Pelican Point, Walvis Bay: Seals, Kayaks and the Lighthouse
Pelican Point is one of the best wildlife spots on the Namibian coast. This long, narrow sand spit is home to a huge colony of Cape fur seals, and dolphins, pelicans and flamingos are regular visitors. At its centre stands a historic lighthouse that has watched over the bay for almost a century.
Whether you paddle out by kayak, cruise past by boat or drive the sand spit in a 4×4, a trip to Pelican Point is a highlight of any visit to Walvis Bay. This guide covers how to get there, what you’ll see and how to plan your trip.
Where Is Pelican Point?
Pelican Point is the sand peninsula that curves around the western side of Walvis Bay. It shelters the bay and the lagoon from the open Atlantic, which is why the water inside the bay is so calm and why Walvis Bay became a natural harbour.
By boat, Pelican Point is a short trip across the bay from the Walvis Bay Waterfront. By road, it’s roughly a 40 km drive, following the lagoon past the salt works and then out along the sand spit. That route is sand-only for the final stretch, so you’ll need a 4×4.
How to Get to Pelican Point
By boat cruise
The easiest way to see Pelican Point is on a morning boat cruise from the Waterfront. Cruises head across the bay toward the point, and on the way you’re likely to see seals, dolphins and seabirds. Many cruises also serve fresh Walvis Bay oysters and sparkling wine on board.
Book a cruise: Catamaran Charters | Mola Mola Safaris
By guided kayak tour
Kayak tours usually start early in the morning with a 4×4 transfer along the lagoon and salt pans to Pelican Point. From there, you paddle out on the calm, sheltered side of the peninsula toward the seal colony. Guides provide the kayaks, safety gear and a briefing, so no experience is needed.
Book a kayak tour: Pelican Point Kayaking
By guided 4×4 tour
If you’d rather stay on dry land, guided 4×4 tours drive out along the sand spit to the seal colony and the lighthouse, with stops for flamingos and the pink salt pans on the way. Some full-day tours combine Pelican Point with Sandwich Harbour.
See all tour operators: Tour operators at the Waterfront
Self-drive
You can drive to Pelican Point yourself, but only in a 4×4. The final stretch is soft sand, and you’ll need to lower your tyre pressure. The salt flats along the way can look firm but are often wet underneath, so stay on existing tracks. Check that your rental agreement and insurance cover off-road driving before you set off. If you’re not experienced with sand driving, a guided tour is the safer and more relaxing option.
Things to See and Do at Pelican Point
Paddle with Cape fur seals
Pelican Point is home to tens of thousands of Cape fur seals, and they’re famously curious. On a kayak trip, young seals often swim right up to your kayak, playing and diving around you. It’s one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in Namibia.
Visit the Pelican Point Lighthouse
The cast-iron lighthouse was built in the early 1930s and stands about 34 metres tall. When it was first built, it stood at the tip of the peninsula. Since then, the ocean has deposited so much sand that the point has grown well beyond it. Today the lighthouse is home to Pelican Point Lodge, a small, remote place to stay.
Spot dolphins and birds
Heaviside’s and bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the bay, and the waters around the point attract pelicans, cormorants and flamingos. On land, keep an eye out for black-backed jackals patrolling the edge of the seal colony.
Photograph the coastline
With the Atlantic on one side, the calm bay on the other and the lighthouse in between, Pelican Point is a photographer’s dream. The drive out also passes the pink salt pans and the flamingos on the lagoon.
When to Visit Pelican Point
Pelican Point can be visited all year, and the seals are there in every season. Mornings are usually the best time, especially for kayaking, because the water is calmer before the afternoon wind picks up. That’s why most kayak tours and boat cruises leave early.
Seal pups are born toward the end of the year, and the colony is at its liveliest in the months that follow.
Tips for Your Visit
- Dress in layers: Mornings on the water are often cold and foggy, even in summer. Bring a warm jacket and a windproof layer.
- Wear sunscreen: The sun is strong on the coast, even when it’s cloudy.
- Keep your distance: Don’t approach, touch or feed the seals, and give the colony plenty of space when you’re on foot or in a vehicle.
- Be ready for the smell: A colony of this size has a strong smell. It’s part of the experience.
- Protect your camera: If you’re kayaking, bring a waterproof bag or case for your phone or camera.
Make a Day of It
Pelican Point trips usually finish by late morning or early afternoon, which leaves plenty of time for the rest of Walvis Bay. Here are some ideas for pairing it with other sights:
- See the pink salt pans on the drive out
- Walk the lagoon promenade to see the flamingos
- Extend your 4×4 trip to Sandwich Harbour, where the dunes meet the sea
- Warm up with a coffee at La Vida Coffee House and have lunch at Anchors Restaurant or Dockside Seafood & Grill
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Pelican Point in a normal car?
No. The road to Pelican Point ends in soft sand, so you’ll need a 4×4 with lowered tyre pressure. Most visitors go with a guided tour, a kayak trip or a boat cruise instead.
How many seals live at Pelican Point?
Pelican Point is home to tens of thousands of Cape fur seals, and they can be seen all year.
Is kayaking at Pelican Point suitable for beginners?
Yes. Trips are guided, the kayaks are stable, and you paddle on the sheltered side of the peninsula where the water is calm. No experience is needed.
How long does a Pelican Point kayak tour take?
Most kayak tours take a morning, including the drive out and back, time on the water and a warm drink or snack afterwards.
Can you stay at Pelican Point?
Yes. Pelican Point Lodge is based in the historic lighthouse and offers a small number of rooms.
Where do Pelican Point tours leave from?
Many boat cruises, kayak trips and 4×4 tours start at the Walvis Bay Waterfront at the Light Craft Harbour.
Explore more: Attractions Around Walvis Bay | Walvis Bay Travel Guide