Kayaking Walvis Bay: Seals and Dolphins at Pelican Point

Paddle into a seal colony without the crowds or the disturbance

Kayak among seals and dolphins at Pelican Point, Walvis Bay, with a private 4x4 drive across the Namib Desert, coffee and all equipment included. The 40km route passes protected wetlands full of flamingos and pelicans before you launch near the lighthouse and paddle into the seal colonies. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

The Experience

The day starts with a 40km drive in a 4x4 across the ocean's edge of the Namib Desert, past protected wetlands where flamingos, pelicans and pied avocets gather, and alongside some of the largest salt pans in the world. You'll see the landscape shift as you approach Pelican Point, where the lighthouse marks the launch point for your kayak. Coffee, tea and bread rolls come with you on the drive.

Once on the water, you paddle near the seal colonies in their natural environment—the kayak lets you get close without the noise and disruption of a motorboat. Bottlenose dolphins often come to play around the kayaks, and the bird viewing from the water is excellent. The whole experience is built around respect for the wildlife; your guide teaches you about Namibian ecology and animal behavior as you paddle.

The activity takes about four and a half hours total, including the drive, the paddle and the return. All kayaking equipment is provided, and the guide is with you the whole time, speaking English. The pace suits all fitness levels—you're not racing, you're watching.

What’s included

• Private 4x4 transportation across the Namib Desert to Pelican Point.
• all kayaking equipment.
• coffee, tea and bread rolls.
• a live English-speaking guide for the full half-day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Eco Marine Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle among seals and dolphins without a large group—the private 4x4 and guide mean you move at your own pace and get personal attention to the wildlife and the landscape.

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Top questions

What animals will I actually see on the kayak?

Seals are the main draw—you paddle near their colonies at Pelican Point. Bottlenose dolphins often come to play around the kayaks, and the water route gives you excellent views of the birds that gather in the wetlands: flamingos, pelicans and pied avocets are common.

How long is the kayaking part itself?

The whole activity is about four and a half hours, which includes the 40km 4x4 drive to Pelican Point, the paddle near the seal colonies, and the return drive. The kayaking portion is the core of the experience, but the drive across the Namib Desert and the wetlands is part of what makes the day.

Is this suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 3. The activity suits all fitness levels, so younger paddlers and less experienced kayakers can join without worry.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in the 4x4, all kayaking equipment, and refreshments (coffee, tea and bread rolls) are included. You don't need to bring or arrange anything except yourself.

Why is this called eco-friendly?

The kayak approach lets you observe seals and dolphins in their natural environment without the engine noise and disturbance of a motorboat. The operator prioritizes respect for wildlife and teaches guests about Namibian ecology and animal behavior throughout the day.