In addition to the chance to see dolphins and many seabirds, kayaking from Pelican Point on Walvis Bay Lagoon lets you get very close to a colony of Cape fur seals.
The trip starts early, with you arriving at a meeting spot in Walvis Bay (about a 45-minute drive from Swakopmund) around 7:30 AM. This early start is needed to take advantage of the usually calm weather in the morning. As the day gets warmer, the surf often becomes stronger, and the wind can make conditions more difficult.
Your guide will drive you about 40 kilometers from the meeting point around the lagoon and along a narrow sandy stretch to Pelican Point. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
On the way, look out for birds like pelicans and flamingos, and you may also see jackals. The Walvis Bay salt works, although industrial, are home to a surprising number of birds.
Your guide will explain how the salt is produced, and the salt formations are interesting to see. Before reaching the seal colony, you’ll pass a shipwreck and the Pelican Point lighthouse, which is now Pelican Point Lodge.
Once you are fitted with your gear, your guide will explain the basics before you get into single or double kayaks. No previous kayaking experience is needed. You will then spend about two hours on the water near the seals.
The colony is home to up to 50,000 Cape fur seals, also called brown or African fur seals. The younger seals are curious and playful, making this a very memorable experience.
You might also be lucky enough to see dolphins, bottlenose and Heaviside’s dolphins are the ones most often seen.
After the kayaking session, you’ll return to the shore, where your guide will offer sandwiches, tea, coffee, and soft drinks so you can relax before heading back to Walvis Bay.
What to Pack for your Pelican Point Kayaking Tour
Warm jackets, waterproof pants, neoprene shoes, life jackets, dry bags for cameras, and bottled water will be provided when you arrive at the seal colony.
Wearing layers is a good idea, but you don’t need special clothes for kayaking.
A good camera is recommended for the drive, but it’s best not to bring it into the kayak. Your guide can take photos and videos of you during the tour and send them to you by email at no extra cost.
