Kayaking in Walvis Bay: Pelican Point marine life

Paddle past thousands of seals without disturbing them

Kayak the lagoon around Pelican Point in Walvis Bay, a protected peninsula where thousands of Cape Fur seals live year-round alongside Heaviside's and Bottle-nose dolphins, black-backed jackals, flamingos and pelicans. A 4x4 vehicle takes you along the lagoon and salt mines to the point. A live guide in English teaches you the kayaking skills to paddle the shallow, protected water near the colony. The half-day format leaves the rest of your day free.

The experience

Pelican Point is a working seal colony, not a viewing platform, so the kayak keeps you at a distance that lets the animals stay undisturbed. You travel by 4x4 vehicle first, crossing the lagoon and past the salt mines to reach the peninsula. Once there, your guide covers the basics of handling the kayak in the protected water. The lagoon itself is shallow and calm, built for this kind of paddling. From the kayak you see the seals hauled out on the rocks, dolphins moving through the channel, and the birds that nest and feed along the point.

The paddle lasts around three and a half hours total, including the vehicle ride to the point and the time on the water. Snacks, coffee, tea, water and juice are provided. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. This is not a fitness test. The water is flat and the pace is set by the group, not by speed or distance.

What’s included

• Kayak and paddle.
• snacks, coffee, tea, water and juice.
• live guide in English.
• 4x4 vehicle transport to Pelican Point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (5 to 75 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Photo Ventures Namibia - Day Tours

Is this one for you?The half-day length means you paddle in the morning or afternoon and have the rest of the day free for other activities in Walvis Bay or the surrounding area.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine animals will I actually see from the kayak at Pelican Point?

Pelican Point is home to thousands of Cape Fur seals that haul out on the rocks year-round, and you'll paddle near them from the water. Heaviside's and Bottle-nose dolphins move through the lagoon, black-backed jackals hunt along the shore, and flamingos and pelicans feed in the shallows. The guide points out what's active on the day you go.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle at Pelican Point?

No experience is required. Your guide teaches you the kayaking basics before you paddle, and the protected lagoon water is calm and shallow. The activity suits all fitness levels.

How does the 4x4 vehicle fit into the kayaking?

The vehicle takes you from the starting point across the lagoon and past the salt mines to Pelican Point itself, where the kayaking begins. It's part of the journey to the water, not a separate tour.

Is this activity safe for someone with back or heart concerns?

The operator does not recommend this activity for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. If you have either condition, contact the operator before booking to discuss whether it's suitable for you.