There is a long thin strip of sand at the edge of Walvis Bay. It goes out into the ocean like a pointing finger. This is called Pelican Point.
At the very tip of this sandy strip, there is an old lighthouse. It was built over 100 years ago. And right around it, thousands and thousands of Cape fur seals live on the beach.
This is one of the first places you visit on this tour.
Pelican Point: What You Will See
Cape fur seals are big. An adult male can weigh over 200 kg. When thousands of them are all in one place, the noise is very loud. They bark and groan and move around slowly on the sand.
But in the water, they are completely different. They swim fast. They spin. They jump. They are some of the most playful animals you will ever watch.
You drive to Pelican Point in a 4×4 from Walvis Bay. It takes about 20 minutes. You get close to the seals without disturbing them. Your guide tells you about their lives. How long they live. How they find food. Why they like this place.
The old lighthouse stands behind the seal colony. Its light still works today. Together, the lighthouse and the seals make one of the most unusual photos you can take anywhere in Namibia.
Then On to Sandwich Harbour
After Pelican Point, your guide drives south to Sandwich Harbour. This takes about 45 minutes. You cross the tidal flats and enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Sandwich Harbour is completely different from Pelican Point. It is silent. There are no crowds. The dunes rise over 100 metres high and fall straight into the ocean. The lagoon at the bottom is full of flamingos and pelicans.
You stop at high viewpoints to look down at the water below. Then you walk down closer to the lagoon.
Practical Information
This tour takes four to six hours from Walvis Bay. Water and snacks are usually included. A windproof jacket is useful at both locations.
Best time to visit is May to October. Early morning visits to Pelican Point give the best light for photos and the most seal activity in the water.
If you want to add some action and speed to your coastal day, the Sandwich Harbour and Quad Biking tour includes riding through the dunes.