The Story of the Walvis Bay Harbour and Waterfront
The harbour is the heart of Walvis Bay. It’s the reason the town exists, and it’s where much of daily life still happens. From a natural anchorage to Namibia’s main port, here’s how the harbour grew, and how the Waterfront became one of the town’s favourite places to spend the day.
A Natural Harbour
The bay is sheltered from the Atlantic by the long sand spit of Pelican Point. That made it one of the very few safe anchorages on the Namibian coast, and it’s why ships have been coming here for more than 500 years.
Building a Port
In the early 20th century, the harbour was developed into a proper port with quays for larger ships. A railway linked Walvis Bay to the interior, and the port became the main gateway for goods coming in and out of the country.
Namibia’s Main Port
After Walvis Bay was reintegrated into Namibia in 1994, the port came under Namibian management. It has since grown to include modern container facilities, and it now handles cargo for neighbouring countries as well as Namibia.
The Light Craft Harbour and the Waterfront
In the southern corner of the port lies the Light Craft Harbour, home to smaller boats, yachts and tour vessels. Over the years, local entrepreneurs set up restaurants, cafés and tour businesses here, right on the water.
The result is the Walvis Bay Waterfront: a relaxed, characterful place where you can watch boats come and go, eat fresh seafood, and head out to see dolphins and seals.
The Waterfront Today
Today, the Waterfront brings together:
- Restaurants and cafés: Anchors Restaurant, Dockside Seafood & Grill and La Vida Coffee House
- A bar: Pirates Wreck Sports Bar & Grill
- A shop: The Jettyshoppe
- Tour operators: Catamaran Charters, Mola Mola Safaris and Pelican Point Kayaking
Back to: The History of Walvis Bay