Walvis Bay lies 34 kilometres south of Swakopmund on the country's only natural deep-water bay, sheltered from the Atlantic by the Pelican Point sand spit. For visitors it is all about the lagoon and the bay; the town itself lives from the port, fishing and salt. At the 2023 census Walvis Bay had 102,704 residents, more than Swakopmund.
- residents, 2023 census
- 102,704
- Namibian since 1 March
- 1994
- to Windhoek via Swakopmund
- 394 km
- of rain a year
- 13 mm
The lagoon south of town has been a protected Ramsar wetland since 1995. Flamingos and pelicans feed in the shallows. Out in the bay, seals haul out on the sand at Pelican Point. Boat and kayak tours run there from the harbour, often with dolphins alongside.
For a long time Walvis Bay was not part of Namibia at all. Bartolomeu Dias anchored here on 8 December 1487. From 1878 Britain took possession of the bay, in 1884 it became part of the Cape Colony and later of South Africa. Walvis Bay only became Namibian on 1 March 1994, four years after independence.
The port keeps growing. In August 2019 a new container terminal opened, more than doubling capacity from 350,000 to 750,000 containers a year. In large evaporation pans, Walvis Bay Salt produces about a million tonnes of salt a year. The state sets regulated fuel prices at Walvis Bay. Inland you pay more.
Further south lies Sandwich Harbour, where the dunes drop straight into the sea. As the crow flies it is about 45 kilometres. German Wikipedia says 42, English Wikipedia 80, which is clearly too high. The area belongs to the Namib-Naukluft Park. In July 2025 the environment ministry announced that Sandwich Harbour would be exempt from the higher park fee and charged a concession fee instead. Ask before you go who issues permits.
For self-drivers Walvis Bay is where the C14 begins. The gravel road crosses the Kuiseb and Gaub passes, about 230 kilometres to Solitaire, and continues towards Sossusvlei.
- Time needed
- half a day from Swakopmund, a full day with a boat trip
- From Windhoek
- 394 km, 280 minutes
Our tipFill up in Walvis Bay before you head out on the C14 towards Solitaire. About 230 kilometres of gravel lie ahead.
Places to stay in Walvis Bay
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Horus Bed & Breakfast
11 Hesko Street
- Restaurant
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €42per night on 23 November 2026
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The Rez Guesthouse
16 Mandume Ndemufayo Circle
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Pets allowed
from €142per night on 19 November 2026
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Amjicaja Guesthouse Tours & Rentals
8 Temple Crescent, Meersig
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Parking
- Fireplace
from €92per night on 18 November 2026
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Langholm Hotel
18-20 JJ Cleverly Street, Lagoon
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €87per night on 5 December 2026
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Bay View Resort Hotel Namibia
136 Damara Tern, , Dolphin Bay
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €136per night on 23 November 2026
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Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel
2 km from the town centre
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €206per night on 18 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoWalvis Bay: frequently asked questions
Where can you see flamingos in Walvis Bay?
The flamingos of Walvis Bay feed in the shallow lagoon south of town, a protected Ramsar wetland since 1995. You can see them from the shore road without a tour.
When did Walvis Bay become part of Namibia?
Walvis Bay has been part of Namibia since 1 March 1994. Before that the bay was British, part of the Cape Colony from 1884 and then South African, even after Namibia's independence in 1990.
How far is Sandwich Harbour from Walvis Bay?
As the crow flies, Sandwich Harbour lies about 45 kilometres south of Walvis Bay. German Wikipedia says 42 kilometres, English Wikipedia 80, which is clearly too high. Sandwich Harbour belongs to the Namib-Naukluft Park and is charged a concession fee instead of the higher park fee.