Walvis Bay: Pelican Point Kayaking Tour

Introduction

Imagine paddling alongside up to 50,000 playful Cape fur seals on a pristine Namibian coastline, with the chance to spot dolphins, flamingos, and even a humpback whale—sounds like a dream, right? Well, this Pelican Point Kayaking Tour offers just that, all wrapped in a smooth, well-organized experience that’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

What we love about this tour is how it combines close encounters with wildlife, scenic landscapes, and informative guides into a single, affordable package. You’re not just floating on the water—you’re immersed in the natural charm of Namibia’s coastline. One potential consideration, though, is the weather; the ocean conditions depend on the day’s weather, which could influence the experience slightly. This tour suits those who enjoy outdoor adventures, wildlife photography, or simply want a unique perspective of Walvis Bay’s coast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Close wildlife encounters with seals, dolphins, flamingos, and more.
• Expert guides provide insightful commentary and ensure safety.
• Beautiful scenery including a historic shipwreck and lighthouse.
• Good value for a memorable half-day adventure.
• All skill levels welcome; no prior kayaking experience needed.
• Includes breakfast and hot drinks to recharge after paddling.

The Scenic Drive to Pelican Point

Your day begins with a comfortable 4×4 drive along Walvis Bay Lagoon and past salt mines, offering fantastic photo opportunities. As you travel, your guide points out flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and other birdlife, giving you a taste of the region’s natural diversity. This stretch sets the scene for what’s to come—an up-close experience with wildlife in their natural habitat.

Approaching Pelican Point

Reaching Pelican Point, the landscape transforms into a dramatic, windswept peninsula. Here, the old lighthouse and shipwreck provide picturesque focal points, perfect for photography. The area is largely untouched, making it a genuine escape from urban life. Reviewers mention stopping for scenic photo ops and appreciating the vast, open scenery that makes Namibia’s coastline so special.

The Kayaking Experience

Once geared up with safety equipment, waterproof clothing, and splash covers, you’ll hop into your kayak. The guides, like SJ and Denzel, are known for being fun, knowledgeable, and attentive, making the activity suitable even for beginners. As you paddle along the protected side of Pelican Point, you’ll get astonishingly close to the Cape fur seals, who are famously inquisitive and often come right up to the kayaks.

Many visitors, including Jess, highlight how friendly and cheeky the seals are, often approaching within touching distance. Several reviews mention the seals’ playful behavior—swimming alongside, popping their heads out of the water, and even coming close enough for memorable photographs. The seals tend not to be scared, providing a magical, intimate wildlife experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Wildlife and Birdlife

Beyond seals, the tour offers fantastic opportunities to see dolphins, flamingoes, and a variety of seabirds. One reviewer, Chao, enthusiastically notes the millions of flamingos that create a stunning backdrop. The guide’s commentary enriches this part of the journey, sharing insights about the ecosystem, which helps deepen your appreciation for this fragile environment.

Duration and Weather

You can expect around 2 hours on the water, depending on weather conditions. The ocean can be calm or occasionally choppy, but guides are experienced at navigating different conditions. Remember, you’ll stay on the protected side of Pelican Point, which generally offers safer, more predictable waters for kayaking.

Post-Paddle Nourishment

After your paddling adventure, it’s time to recharge with a breakfast of fresh rolls, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. This leisurely meal offers a perfect chance to reflect on the morning’s highlights and share stories with fellow travelers. Many reviews, like Trudi’s, praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making the whole experience feel warm and personal.

Additional Perks

• Dry bags are provided, so you can bring your phone or camera along without worry.
• Waterproof cameras are used during the tour, and photos are emailed afterward—a great way to relive the magic.
• The tour operates every morning, allowing flexibility to fit into your Namibia itinerary.
• No kayaking experience? No problem—all skill levels are welcome.

Value for Money

Priced at $76 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the quality of wildlife encounters, the scenic drive, and the breakfast. Several reviewers, like Thomas, mention how “great value” the activity is, especially given the close-up animal encounters that are often reserved for more expensive safaris.

Authentic and Intimate Encounters

Unlike larger boat tours, kayaking allows you to get personal with the wildlife. The seals are curious, playful, and often come right up to the kayak. Jess’s review emphasizes the cheeky nature of the seals, making it a truly interactive experience.

Expert Guides and Safety

Guides like SJ and Denzel receive high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. They ensure safety while also making the experience fun and informative. This kind of personalized attention enhances confidence, especially for first-timers or less confident paddlers.

Scenic Beauty and Unique Photos

The combination of birdlife, seals, shipwreck, lighthouse, and flamingos creates an ideal setting for photography. Reviewers like Chao and Claire highlight the stunning views and the pace of the tour, which allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Accessibility and Convenience

While hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, the tour’s starting point is straightforward, and the entire morning is well-organized. The reserve and pay later option adds flexibility, and the cancellation policy—up to 24 hours in advance—offers peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This kayaking trip is perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and photographers eager to capture Namibia’s wildlife from a unique perspective. It’s suitable for all skill levels, and the guided nature ensures safety and comfort. If you appreciate authentic wildlife encounters in a beautiful setting, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

• What to bring: comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sun hat, swimwear.
• Weather considerations: ocean conditions depend on the day’s weather—be prepared for wind or choppy waters.
• Booking: keep your plans flexible with the “reserve & pay later” option. Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Duration: approximately half a day, with about 2 hours on the water plus drive and breakfast.
• Inclusions: safety gear, waterproof clothing, breakfast, drinks, bottled water.
• Exclusions: hotel transfer.
• Language: English-speaking guides.
• Photos: waterproof cameras are used, and images are emailed afterward.

The Walvis Bay Pelican Point Kayaking Tour offers a rare chance to get close to Namibia’s vibrant marine life in an engaging, accessible way. The combination of scenic landscapes, playful seals, and expert guides makes it a memorable experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers. The included breakfast and scenic drive add value, making it a well-rounded half-day outing.

If you’re after an up-close wildlife adventure that’s safe, fun, and full of picturesque moments, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s ideal for those wanting a personal connection with nature, photographers eager for stunning shots, or families looking for a relaxed yet exciting outing.

Do I need kayaking experience? No, all skill levels are welcome. Guides ensure safety and provide instructions for beginners.

What wildlife will I see? Expect to see thousands of seals, dolphins, flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and possibly a humpback whale.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, with adult supervision. The friendly seals and gentle waters make it an enjoyable activity for families.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a sun hat. Bring swimwear if you plan to get wet.

How long does the tour last? Around half a day, with approximately 2 hours kayaking on the water.

Are meals included? Yes, a breakfast with fresh rolls, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate is included post-paddle.

What if the weather is bad? The tour depends on weather conditions; guides will inform you if the day’s conditions prevent safe kayaking.

Can I take photos? Yes, waterproof bags are provided, and photos are emailed afterward, allowing you to capture the moment without worry.

Is transportation included? No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so plan accordingly.

How do I book? You can reserve your spot and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

In summary, the Pelican Point Kayaking Tour in Walvis Bay offers a fantastic blend of wildlife encounters, scenic beauty, and expert guidance—all at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for those craving a genuine, up-close experience with Namibia’s marine life, whether you’re a seasoned paddler or trying kayaking for the first time.

You can check availability for your dates here: