Reviews: Kayaking with seals

"We'd never done kayaking and were apprehensive, but it felt like a privilege to be taken out by friendly and capable Jeanne. From the minute we met her at the cafe, we knew we were in safe hands and learnt a lot about the area and its ecology on our drive to and from Pelican Point.

Once in the water, Jeanne was very reassuring and never let us out of her sight, so we were able to enjoy the experience and interact with the young seals playing amongst us. A wonderful experience." Read more about this whole safari

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"I was a bit concerned that at 68 and with two hip replacements I might find this difficult but that just wasn't the case. The guides were very helpful and made sure I could get in and out of the canoe easily. The location is remote and mysterious and just being there was wonderful.

Paddling round the young seals was really fun and they were as curious as we were. Definitely worth it." Read more about this whole safari

"A thoroughly enjoyable morning. Jeanne has this expedition organised to perfection and is a brilliant host and guide.

Kayaking amongst the seals and flamingos is charming (and surprisingly comfortable and warm) and the environment around the lagoon is stunning." Read more about this whole safari

"This experience was fantastic because it took us out to Walvis Bay, which is a beautiful town with hundreds of flamingoes on the beach that you can sit and watch until your heart's content - great for photographers to get up close to them and not many tourists scaring them off, it's a nicer more suburban area than Swakop.

Jeanne who took us out kayaking was very friendly, informative and helpful, she met us at Dolphin Cafe and was happy to answer any questions we had and was very enthusiastic about the excursion, she was also happy to make plenty of stops along the way for photos of the wildlife too.

The only thing that was slightly disappointing was that it was quite rushed, we didn't have as much time in the water with the seals as we had hoped. I also thought we might have a little more interaction with the seals but of course that's not up to Jeanne!

However, Jeanne took plenty of photos and a video of us, which she promptly emailed to us that same day. All gear was provided as was a lovely lunch on the beach - we even saw a humpback whale whilst we were sat eating our sandwiches." Read more about this whole safari

"Definite highlight of our trip. Guide was lovely and very friendly.

We had an amazing morning doing something very unusual and would highly recommend this to anyone - well worth doing!" Read more about this whole safari

"This was an amazing wildlife encounter. The seals were very friendly and if you sit in the water they will gradually come to you and get more and more curious.

One even tried to get in our kayak!" Read more about this whole safari

"Confusion as we thought we were booked in with Jeanne but we're not!

All resolved and we enjoyed a relaxing morning. Not one for more active canoeists but great for young families. All staff very friendly, knowledgeable and keen to provide a good and enjoyable experience." Read more about this whole safari

"This was a superb trip.

Jeanne took us out to Pelican Point early and gave a great guided tour on route: of the wildlife, salt works etc. Paddling out to the seal colony was brilliant, the sea was alive with inquisitive pups and we spent over an hour playing with them.

Jeanne took photos+video which were emailed to us before we got back to the hotel and provided us with equipment, waterproof clothes and lunch." Read more about this whole safari

"Our trip was at the end of July 2015.

The weather in Swakopmund is, let's say, changeable. We made contact with Jeanne the day before to check all was OK, which it was, and it turned out to be a beautiful day. After meeting up bright and early we were driven by Jeanne's partner Bernd around the bay to the point where the seals are. A very interesting trip seeing Flamingo's, the salt works and other birds on the way. He also told us about the local ecology and issues affecting the area.

We were given warm fleece tops and a coat to wear (no wet suits etc, just wear your normal clothes) - all very easy. Into the kayaks and away. Very soon we were paddling around, surrounded by inquisitive seals, the young and 'teenage' seals while the parents looked on from the beach. It was amazing being able to be so close to these 'wild' animals, interacting with them but not feeling as though you are in a zoo.

After getting out we had lunch - a filled roll and hot tea which was welcome after our early start.

Jeanne took some excellent pictures of us which she emailed later that day and we also took our camera out so have great pictures to remember our trip with.

On the way back with Bernd, we had a good discussion. It was very interesting to hear from a 'local' what it was like to live in Namibia.

After we were dropped off, we drove a short distance past the yacht club to a nice area with bars, restaurants, art galleries and bought some very nice wood carvings at a good price from a 'traditional' shack." Read more about this whole safari