Walvis Bay (meaning "whale bay") is Namibia's principal port located mid-way down the Namibia coastline. It is situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kuiseb River delta approx. 300NM north of Luderitz. It is the country's only natural harbor of any size and offers good protection protected by the Pelican Point sand spit.
Walvis Bay is considered the beginning of the Skeleton Coast, where the desert meets the sea. The Namib Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world.
Fog is common along this stretch of coast. Cold water surrounding the bay generates a damp fog which settles over the area every morning. As the desert heats up each day a sea breeze rushes in from the coast generating similar weather patterns each day like clockwork - strong winds every afternoon and evening so be prepared. Call Port Control on VHF Channel 16 for permission to enter the port.
Port of Entry; good provisioning (for ocean crossings); easy access to game parks; international airport; very welcoming Yacht Club; Dune 7 sand dune; sandboarding; kiting; surfing (world famous "Skeleton Bay"); abundant bird life.
22° 57’S, 14° 28.6’E.
Last updated: January 2025
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