Kayaking in Walvis Bay with seal encounters and dune drive

Paddle past seals at dawn, then climb the dunes at their edge

A four-hour morning kayaking and afternoon dune drive in Walvis Bay, Namibia, where you paddle among playful seals, then travel by company vehicle between the Atlantic and ancient sand to reach the top for views across endless dunes and sky. Live English-speaking guide included. Children from age 4 welcome. Coffee, tea and biscuits served during kayaking. Picnic provided in the dunes. Park permits and bottled water included.

The experience

Walvis Bay's morning waters hold a population of seals that approach kayaks without fear. You paddle among them in the early hours, when the bay is calmest, and the guide serves coffee, tea and biscuits from the shore. The kayaking itself is the first half of the day. The seals are the draw, and they are there.

After the water comes the drive. Branded company vehicles carry small groups between the Atlantic's edge and the face of the Namib's ancient dunes, a landscape where ocean spray and sand meet. The route climbs toward the dune crest, and from there the view opens to an unbroken expanse of sand and sky. A picnic lunch waits in the dunes before the return to Walvis Bay.

The full outing runs four hours. An English-speaking guide leads the kayaking and travels with the group through the afternoon. Park permits and bottled water are included in the price. Children from age four can join.

What’s included

• Live English-speaking guide for the full four hours.
• kayak and paddling equipment.
• coffee, tea and biscuits during the morning kayaking.
• picnic lunch in the dunes.
• park permits and fees.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 to 57 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sandwich Dune Tours and Safari cc

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Walvis Bay itself and includes the guide and all transport, so you do not need a rental car or prior kayaking skill to join. It suits anyone staying in town or nearby who wants to experience both the bay's seals and the dunes in a single morning and afternoon.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

Can I kayak in Walvis Bay if I've never paddled before?

Yes. The guide leads the kayaking among the seals, and the morning waters of Walvis Bay are calm. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What are the seals like when you paddle near them?

The seals in Walvis Bay are playful and approach kayaks without fear. They are the reason the kayaking happens in the morning: that is when they are most active in the bay.

Do I need to bring my own kayak or gear?

No. The operator provides kayaks and all paddling equipment. Specialized infant seats are available if you are traveling with a child under four.

What happens if I don't want to kayak the whole morning?

The kayaking and the dune drive are sold together as a single four-hour experience. Both are included in one booking. You cannot split them.

How do I get to the kayaking start point in Walvis Bay?

The tour operates from Walvis Bay itself. If you are staying in the town, the guide will confirm the meeting point when you book. Public transportation options are available nearby if you are arriving without a car.