Overview: Kayaking with seals
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.
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.
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.
Caracal Self-drive Safari
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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$2,720 - US$4,160 per person
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$7,910 - US$9,980 per person
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.
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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$5,820 - US$8,660 per person
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$2,400 - US$3,700 per person
Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive
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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$2,900 - US$5,180 per person
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$6,010 - US$12,980 per person
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$5,260 - US$8,380 per person
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$9,850 - US$12,980 per person
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$8,470 - US$10,800 per person
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