seals and bottlenose dolphins — a tranquil activity that ranks high among things to do in Walvis Bay. For those seeking more intimate Walvis Bay activities, a sunset cruise presents an idyllic setting; sip on sparkling wine while the sun dips below the Atlantic, casting a glow over the ocean, a moment sure to strengthen bonds. Adventure-loving twosomes might opt for a quad biking tour, exploring the sprawling sand dunes together, adding thrills to the shared memories. Each of these attractions encapsulates the essence of what to do in Walvis Bay for an unforgettable retreat with your significant other, blending adventure, tranquility, and the natural allure of this stunning part of Namibia.

Things to do in Walvis Bay at night

When the sun sets on Walvis Bay, the city doesn't sleep but rather presents unique nocturnal attractions. One of the highlights includes embarking on a stargazing excursion, where the clear Namibian skies offer a spectacular celestial display, making it one of the most profound things to do in Walvis Bay after dark. For those seeking entertainment, the local pubs and bars come alive with the vibrant spirit of Walvis Bay nightlife, offering couples and solo travelers an opportunity to mingle with locals and enjoy live music. Additionally, the waterfront, illuminated against the night sky, provides a romantic setting for an evening walk. Couples can enjoy the ocean breeze and tranquil ambience, making it a favourite among peaceful Walvis Bay activities at night. Whether you’re gazing at the stars, enjoying spirited conversations, or simply taking in the nocturnal peace, the city’s evening offering is rich with experiences.