This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Kayaking with seals

Kayaking with seals

Overview: Kayaking with seals

Kayaking from Pelican Point on Walvis Bay Lagoon brings you into close contact with a colony of Cape fur seals, and there's also the chance of spotting dolphins and many species of sea-birds.

We currently use two companies for this trip; while the exact format of the day will vary slightly, both trips follow broadly the same outline.

You begin with an early start, meeting at a designated location in Walvis Bay (a 45-minute drive from Swakopmund) at around 7.30am. This is necessary to make the most of the normally calm morning weather conditions. As the day progresses and heats up, the swell usually builds, making conditions windier and more unstable.

From the meeting point, your guide will drive you 40km around the lagoon and along a narrow sandy spit to Pelican Point – taking around 45 minutes. During the drive, watch out for many species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, and you may even see jackals. You will pass the Walvis Bay salt works, which whilst undeniably industrial are also home to a surprising proliferation of avifauna. The works are interesting in their own right, too, and your guide will explain how the salt is produced. Finally you’ll pass a shipwreck and Pelican Point lighthouse (now converted into Pelican Point Lodge), before reaching the seal colony itself.

Once you’re kitted out (see below), and before you climb into the single or double kayaks, your guide will explain the basics. You don’t need any previous kayaking experience. You’ll then spend two hours or so on the water interacting with the seals. The colony is home to up to 50,000 Cape fur seals, also known as brown or African fur seals. The younger seals are particularly curious and often playful, resulting in a truly memorable experiance. Whilst on the water you may also be lucky enough to see dolphins (Heaviside’s and bottlenose are the most commonly seen species).

Once you’re finished on the water you head back to dry land, where your guide will provide you with tea, coffee, soft drinks and sandwiches so you can refuel before heading back to Walvis Bay.

What to take

Once at the seal colony, you’ll be furnished with warm jackets, waterproof trousers, neoprene shoes, lifejackets, dry bags for cameras and bottled water. You don’t need to bring along special clothes for the kayaking but layers are a good idea. By all means take a good camera for the drive, but while kayaking you’d be better off leaving it behind. Your guide will take photos and videos of you and will email them to you after the trip – for no additional cost.

Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this kayaking excursion as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary which includes a stop in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.
Start location
Both companies meet in Walvis Bay at around 7.30am, though the location and time may vary slightly.
End location
The tour ends back in Walvis Bay at around 12.30pm.
Meals included
Tea, coffee, soft drinks and sandwiches are included
Duration
Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches
Maximum group size
There will be a maximum of 12 people in one group.

Kayaking with seals: picture gallery

A few snapshots typical of a Kayaking with seals excursion.


1 of 10
Kayaking amongst and playing with seals is a magical experience.
2 of 10
On during your 2 hours or so on the water you get to interact with and photograph...
3 of 10
...seals and pups form a colony up to...
4 of 10
...50,000 strong.
5 of 10
En-route to the seals you will pass by...
6 of 10
...the birding hotspot of Walvis Bay Lagoon...
7 of 10
...a shipwreck...
8 of 10
...and Pelican point Lodge...
9 of 10
...you may even spot some Jackals long the way.
10 of 10
Your guide will provide waterproofs, but we recommend you bring warm layers as well.

Kayaking amongst and playing with seals is a magical experience.

On during your 2 hours or so on the water you get to interact with and photograph...

...seals and pups form a colony up to...

...50,000 strong.

En-route to the seals you will pass by...

...the birding hotspot of Walvis Bay Lagoon...

...a shipwreck...

...and Pelican point Lodge...

...you may even spot some Jackals long the way.

Your guide will provide waterproofs, but we recommend you bring warm layers as well.

Reviews of Kayaking with seals

XX independent comments from our travellers who have done this trip and kindly agreed to share their thoughts.


