Walvis Bay: Kayaking and Sandwich Harbour Full-Day Tour

This full-day adventure in Namibia promises a blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and unique activities. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s an unforgettable way to explore the coastal and desert landscapes around Swakopmund.

What we particularly love about this experience is the chance to kayak alongside thousands of Cape Fur Seals, the opportunity to see flamingos at Walvis Bay Lagoon, and the picturesque views where desert dunes meet the ocean. The inclusion of a light brunch and local beverages adds a relaxed, authentic touch.

A small consideration is that the tour involves water activity and dune driving, which may not suit those prone to seasickness or back problems. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a diverse, active day immersed in Namibia’s natural beauty – perfect for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and landscape enthusiasts alike.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Encounters: Kayaking with seals and spotting flamingos at Walvis Bay Lagoon.
• Stunning Scenery: Dunes meeting the sea at Sandwich Harbour provides unforgettable views.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure a safe, informative experience.
• All-Inclusive Value: Equipment, park fees, and meals included for convenience.
• Small Group Setting: Personalized experience with limited participants.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Namibia’s Coast and Dunes

The Walvis Bay: Kayaking and Sandwich Harbour Tour offers an extensive look into some of Namibia’s most iconic landscapes. It combines wildlife, adventure, and scenic beauty into one well-rounded day, making it especially appealing for those who want variety without the hassle of multiple arrangements.

The Morning: Wildlife and Water

Your day begins with a pickup from your Swakopmund or Walvis Bay accommodation, typically around 8:00 a.m., with the tour kicking off bright and early. First stop is Walvis Bay Lagoon, a vital habitat for flamingos and other bird species. The lagoon’s shallow waters and saline conditions create a perfect environment for these elegant creatures, and travelers often comment on the “beautiful flamingo sightings” – a spectacle that’s both peaceful and photogenic.

Next, you’ll head to the salt mines where you can see the famous pink lakes formed by salt deposits and mineral-rich waters. These lakes, with their striking pink hue, are a must-see for landscape lovers and add a splash of color to the otherwise arid scenery.

A highlight for many is Pelican Point, where you’ll spot black-backed jackals, flamingos, and other shoreline creatures. Here, the tour makes a brief stop by the wreckage of an old tugboat, offering a great photo opportunity and a sense of Namibia’s maritime history.

Kayaking with Cape Fur Seals

The adventure continues with a short drive to a designated kayaking spot on the west side of the lagoon. You’ll be equipped with gear and receive a brief introduction on how to kayak safely. The guides are praised for their clarity and support, ensuring even beginners feel comfortable.

Once on the water, you’ll paddle alongside thousands of Cape Fur Seals at the old pier, a truly surreal experience. As one reviewer put it, “kayaking with seals was such a precious encounter,” and many travelers find this activity to be the highlight of the tour. Watching these playful creatures up close, often splashing and vocalizing, makes for unforgettable wildlife viewing.

The guides are well-versed in the seals’ habits and the local ecosystem, enriching your experience with insightful commentary. While the water activity is generally not strenuous, it does require a basic level of comfort with kayaking. The entire process, from instruction to paddling, is smoothly managed, making it accessible for most.

Midday: Relaxed Refreshments and Scenic Drives

After the kayaking, you’ll return to shore to enjoy a light brunch with local beverages. This break allows everyone to relax, share stories from the water, and take in the scenic surroundings. The food and drinks are noted for their quality and local flavor, providing a welcome recharge before heading out again.

From here, the tour journeys to Sandwich Harbour, a place that immediately captivates with its vast dunes and rugged coastline. This area is a designated protected conservation zone, famous for its striking landscape where towering dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Dunes and Wildlife

The highlight of the afternoon is a desert game drive through the !Nara Valley. Here, you’ll have chances to see oryx, springbok, and ostrich in their natural habitat. The guides, including Dennis and Stephan as praised in reviews, are known for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, often sharing fascinating facts about the flora and fauna.

Driving through the dunes is exhilarating, especially as the vehicle climbs steep slip faces and skirts salt pans. Visitors consistently describe this part of the tour as “an adrenaline rush,” with the endless stretch of sand and sea creating a sense of boundless freedom.

You’ll find a quiet spot at the dunes to simply breathe in the scenery — a moment of tranquility amid the adventure. Many reviews mention how stunning these views are, especially when the dunes roll into the ocean horizon, creating a picture-perfect scene.

Lunch and Reflection

As the day winds down, a light lunch with local beverages is served in the dunes or nearby viewing points. Here, you can reflect on the day’s activities and enjoy the vastness of Namibia’s coast and desert. The combination of salt air, warm sun, and towering dunes makes for a memorable setting.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $197 per person, which includes transportation, park fees, kayaking equipment, and meals. Considering the variety of activities packed into eight hours, it offers good value, especially given the small group size of no more than 10 participants. The personalized attention from guides like Dennis and Stephan helps ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

The early start and full-day schedule mean you’ll need comfortable clothes suitable for both water and dune environments. Sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and sunglasses are essentials. The tour’s timing, from around 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m., allows ample time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.

The trip is not suitable for people with back problems or those prone to seasickness, but it’s perfect for active travelers looking to diversify their Namibia itinerary with wildlife encounters and scenic drives.

Authentic Experiences and Notable Mentions from Reviewers

Multiple reviews highlight the quality of guides, especially Dennis and Stephan, who are noted for their humor, supportiveness, and wealth of knowledge. One reviewer mentioned Dennis “always smiling even when stuck in the sand,” a testament to the friendly, upbeat atmosphere created on the trip.

Guests appreciated the well-organized logistics, tasty meals, and the opportunity to see seals up close. The photos of flamingos, dunes, and seals shared by travelers suggest that the tour offers plenty of opportunities for memorable captures.

The Sum Up

This Walvis Bay: Kayaking and Sandwich Harbour Tour stands out as a well-rounded, adventure-packed day that combines wildlife, scenic beauty, and cultural insights. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to see Namibia’s coast from multiple angles—on land and water—without the hassle of organizing separate excursions.

The small-group format and knowledgeable guides make it suitable for travelers who appreciate personal attention and authentic encounters. For wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone craving a taste of Namibia’s majestic landscapes, this tour delivers on all fronts.

While it demands a full day and involves active elements, the variety of sights and experiences makes it worth the investment for an unforgettable coastal adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, pickup and drop-off at your chosen accommodation are included, making logistics hassle-free.

What should I bring for the tour? Pack a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes suitable for kayaking and dune drives.

How long is the tour? The full-day experience lasts about 8 hours, starting around 8:00 a.m. and returning around 4:30 p.m.

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is best suited for adults and older children who can handle water activities and dune driving.

What activities are included? You’ll enjoy flamingo sightings, kayaking with seals, a scenic dune drive, and a light brunch with local beverages.

Are meals provided? Yes, a light brunch and local beverages are included, offering a taste of regional flavors.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Are guides knowledgeable? Absolutely. Reviews praise guides like Dennis and Stephan for their friendliness, humor, and expertise, enhancing the overall trip.

This tour promises a balanced mix of wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and cultural insights, delivered with a personal touch. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day exploring Namibia’s unique coastal and desert landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: