Kayaking Walvis Bay: Seal Colony at Pelican Point

Paddle into a seal colony with kayaks that won't tip and a guide who coaches you through it

Kayak among a 50,000-seal colony at Pelican Point, departing from Walvis Bay with hotel pickup and dropoff included. The route passes flamingos and the pink salt lakes of the salt mine before reaching the lighthouse where seals swim around your kayak. Modern unsinkable kayaks, life jackets, a live guide, light lunch and drinks are included. No previous paddling experience is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking and wildlife viewing at Pelican Point

• Stop at flamingo lagoon
• View pelicans and terns
• Pass pink salt lakes and salt mine
• Travel north to Pelican Point lighthouse
• Unload kayaks at seal colony
• Paddle among seals in bay
• Enjoy cool drinks and sandwiches
• Load kayaks and return to Walvis Bay

The experience

The 4 to 5 hour trip starts with pickup from your accommodation along the coast. You'll paddle past flamingos and terns at the lagoon, then along the edge of the massive salt mine to see how it operates before heading north to Pelican Point lighthouse. The seals, thousands of them, swim right up to the kayaks once you're in the bay, which is the moment most people book this.

The kayaks are modern and unsinkable, built so they don't capsize even if you've never paddled before. You get a life jacket and the guide coaches you on how to use the kayak before you launch. The route is designed so you can manage it at a moderate pace. The guide handles navigation and timing. Once you're done paddling, you'll have cool drinks and sandwiches while you're still on the water, then help load the kayaks for the slow return to Walvis Bay.

Bring a spare set of clothes since you can get wet while kayaking. The activity runs in almost any weather, it rarely rains here, though sandstorms can occasionally force a reschedule, in which case you'll get another time slot or a full refund. The minimum group size is two participants. Larger groups can ask about discounts.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and dropoff along the coast.
• modern unsinkable kayak and life jacket for each paddler.
• coaching on kayak use from a live guide.
• light lunch with sandwiches and cool drinks.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from Pelican Point.

Options for this experience

2 options

Cruise Liner TourGuide in English · 08:00Light lunch and drinks, air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup is included

Seal kayaking at Pelican Point, departing from Walvis BayGuide in English · 08:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

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

Is this one for you?Book this if you want transport included from your coastal accommodation. We pick you up and drop you off, so you skip arranging your own way to Pelican Point.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle at Pelican Point?

No previous experience is required. The guide coaches you on kayak use before you launch, and the kayaks are designed to be stable and easy to handle for anyone.

What happens if I get wet while kayaking?

Bring a spare set of clothes to change into after paddling. You can get wet during the activity, so having dry clothes ready makes the return trip more comfortable.

Will I actually see seals up close?

Yes. The 50,000-seal colony at Pelican Point swims around the kayaks once you're in the bay. That's the core of the experience and why most people book this trip.

What does the route show besides the seals?

The paddle passes flamingos and terns at the lagoon, the pink salt lakes of the massive salt mine where you learn how it operates, and Pelican Point lighthouse before reaching the seal colony.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and dropoff are included at any accommodation along the coast. Cruise liner passengers are picked up an hour after docking, with departure no later than an hour and a half after pickup.