98%
179 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
162
Good
13
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
K&RfromYorkshire

14 Jun 2024

"Kayaking with seals review"

"A fabulous day out with entertaining and informative guides. …" Read K&R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H fromLondon

1 Aug 2024

"Kayaking with seals review"

"Very memorable, amazing activity …" Read Mr & Mrs H ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr and El JeffefromMT

5 Jun 2024

"Kayaking with seals review"

"This was outstanding! Seals were climbing all over our kayaks - What a trip! ... …" Read Dr and El Jeffe’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ros &Peter fromMelbourne

30 May 2024

"Kayaking with seals review"

"a highlight of our 24 days in Namibia....guides were excellent …" Read Ros &Peter ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Ms WfromManchester

18 Sep 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"Seals didn’t come as close to our group .. but still had a good time. …" Read Mr & Ms W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs L.fromLondon

25 Aug 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"We all loved this... seal pups come into the water to interact with the kayakers …" Read Mrs L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Jorge fromOporto

3 Sep 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"Simply the best. …" Read Jorge ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The S FamilyfromPlymouth

11 Aug 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"amazing experience getting close to hundreds of juvenile seals …" Read The S Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

georgefromup north

29 Jun 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"well organised and what an experience - playing with seals was so relaxing. …" Read george’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

K&G fromLondon

18 Apr 2023

"Kayaking with seals review"

"one of the highlights of our trip...It was magical and will stay with us forever …" Read K&G ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Kayaking with seals reviews

Ideas for holidays which can include Kayaking with seals

These are trips which can be easily altered to include this excursion, kayaking with seals. It may be possible on other trips also - just ask us.


Itinerary image

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,820 - US$4,320 per person

Itinerary image

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,210 - US$10,360 per person

Itinerary image

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,460 - US$4,460 per person

Itinerary image

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

US$6,040 - US$9,000 per person

Itinerary image

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$2,490 - US$3,850 per person

Itinerary image

Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

US$3,010 - US$5,380 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.

US$6,250 - US$13,490 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,410 - US$8,600 per person

Itinerary image

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$10,230 - US$13,480 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,800 - US$11,210 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other excursions in Namibia

Inspiration and great ideas for other side-trips in Namibia to include in your holiday.


Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Full day

Experience this usually inaccessible part of the Skeleton Coast, where the dunes of the Namib plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. One of our top recommendations, this is an adventurous 4WD trip, guided by experts. You'll explore the Kuiseb Delta and (tides permitting) traverse dunes and the beach to reach Sandwich Harbour, a remote freshwater lagoon with abundant birdlife.

More about Coastal tour
94% (225 reviews)
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Full day, including lunch

Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried.

More about Hoodia excursion
97% (88 reviews)
Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Half day, including breakfast

Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.

More about Ballooning
95% (80 reviews)
Dolphin and seal cruise

Dolphin and seal cruise

Half-day inc brunch

A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.

More about Dolphin & seal cruise
89% (14 reviews)
Halifax Island boat trip

Halifax Island boat trip

2 hours

Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.

More about Halifax Island trip
94% (13 reviews)
Desert tour

Desert tour

Variable, depending on the tour

Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.

More about Desert tour
93% (12 reviews)
Scenic flights in Namibia

Scenic flights in Namibia

Variable, depending on the flight

Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.

More about Scenic flights
94% (7 reviews)
Fish River Canyon day trip

Fish River Canyon day trip

Half-full day (starting early morning)

An exhilarating descent down into the canyon, marvelling at the stunning geographical features of this vast canyon, followed by lunch and a dip in the natural rock pools – this day trip is exciting and enlightening!

More about Fish River Canyon trip
97% (6 reviews)
Sperrgebiet tour

Sperrgebiet tour

Full day, including lunch

Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.

More about Sperrgebiet tour
93% (9 reviews)
Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek City Tour

three hour Windhoek City Tour

The 3 hours includes Independence Museum and Katutura

More about
100% (1 reviews)

Namibia fact file

Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Namibia


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team