In 1487 Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Diaz put down anchor in a natural harbour he named ‘O Golfo de Santa Maria da Conceição’ but, for reasons never adequately explained, never laid claim to this land. Almost three centuries later, in 1793, the Cape Dutch staked the first colonial title. Just two years on, Walvis Bay was annexed by the British, however, in 1910 it was included in the South African Union. It was only in 1994 that this harbour returned to indigenous hands after South Africa and Namibia negotiated its return. Walvis Bay has always been Namibia’s main harbour town, with a fishing industry that flourished until its partial collapse in the 70s due to mismanagement. In recent years the harbour has been developed to facilitate more container trade.

For many years Walvis Bay was the shabby cousin to genteel Swakopmund just up the coast. But these days this harbour town has become a holiday destination in its own right. Harbour activities include dolphin cruises, catamaran trips, fishing expeditions and kayaking; while the adjacent desert offers pursuits like hiking, sand boarding, paragliding, balloon rides, sky diving and quad biking. A lagoon features rich bird life and offers many recreational activities, like kayaking out to Pelican Point to visit the seal colony.

DOROB NATIONAL PARK:
Since the Dorob National Park was proclaimed on 1 December 2010, you need to be aware that only the C14, C28 and D1998 are open to the public without a permit. However, you're not allowed to wonder off the road once you are inside the National Park. Permits to use other roads in the park are obtainable from the offices of Nature Conservation in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. (According to stakeholders the main objective of the proclamation of the park was to stop environmental destruction by off-road driving; and not the restriction of movement).

EMBASSY:
Fishmar is the embassy agent.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

HEALTHCARE:
The hospital is a private hospital.
There is a dentist.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
Walvis Bay offers plenty in the way of shops, restaurants and accommodation. And because it’s a working harbour you’ll also find engineering businesses and the like. So, it’s not a bad spot for mechanical repairs and refurbishment.
There is also a Spar, Spur and Wimpy restaurant.

TOURIST INFO:
Alternative number to Walvis Bay Information centre is +264(0)81 868 8520.

“It was initially named Golfo de Santa Maria da Conceicao by Bartolomeu Dias in December 1487, it was later known as Golfo da Baleia or ‘bay of whales’ by the Portuguese. Afrikaans Walvisbaai.” - Chris Smit, 2024/07/20

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Skeleton Coast Travel Region