Sandwich Harbour: Seal Colony & Dune Drive Day Trip

Summary

Atlantic waves meet desert dunes, seals bark and flamingos scatter in Walvis Bay’s wild wetlands

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup in Walvis Bay, then watch flamingos and pelicans crowding Ramsar Wetlands before heading out to see thousands of barking seals at Pelican Point. After a simple lunch, hold tight for dune driving where desert meets Atlantic surf — it’s raw and beautiful in ways you won’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the edge of Walvis Bay when I realized how many birds I was actually seeing — not just a few flamingos but what looked like entire pink clouds shifting across the water. Our guide, Daniel, slowed down so we could roll down the windows. The air was salty and sharp, mixed with something slightly sweet from the wetlands. He pointed out a line of pelicans that looked like they’d been painted there on purpose. I tried to count them but gave up after about fifty. Daniel just grinned and said sometimes it’s over 200,000 birds here — I still can’t picture that many at once.

The drive out to Pelican Point is longer than it looks on the map, but you don’t notice because there’s always something happening outside. Seals started showing up before we even got close to their colony — first one or two heads bobbing in the surf, then suddenly this whole noisy crowd flopping around on the sand. The smell hit me before anything else (not exactly pleasant), but honestly, watching these huge bulls bark at each other while pups wriggled between them made me forget about it pretty quick. Daniel told us stories about jackals sneaking by for leftovers; we didn’t see any but I kept scanning anyway.

After lunch (simple sandwiches, nothing fancy but somehow perfect with all that wind), we hit the dunes south towards Sandwich Harbour. This is where things got wild — Daniel let some air out of the tires and suddenly we were sliding sideways down sand walls that dropped straight into the ocean. My heart was in my throat half the time; someone in our group screamed (not me… okay maybe once). The light kept shifting — one minute everything was gold, then blue shadows stretched across the ridges. There was this moment when we stopped at the top and it felt like the whole world just paused: sea on one side, endless sand on the other. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bird and seal viewing with dune drive

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive to flamingos at Walvisbay Waterfront
• View birds at Ramsar Wetlands and lagoon
• Pass pink lakes of salt mine
• Visit 70,000-strong seal colony at Pelican Point
• Travel south to dunes where sea meets desert
• Enjoy adrenaline dune drive and animal search
• Discuss history and scenic views
• Return to hotel
• Enjoy sundowner

Top questions

How long does the Sandwich Harbour day trip take?

This is a full-day tour starting with morning pickup from your hotel and returning late afternoon.

Are meals included on this Sandwich Harbour tour?

Yes, light lunches are included along with bottled water and cold juices.

Is hotel pickup included for this Walvis Bay tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Walvis Bay is included.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap or use a pram or stroller.

Is this Sandwich Harbour tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular problems.

Will I see seals during this day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit a seal colony with over 70,000 seals at Pelican Point.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

The tour rarely cancels due to weather; only strong sandstorms may cause rescheduling or refunds.

Are German-speaking guides available?

A German-speaking guide may be available if booked early; not guaranteed during peak season.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Walvis Bay, all park entry fees for Ramsar Wetlands and Sandwich Harbour areas, bottled water and cold juices throughout the drive, plus a simple lunch before heading back in the late afternoon.